Christmastide.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3395, 27 December 1889, Page 2

Christmastide.

This festive season in Masterton appears to havo been an all round thoroughly enjoyable one, judging by the multitude of happy faces, eager and excited, to be met with on all sides during the present holiday, Tho town is to be congratulated at the absence of anything approaching rowdyism or boisterous excess, whilst thorough enjoyment appeared to be tho order of the day. On Ohrisraas evo the streets and shops were thronged with sightseers and a flourishing trade appeared to bo doing all round. People were wending their way in all directions with their arras laden with parcels, packages, and toys, and seasonable greetings resounded on all sides.

At St Patrick's Church, Midnight Mass was celebrated as usual on Christmas eve, and in addition b the usual worshippers a great many strangers were present to witness the interesting ceremonies. On Christmas Day services were conducted in the various churches where it is usual to hold tliom. St Matthew's was literally packed ia the morning, and the Kev W. E. Paige preached an eloquent and appropriate snrmon, the choral part of the services being carried out in a,most efficient manner, The interior of tho building was nicely decorated with flowers and evergreens.

The morning train to Wellington did not convey away many people from Masterton, but a great' many visitors arrived here by the mid-day train from the Empire city. Boxing Day opened with a threatening sky, which lasted all day without rain {ailing. It was not dull enough, however, to damp the ardor of pleasure seekers, and equestrians and parties in conveyances of every description were early on the move, There were plenty qfamusemenfs on the'pppgnanjijie, varied sufficiently Jq suit all tastes, We give a brief report of the day's proceeding's,

beginning with the.event that culled for the highest amount of public i patronage. .

SPOKTIN&

MASTERTON-OPAKI JOCKEY CLUB. SUMMER MEETING, 1889. FIRST DAY, THURSDAY, DEOKMBER 26m.

President-Mr T. E, Chamberlain, Hon. Treasurer, Mr A. A. Elkins; Judge, Mr A. W. Cave; Starter, Mr Nat Grace; Handicapper, Mr Nat Grace; Stewards, Messrs W. B. Buick, R. Campbell, Joseph lorns, T. 0. Mason, Mr McKenzio, James Ross, andO. F. Vallance; Clerk of Scales, Mr J. Harding; Clerk of Course,' Mr W. lorns ; Timekeeper, Mr James Muir; Seoretary, Mr R, J. Fitton.

The first day's meeting of the above club came off on tho Opaki course on Boxing Day. The weather looked threatening in the forenoon, hut about ono o'clock the heavy clouds rolled away, giving place to a nice cool north westerly breeze, which ' had the effect of making the afternoon's outing a most. enjoyable one. The attendance was larger than usual, fully six or seven hundred ' being present, Tho reduced tariff of charges were not snch a.draw as one would expect to see. In fact wo believe there would have been equally as many present wero the old charges adhored to, By this we do not infer preference for high rates of charges, but it has been argued so often the latter was the' principal cause of the meagro gatherings which have been seen on this and other courses in the Valley of late years that our local club decided to give the lower tariff a trial. Wo regret they were not more liberally patronised as there is a danger of the experiment not being repeated, We hope, however, yesterday's experience will not he taken as a criterion for the many counter attractions undoubtedly kept a number away wbo would otherwise have attonded, The various races wore punctually run to time, the whole of the seven evonts being pulled off by 5 o'clock. Mr N, Grace in his position as starter, gavo every satisfaction, as did also judge Cove; the latter having very little difficulty in placing the winners. The arduous duties of Secretary was carried out most creditably by Mr Fitton assisted by Mr W. Sellor. Mr T. E. Chamberlain (President) and his brother officials also worked very energetically to make tho meeting —what it was-a thorough success, There were no accidents and drunken brawls and spielers (with the exception of one wheel of fortune) wero conspicuous by their absence. Mr Pearson's Pivato Band rendered several very nice selections during the day, The sum of £1399 was put through the totalisator. This was considered very satisfactory, hut the working arrangements were anything but complete. For this, those in charge of the machine were not responsible. The totalisator is erected on the lawn in front of the Grand Stand, and so placed as to do duty for both inside and outside, This doos away with the necessity of keeping two machines, and gives more profit to the Club, That being so, it would be to the advantage of the Club, and to the proprietor of tho machine, if the present mode o( ingress and egress were taken, down, and replaced by something more substantial and roomy, This would do away with a lot of discontent, and add considerably to the profits. "With two exceptions, Mr Buick's wins, the favorites on the machine won. The various privileges holders appeared to be well patronised, and given as good weather for tho second day'b racing, one and all should be well satisfied with their takings. The following are tho details of the days' sport; , Waipih Handicap, of SO sovs, second horse 5 sovs, one mile. F. Martin's Retina, Bst 4lbs (McMorran) 1 C, F. Valliiice's Duke D'Arnour,

7sl2lbs ... (R. Buokeridge) 2 J. Driscoll's Wanderer, 7st (Wilkinson) 8 P. Mug's Mermaid, Bst 7lbs, also started. Eetina was the first on her legs, followed by the Duke and Wanderer, Mermaid refusing to leave the post, The above order was maintained throughout, the bay filly passing the post an easy winner by three or four lengths, half a length separating the second and third horses. Time lniin 48jseo. 213 on totalisator, 127 on winner, dividend £1 Hs.

Maiden Hack Race, of 10 sovfi. For horses that have never started for any race. Once round tho course. Weight for age. J. Macara's Brookfield 1 A. Lyford's Twilight 2 J. Standen's Lindii g Hukani and Wahauui also ran, Linda and Wahanui wore first away, hut before a quarter of the distance was covered Brookfield. came up, followed by Twilight, and passed the leaders. The same order was maintained to the finish, Brookfield coining home well in band by quite four lengths. The winner was bred by Mr Macara and is by Maugle out of a Tattler mare. 122 on totalisator, 61 on winner, dividend £ll6s.

Opaki Stakes Handicap, of 100 soys,

Second horse 10 sovs. 11 miles, P, F, Tancrnd's Forester lOst 71b (Lyford) 1 T. Thompson's Lancer 7st 121b (Hookley) 2 F. Martin's Akatea Bst lib (MeMorran) 8 Duo D' Amour Ost lib, and Miiinio Palmer 7st, also ran, The field got away'on even terms, and kept well together until passing the stand, when the Duke and Minnie Palmer wero leading, Forester by a short distance in the rear in company with Lancer and Akatea. There was very little alteration in this state of affairs until within half a milo from home, when Akatea and Lancer went to the front, Coming into the straight Forester could bo seen gaining ground at overy stride, and a splendid race for first place ensued, Forestersuoceeding Jn taking first money from Latioer by about a length. The latter ran a game race, and In the opinion of many would have wrestled first place from the chestnut had the distance been a few yards further, There was no official time kept. On entering the saddling paddock the winner was loudly cheered. 256 on the totalisator, 111 on the winner, div £2 Is. Members' Hack Kace, of 20 sovs, Second horse 5 sovs. Welter Weights. Horses to be the bona fido property of Members of the Club, for at.least one month previous to the date of this meet-

ing, and to be ridden by members, Once rqnnd the course. W. B. Buick's Reputation, list,

(Buick,sen.j 1 J. Macara's Jjroqkfield, 9st 111b, (Yennell) 2 W.B. Buick's Fib, list, (Buiek jun,) 8

Sir Tatton and Colorado also .faced the starter. Colorado and Brooltfioid went away with the lead for the first quarter, where Fib oamo up to the fore, but the pace being too warm he fell back, and was passed by Brookfiold and Sir Tatton. At tha three quarters,deputation,, who had remained in the rear, came up through the quartette at a tremendous pace. A magnificent race ensued up the straight, the whole of the racers being under the whip, but old Rep. proved equal to the occasion, and passed Brookfield in front of the lawn, winning by a couple of lengths. Owing to tf rookfield's performance in the Maiden Hacks, he was made favorite on the machine. Mr Buick's win was a most popular one, and he was recorded a hearty reception on weighing in, Time, 2min 28|sec. Seventy on the totalisator, and six on the winner; Dividend, £lO 10s Produce Stakes, of 40 sovs. Second liorje 5' sovs. For 8-year olds, Colts, Sat lOlbs; Fillies and Gelding, Bst 51bs, li miles. F. Martin's b f Retina Bst 51bs (McMorran) 1 Jno, Ray's, juu, Comet, Bsb 61bs (Edwards) 2 T, D. Thompson's Zara, Bst Slbs

(Poulson) 8 Frolio also started. Comet led for about a quarter of a mile, when tho field closed up. But this state of affairs was only of short duration, Retina coming s away, with Comet in dose attendance, the former gradually increasing the gap and was never headed, winning as she liked. Time 2min4Bseo, 304 on totalisator, 179 on winner, dividend £l los. Ladies Bracelet, of 20 sovs, Second horse 5 ms. For bona

fide Ladies' Hacks, list up, Once round the course, Miss E, Bnick's Cock o' the Walk

(Buiek, sail) 1 Mrs 1. D. Felling's St Helena (F, Polling) 2 Miss A. Buick's Reputation (Buick junior) 8

Thunderbolt was the only other starter. Cock o' the Walk made the running and was never caught,landing an easy winner. In this, as in his previous win, Mr Buick managed to disappoint the knowing ones and was again treated to m ovation when lie arrived in the sadding paddock. St Helena started favorite with 102 backers on the machine. Time 2min 19secs. ■ 217 on totalisator, 50 on the winner, dividend £3lßs,

Railway Plate Handicap, of 50 sovs,

• Second horse 5 sovs, f milo. F. Martin's Retina, Bst 121b

(McMorran) 1 J, Driscoll's Wanderer 7st 41b (Wilkinson) 2 P. F. Tancred s Verbose (Edwards) 3 These were tho only starters, This was as good as a gift to Mr Martin's filly, who upheld the confidence placed in her by her backers, and won a very easy victory by several lengths. It may not bo generally' known that Retina is the same filly which run a dead heat with Forester down South in November last. She also won two selling races, and was j bought by her present owner Mr Martin, for £OO. She is by Apromont out of Iris. Mr Martin is to bt congratulated on his good investment, and barring accidents a good deal more will yet bo heard of this promising filly. Time lmin 181-sth sec. 187 on totalisator, 137 on winner, div £1 45.-

lowee valley jockey club; Meeting at Martinljorongh. Presitlont—W C Buchanan; Vice-President John Martin, jut); Treasurer, G Pain ; Handicapper, A R MaoFnrlane; Judge, Wallace Smith ; Timekeeper, W 0 Williams; Clerk of the Scales, Major Welman Starter, J McLcod; Stewards; Mcssre D McDousal, C Harris, H C Dowman, J Orr S Mahupuku, A Event*, Ot Harris. This meeting was. held on Boxing Day and with glorious weather and large attendance, Handicap Hurdle Race of 40 sovs, second horse 10 sovs from stakes. Two miles, over eight flights of darkened hurdles, 3C. 9in high. McKenzie's Obid 9st 1010 (Winteringharo) 1 Orr's Lone Hand lOst 71b, (Armstrong) 2 Maniheta's No Name 9st 131b (Crogan) 8 Four started. Time imiti GJses, Total £lO4. Dividend £2 15s,' Handicap Hack Hurdle Race of 15 sovs, one mile and a half, Over six flights of darkened hurdles, 3ft 9in high. W.E. Bidwill's The Donkey lOst 71b, (MrPearce) 1 Two nn, Ruination went off the course. Total 77, dividend £1 Jos. Flying haudicap of 2osovs, six furlongs. McKonzio's Torohunga, [)sl (Buckeridge) 1 G. Freoth's Right Bowor, Bst 71b, (fioed) 2 Osborne's Pilgrimage 7st 121b (Broadbent) 8 Lono Hand and Tauiieronikau also started. Time lmiu 23Jsec. Total, £289. Dividend £2lßs. Maiden Hack Race, of 10 sovs; One mile, catch weights, BidwilPs Donovan (James) ,„ 1 Sinclair's Speculator (Broadbent) 2 Tocker's May Queen (Reed) „, 8 Popit, Steel, Wee Jim, and Whakcre also lan. Time lmin 49£ sec. Totalisator, 127, dividend £3, Lower Valley Jockey Olub Handicap, value 50 guineas, with 40 sovs added, second horse 10 sovs from the stakes; two miles, Freeth's Rebellion, 7st, (Reed) .., 1 McKenzie's Torohunga, Bst 101b (Buckeridge) 2 Osborne's Pilgrimage, 7st 8!b, Solitudo als,o ran with '4ll, overweight; Time 3mii] 48|sec; totalisator 2GI, dividend £2l4s. Handicap Hack Race for Cup value 20 guineas, One mile. Bidwill's Chronos 7st 10,b(James) 1 McKenzie's Deception Bst 121b (Buckeridge) 2 Tocker's May Queen 7st (Reed) 3 Nina, Donovan, Steel, tVpakere, and Popit slso ran. Total, 180, div

Marlinborough Handicap of 20 80vs. One mile, McKenzie's Obid 7st 71b (Reed) 1 Tocker's Tauherenikau 6«t 51b (McPhee) 2 Osborno's Pilgrimage (James) .„ 3 Tauliorenikiu carried 211bs overweight. Time bin 52fsec. Total 97, div LI 18s. Saddle Eace.—Orr'a Prince Albert (Armstrong) 1, McMaster's Depression 2, Fifteen ran,

Amalgamated Friendly Societies ■ Sports-Monliall-F Gray} Judges-F Gray, W Carey J Morris, D S Papworth Rev Father I McKcniw j Slartore—JHoopcr, C Ewington, Hon Trcasurer-J "Wlckens; Hon Secret. ary—E H Wadding ton; Ground ComTV Hfwlrc, S Bartictt, Q Allen, E EmngtoniWPrangnalli Bros J Knvanagh, H J'O'Leary, A Sempa, Jos Sillers and T Collier General Committee— Delegates; Time-keopcr—B J.Eusscll,

This favorite animal gathering was patronised to tbe extent of about one thousand, persons, including]

visitors from all parts of iliei.Wairarapa,: Jt commenced wit'n'a procession of members representing;all the Friendly Societies of the District. There were : Druids-: -in" • .iUeir mysterious • disguise, Foresters in Lincoln green sashes, Hibernians, Oddfellows, Bechabites, Good Templars, and Juvenile Lodges of the various Orders. They formed into line, and headed by Pearson's Brass Band in full strength, pronieuadedthe main streets, to martial and lively strains, the footpaths being lined with interested onlookers. They 'marched on to the Public Park where their Sports were held, and were followed by a great number of persons, who went to witness the proceedings, The published programme of the Sports was a good one, and consequently attracted a "largo attendance. The various ■ evonts wore entered into with spirit, and the arduous duties of conducting them fell upon the shoulders of men who showed both' the willingness' and ability to do so. Family groups were congregated under the phade of the trees all round the oval, picnicing in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, The ladies and children appeared to outnumber tho male adults, and dressed in their holiday attire they had a very picturesque appearance, contrasting prettily with the vivid evergreens under which they wero sheltered. Many families had brought refreshments with them, which they partook of in picnic fashion. Many of the Te Ore Ore Natives were present, and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The absenco of publican's booths from the grounds rondered the police constable's office a sinecure. Mrs Corbett, who had the monopoly of the refreshment privileges, was kept constantly employed with lier, large staff of hands in supplying" soft tack," fruit, and confectionery. A capital luncheon was to be had at a moderate price, but that was patronised by the Committee chiefly, who had been at work from an early hour. The general public did not arrive ou the ground until the afternoon. The oval wafl in very bad condition for running, being hard and lumpy. PROGRAMME OF SPOUTS. Maiden Race, 220 yds, first 80s. second 15s, Seven entries, E, Darloy 1, Nini 2. Time 25 l-sth sees.

Novel Race for boys under 15 years of ago, first 10s, second ss, 50yds run each backwards, forwards, and on all fours. Only four started, AlfTinsloy 1, 0. Webb 2. : Boxing Day Handicap, first event, 120 yards, first LB, Beeond L2, third 10s, (points); special prizes, first 20s, second lOs. Ten entered and seven accepted. A capital start was made, and competitors and public generally wero completely taken by surprise by the performance of the winner, J. O'Dwyer, (7yds) who hailed from Blenheim. He passed the lot, easily breasting the tapein fifteen seconds, E. Thompson, sc, 2nd, E. Darky Brd. Hop, step and jump, first 20s, second 10s. Five entries. Huru first, 40ft lin, McCarthy second, 39ft llin. ,

Hurdle Handicap, first event. 120 yards, first L2, second LI 10s, third LI, with special prizes added first LI second 10s. Nine entered and eight accepted. This was the most interesting event of the day; there were ten hurdles in the short distance, being one at about every 12yds. The competitors all cleared the obstacles in brilliant style, all keeping well together, W.D.Watson Ist, 9yds H. Eookell 2nd, 15yds, O. Perry 6yds, Brd, Time2s 8-6 th sees.

Boys race under 12, entry free, first ss, second 2s 6d, This caused great fun from the eagerness of the boys to start before the gun wa6 fired. There were nearly a score started, T. Walker Ist, P, Watcrsen 2nd,

Second event Boxing day Handicap 120 yds with special prizes added of 20s and 10s for first and second. O'Dwyer Ist, oyds, E. JJarley 2nd, 10yds, K. Thompson 3rd sc. Time 22 l-Sth sec

Girl's Race, under 12 years, 100 yards; entrance free; first prize sa, second 2s Gd. Four started. E. Heggiel.L. Heggie2. Friendly Societies Handicap, for members only; 220 yards; Ist £2, 2nd £l. Four started. E, Darley 1, J. Gunther2. Time 21 l-sth seo.

Special Race, for flaxmill boys under 16; entrance free; first 10s, second ss, third 2s.fid. Four started. T, Jackson 1, P, Jackson 2, G. McKay 3, Hurdle Handicap, second ovent 2'2oyards. W.D.Watsonl.JllydsH, Rockoll 2,2oyds, k. Thompson 3, sc, Old Man's Race, over 60 years, prize suit of clothes. Three started. D.Dwyerl, Sewell 2. Half Mile Handicap, first £2, second £l, Five accepted out of six entered, The race \\&3 a well contested one, aud was rmi in 2inin 15 sees, 11. Wallace 1, J), Nicholson 2, One Hundred "iards Handicap, first 20s, second 10s, Ten entered, and all accepted, Tbo race was a well contested one, all getting away with a fair start, F. Cooper (6 yds) 1,0. Perry (6 yds) 2, T. Thompson (8 yds) 8, TrmelOseos. Vaulting; first 20s, second 10s, The vaulting poles were not what they should be, and Dalton, who weighs nearly 15 stoue, could not trust his etftff to carry him beyond Oft 2in, Hunia reached Ji* im, and took first prize,

Final event Boxing Day handicap, O.Dwyer 12ydsl, R, Thompson bo 2, B. Darley 11yds 8. Only these three started. O'Dwyer winning easily and securing the big money £6. Time 59 sens, A protestwas cnteredagainsttbe winner by the second place man that he had not disclosed all his performances, bat was not upheld by tho Committee,

One Mile Handicap, first JJB, second £1 10s. Eight entries and seven started. After the second lap the number w reduced to four. Waterson the sciatch man kept his position to near tho ond of the second round when he put on moro speed and gradually secured the lead which he maintained to the end coming in an easy winner by half a dozen yards in front of W. Poad (100 yds). J. Parker, (120 yds) third, ■■ Final event Hurdle Handicap, 440 yds. iSeven started and all cleared the hurdles in fine style until the last hurdle was reached when H. Rockell, (25yds), who looked like winning, caught his foot on the top rail and lost his chance, being unable to get nearer than third, W. D.Watson(l6yds) first, P.O. Freeth (25yds) second. Time, lmin ssec. .'■...

150 yds Handicap,' first prize 30s, second 15s. Seven started and got away well. F. Cooper (Byds) 1, C. Perry(Byds)2. Timelssec. Consolation, Handicap, 220 yds, first £l, second 10s,; Five entered. 0. Perry ißyds), took it pretty easily at the first go off, but when near the goal he put on a spurt and passed

through the crowd, reaching within' three paces of the tape when he sundenly pulled up to allow Entfe (scratch) to breast the tape first, as he evidently wished to secure second place to avoid having a win scored to him for such a small prize for future handicapping. Engle, however, was on the same lay, and spoiled Perry's game. C. Parry 1, Eagle 2, Yates, (15yds) 8. ._rf ..: •This; finished the programme. j| 4 Before concluding a word of praise ; must be given the band of musicians,' \ not only for the excellence of their playing,and quality jif the, music,;;; . but for the' frequency of their per- - -• formances, which prevented tho timo hanging heavily between the events. The secretary, Mr E. E, Waddington, deserves every credit for the tact and ability he displayed in carrying out his multifarious duties. The com- Qh miltee as a whole worked well, and Wtks the proceedings passed off without'a ■ W~" hitch; -,- ;/u: : „ ;/./ ; '':",• v

PICNICS The Wesleyan Sunday School . picnic was held on Mr J. Ellington's | ground on the talcs of the Mora, Stream. Including the children who werein a: majority there must ~ have been close upon four hundred persona present. A thoroughly enjoyable day was spout, the creature comforts being well attended to. Games of the usual, bbaracter indulgedin, and the party when day* light was decliuing returned to their homes to enjoy a well earned nights rest after the oxertions. of such a pleasurable day, '- The Salvation Army picnio was held in the beautiful grounds of Mr J, Wrigley near the railway station. There was plenty of shelter in the : surrounding bush, and tho serpentine stream provided amusement for many of the children in catching crayfish. The brass band of the Army kept up their reputation by j y playing lively and familiar ahtf Jjk. throughout the day and the two or off three hundred persons who took part '■' in the picnic appeared to have thoroughly appreciated the outing, After the pleasures of the day, were • over the members headed by the band marched through the streets to tho Barracks whore they wound up with a real hallelujah refection. < Several private picnics parties were held yesterday, conveyances filled with youth and beauty were -to be-*-seen wending their way in all &m-y tions the Fornridge, Miki Miki, and Taueru being the favorite destiua'tions.

The only attraction in Carterton yestprday was the Anniversary picnic of the Wesleyan Sunday School, which was held on the P. and, A. Society's show grounds and was well patronised by old and young, The day was line without the excessive/heat, and every one seemed to fully enjoy themselves,

Bachelder's Panorama,

' The largest audience we have «en since the visit of the Fisks, waited the rising of tho curtain at the Tlieate Royal last night, at the 'first appear- ,j ance of the above Diorama. It con- W sistsof about fifty well'painted views ; of places of interest on the overland ronto from' Frisco to New York, as well as various views of Sydney, Capotowri, and other places, Mr J, D. Foley acted as cicerone, and in. addition to giving a description of thtp various views, he enlivened tho proceedings with a .variety of character flkotches, songH, instrumental solos on different instruments, and a very funny vontriloqual act with two littlo figures, who kept the audience in shrieks of laughter. Altogether tho entertainment is an amusing and , instructive one, and we can commend it to tho patronage of both old and young. There will be a matinee this afternoon, and a final performance thu evening,