CHRISTMAS SPORTS AND RACES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 444, 2 January 1869, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHRISTMAS SPORTS AND RACES.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1868. i The Christmas sports, so much spoken of during the past few weeks, ; commenced on Saturday (Boxing Day), and, though the programme for that day had always been looked upon as only a secondary attraction compared with the races which were to follow, there was a large attendance on the ground, 'including numerous visitors from Addison's Plat, the Caledonian district, and from Charleston. The ground selected for the sports and races, and upon which the Grand Stand and six other booths, exclusive of fruit stalls, were erected, is a paddock belonging to Mr Dewdney, midway between town and the Orawaiti bridge. The Grand Stand was erected by Mr Sheahan, of the Nelson Hotel, and, being the principal and largest booth erected on the ground, it is worthy of first mention. Erected at an expense beyond anything that has yet been undertaken in Westport, this stand afforded accommodation and conveniences to the public unequalled at any former meeting of the kind here. The upper stand is substantially constructed, and is fitted up with front and back seats sufficient to accommodate several hundred people. A small bar is erected behind, and a balcony has been placed in front, where a powerful band of instrumentalists played at intervals throughout the day. The bar and refreshment room arrangements were very complete, and to the left a Committee-Room was erected, where the Committee met, and entries were received. Next to the Grand Stand, towards town, was Mr Bongueilimi's Sportsman's Arms booth, Mr Morey's National, and Mr Emanuel's Little Grey booths, all elaborately and tastefully fitted up, and well supplied with every description of eatables and drinkables. On the left of the Grand Stand were the booths of Mrs Myers and Mrs Mills, the Empire booth of Messrs Tonks and Hughes, and the Caledonian booth, kept by Messrs M'Parlane and "Webb. In addition to these Mr Dutton had fruit stalls containing an abundant supply of fruit and pastry, apparently very eAtoii&ivcl y |;u»bi»j.Liiao*l \ij iLo juvoTiilo visitors to the ground. Immediately adjacent to the ground stands Mr Gibson's Hotel, and there were attached to it temporary structures in the shape of booths and a stand, which so far supplemented the otherwise extensive accommodation for the public. About twelve o'clock the entries for the first sport were received, and the FLAT RACE was announced. The length of the race was about 150 yards. Mes rs Freeth, Eranklyn, and Simpson acted as judges. There were seven entries made, viz., Duncan, Cox, M'Lean, Hughes, Dams, "Wilson, and Dag. A good run was made of it after several false starts, and it resulted in the award of the first prize (£4) to D. Duncan, and the second (£1) to Pat Hughes. PUTTING THE STONE was the next match, and for this there were six competitors, viz., Hamilton, White, Irwin, Dag, M'Master, and Webb. A stone weighing 21 lbs. was secured, and several throws. were given by each athlete, but the greatest distance was made by Irwin, who threw the stone 25feet G inches, entitling him to the first prize of £4 ; and the next best distance was 23 feet, by Hamilton, who won the second prize of £l.

TIIE WRESTLING, which is always a source of considerable amount of interest and competition, was next announced. The style was that of Cumberland and "Westmoreland. The Judges selected were Messrs Robertson, Emanuel, and Addie. The prizes awarded were £8 and £4, and thirteen entries were made: John Cummings, George Cowen, Joseph Nattrass, Thomas Harrison, H. Braithwaite, ¥m. Brown, Michael Seaton, M. Clarke, Thos. Simpson, Robert Cowen, Robert Johnstone, and Irwin, The first prize was won by Joseph Fattrass, and the second by Goo. Cowen, but without a aual trial of skill between these'two, Cowen giving Nattrass the preference. THE HTTRDLE RACE of about 440 yards took place immediately afterwards. Sis competitors started, viz., Cox, M'Lean, Hughes Duncan, Irwin, and Metcalfe, and after an exciting race D. Duncan, came in first, closely followed by Pat Hughes winning respectively £5 and THE RUNNING HIGH LEAP was contested by Nottman, M'Cormick, Hamilton, and Shannon, and the amount (£3) was awarded to Hamilton.

THE VAULTING occupied a considerable time, many of the competitors being well experienced at the exercise. The Judges were Messrs "Woolfe, Milne, and Simpson, and the prizes £4 and £l. Seven entries in all were made made:—Robinson, Hamilton, Nattrass, Dickson, Simpson, Irwin, and Nottman. After repeated vaulting, and an alteration of an inch or two, made by the judges, H.W. Robinson was declared to have won, having vaulted 8 feet 2 inches, and Irwin second, his measurement being an inch or so less. THE RUNNING ELAT LEAP had also five entries from good jumpers, and after a hard struggle, M'Kean was declared to have won the first prise (£3,) having jumped (<~>n level ground) a distance of 18 feet li iikfi'fs. M'Cormack, the second, only lost the first prize by about half an inch. A boy's race and a pig hunt concluded the sports for the day. It was found necessary to pospone the tilting till Monday.

SECOND DAY.

Yesterday was the second day of the "Westport Christmas sports, and the first day of the races. It was altogether a great day, not in Westport itself, but in its neighbourhood, for the race-course was crowded, and the streets of the town were deserted. On Saturday evening, and during Sunday, the number of miners who had arrived in town was very considerably augmented, and, as Sunday happened to be a miserable day in the item of weather, they had no alternative but to go to church, which, we grieve to say, many did not do, or to station themselves under verandahs, and from that vantage-ground to engage in the only attainable amusement of enumerating the horses, dogs, and rain drops, which were the principal passing objects in the streets. Sunday was altogether very unsatisfactory, presaging most unfavourably for the chances of outdoor enjoyment on the following day. Monday morning broke beautifully, but towards noon a few showers fell, sufficient to damp the ground, but evidently not diminishing the hopes of those who proposed witnessing the sports, or the efforts of others whose business or pleasure it was to cates for the public amusement. Mincir j from the adjoining diggings continued I to arrive iu increasing numbers, and ' nearly all people who were not de- | tained by rivalry in trade left town been made by tho booth-holders for the accommodation of their customers, and all seemed to be doing, during the day, a thriving trade. Mr Sheahan's Grand Stand had been constructed on j a scale more than sufficient for the I demand that was likely to arise, but j at certain times it was very fairly filled, and it afforded a satisfactory view of all the events, but more especially of the races. Not a few ingenious fellows organised " grand stands " on their own account, by taking possession of some of the tall trees in the neighbourhood, and by perching themselves in positions in occupying which there was apparently more risk than pleasure. At Mr Gibson's hotel there were also a few accommodated with seats|in a temporary stand, and entertained by a small band of musicians, but the great majority lined the course along the straight running, and on either side of the " Judge's box," which was occupied, on the occasion of each event, by I)r Giles. It so happened that, although there was some excellent racing, the Judge's duties were not duties of a very difficult character, the horses coming in usually a sufficient distance apart to prevent anything like dispute. The other honorary officers for the day—the starter aad the clerk of the course —had some active duties tc perform, and they came to th( ground with the evident iutention thai there should be no misapprehensior as to their personality. Both Mi Robertson, as starter, and Mr Seaton as clerk of the course, came coatec and breeched in orthodox fashion, ant with an amount of attention to theii toilet which very naturally evokec some very warm encomiums from the fail occupants of the Grand Stand. Theii very dazzling appearance was, however not their only merit, for the dischargi of their duties was, like the cut o their coats, altgether of aaltless The stewards Messrs Simpson O'Conor, Carr, Hughes, and Frankly 1 —were equally active and attentive t< their duties, if less prominent as in dividual members of the crowd, am all their duties were fortunately ac compiished without creating murmu or altercation on the part of any one There was, in fact, as there was 01 Saturday, a prevalence of good humo and good order, on the part of all which it is to be hoped may continu to be the characteristic of the Westpor Christmas sports until they are con eluded.

THE TILTING which, usually comes at the end of a programme of sports, was undertaken first yesterday, because it was the item which could not be completed on Saturday. Nine competitors entered Messrs Woolfe, Maloney, Patrick, Haskins, Lambert, Irwin, Colvin, Wardrobe, and Milner. There were four rings to be penetrated and removed, and it was the intention that there should be six or eightrou ads, but they ame was interrupted after four rounds had been made, so that the other sports and races might be proceeded with. In these four rounds the following number of rings were taken : Woolfe 4, Malony 5, Patrick 9 (as our reporter and others counted, but the judge counted 8, and, having seen the rings brought in, he should be correct) Haskins 7, Lambert 1, Colvin 4, Wardrobe 3, Milner 3. All the competitors were very well mounted, and they moved, although they did not carry with them, a majority of the rings, but when the game was interrupted Patrick and Haskins scored the highest, Patrick having twice llnve rings in one round, and Haskins four in his last round. Lambert retired before the last round. The match was not resumed until evening, and until all the other sports had been finished ; and we are not in possession of accurate particulars ; but we believe that it was declared a " tie " between Patrick and Haskins, after other four rounds. These two then played off, Patrick riding under protest. There was again a " tie," each taking two rings on the first round ; and, on the next round, Haskins took one ring, and Patrick two, the latter coming in, of course, amidst great cheering, and the winner of the prize of £2O. The second prize of £lO went to Haskins. THE STANDING HIGH LEAP was contested by three competitors— Hamilton, Petrie, and Irwin. Irwin did not seem to be in his usual jumping trim, having sprained his ankle in the Saturday's sports, and consequently he did not attempt more than two jumps. Hamilton won the first prize (£3,) having outstripped his opponent by two inches, and Petrie was awarded the second prize (£1). The exact height was not taken at the time. The judges, being neither drapers nor tailors, had not a tape-line "handy," and the history of the bit of flax with which the distance was measured, and which was carefully carried to the Committee room for future reference, we have not been able to follow up. Hamilton's average jump is, however, four feet six inches, and he cleared all that height yesterday, although he has not jumped since he competed with Howe last year. Another competitor presented himself after the entries were closed, and there was some mention of a match between him and Hamilton for ,£lO, but we did not hear of its having taken , place.

THE RUNNING HOP, STEP, AND JUMP induced seven entries Greig, Hamilton, M'Corniick, M'Lean, Dag, Currie, andFabey —and after considerable competition and good jumping, the number of competitors was reduced to two —Hamilton and M.'Conuie]£ — who tied at a distance of 3S feet, and they agreed between themaolvea to divide the first and second prizes, amounting to £i, rather than to continue contesting it. THE WRESTLING, (Cornish and Devon), was postponed until this forenoon. There are already five entries received for this sport. THE RACING was, of course, an attraction far superior to the other sports, and most of the events were witnessed with, much interest and excitement, although the popular ignorance as to the qualifications of many of the horses prevented any active betting. There was, however. a pretty general disposition to invest in sweep-stakes by the occupants of the Grand Stand and by some eager book-makers who surrounded the committee room and the saddling paddock; and, [ judging by the increasing number of good-natured faces to be seen towards afternoon, many must have invested to advantage. Among the "knowing ones" there were undoubtedly some warm friends of horses or their owners, but there was not the usual amount of " backing" which is to bo heard on a race-course, and the relative value of horses, in the matter of figures, it would bo impossible to quote. It would bo equally impossible to quote their value in the opinion of their owners, for, whether winning or losing, they were usually declared to bo beyond price or purchase. The race which happened to be least exciting, if it was not altogether uninteresting, was the race for the Maiden Plate. This happened by one of the horses breaking from the course, by another bucking his rider, and by the others coming in not so closely as in the races which followed. For the Packers' Purse there were eight entries, and a good race, Charles Lyons's " Sulkey " coming in first. The race for the Town Plate was, however, decidedly the race of the day, so far as mere interest went, not because its result was dependent upon fair running or a fine finish, but on account of the incidents or accidents by which it was accompanied, and which materially affected the result. For the Butchers' Purse only three horses ran, but there was a very good race, and a close struggle between Selim and Grasshopper, the latter winning. The Hurdle Race was particularly remarkable by Mr Trimble's Gipsey going riderless round the course, after throwing her jockey, and performing her duty in regular circus style.

THE MAIDEN PLATE was the first event, and. there having been little or nothing previously known of the horses' merits, considerable interest was manifested as to the result of the first race, as a guide to some of the others. The entries were Mr Harris's e.g. Lightfoot; Mr Murray's e.g. Tommy ; Mr Coxan's g.g. Barwon ; Mr Trimble's bk.f. Black Bess ; and Mr M'Laren's b.g. Deerfoot. The value of the stakes was 10 sovs, added to a sweepstake of two sovereigns each, and entries were only open to horses that had -never started for an advertised race. The distance was one mile, with weight for age. All the horses, being aged, with the exception of Mr Trimble's Black Bess, which was a two-year old, and carried 6st 121bs, carried an equal weight of 10 stones. A very good start was made, but it was soon evident that, notwithstanding the advantage of the lightness of weight, the little filly was too restive for her young rider, who handled her with an evidence of experience, though he was. unable to keep her on

the course. Deerfoot also met with a misfortune in throwing his rider, leaving the race to be contested by the remaining three, Tommy, Barwon, and Lightfoct. They reached, the winning post in the order mentioned Tommy, first; Barwon, a good second; and Lightfoot, several lengths behind, came in for third place. THE PACKERS* PURSE brought out eight horses, whose names and owners we would willingly give if we could distinguish them on the copy before us, but unfortunately that cannot be done. There is only spac»j to say that Mr Lyons's Sulkey led in both heat 3, but on each occasion was run closely by a horse of which all we know is that it was ridden by a boy who had some difficulty in keeping it in hand. Garry Owen made a brilliant attempt at the outset, but was soon declared by a competent judge to be "pumped." THE TOWN PLAT. The first Westport Town Plate has been the talk of many of the owners of horses, as of jockeys and the so-called sporting men for weeks past. The stake was the heaviest announced for the week (£4O), and the distance was two miles and a distance. Five horses were entered, Mr Trimble's Gipsey being scratched before the horses saddled. The other entries were Mr Murray's c. g. Tommy, carrying 9st 41b; Mr Woolfe's b. g. Little John, carrying 10st Mr M'Ginley's b. g. Squatter, carrying 9st 41b; Mr Leslie's c. g. Cossack, carrying lOst; all aged. After the-usual drawing for places, a fair start was made, and Cossack, the favorite, passed the Grand Stand leading and hard held, Little John following close up, and Tommy and Squatter at no great distance in the rear. In this position they were kept until the last round, but shortly before what may be termed the straight running Cossack made a stumble and threw his rider, losing what to all appearance was hitherto a certainty, tu the fortune of Little John, which immediately embraced the short opportunity offered and came in first. Cossack's jockey soon remounted and whipped up for a second place, which he accomplished, leaving Tommy the third place. Great disappointni p nt was expressed at the mishap of Cossack, as it was generally believed that lie was the best horse entered, and, no doubt, but for the accident he would have carried the palm in tho leading event. THE Er/TCKERS 1 PURSE, I of 15 sovereigns, with a pair of new first-class jockey boots, presented by Messrs Eoberts and Simpson, produced three entries—Woolfe and Freeth's Grasshopper; M'Laren's Deerfoot; and Kingham's Selim. Grasshopper came in first. Notice of the race, as of some of the others, must be made again. HANDICAP HURDLE BACE. For this race, which was looked upon as one of the best of the week, there were three entries, viz., Mr Coxons g. g. Barwon, aged ; Mr Woolfe's b. g. Slim Jim, aged: Mr Trimble's b.m. Gipsey, aged. The value of the prize was 25 sovs., and the distance two miles, ovor four fligKts of hurdles of 3 ft. 6 inches each round of the course. For this race Mr Trimble's Gipsey was the favorite throughout, and there is little doubt that with anything like luck she would have carried off the first prize, but unfortunately towards the finish of the first round, and after having taken the hurdles uncommonly well, the jockey was thrown, leaving the race to bo contested by Barwon and Slim Jim. After the accident to the jockey riding Gipsey, which we m.iy state was not of any serious nature, beyond a slight bruising to the rider, Slim Jim kept the lead, though Barwon kept well up to the finish, and Gipsey, though then riderless, followed the horses all the way round, often being neck and neck with Slim Jim. An excellent finish I was made by the three horses passing the Judge's Box within a few lengths of each ! other, the prize falling again to Mr J Wallace Woolfe, for whom Slim Jim has won the first hurdle race in this district. We understand that several protests have been entered with the Stewards on the events of the day—one by Mr Leslie against the winning horse of the Town Plate, not starting according to conditions, and not being entered by the proper owner. Two protests have also been entered again3t the winner of the Butchers' Purse, one by Kingham and another by M'Laren, for various reasons. A fourth protest has been entered against Slim Jim winning the Hurdlo Race, in not starting according to the conditions.

THIRD DAT. The Westport Christmas sports and races were resumed yesterday under circumstances as favourable for their success as on either of the two preceding days. The weather, which is necessarily an important consideration, has indeed been most propitious since the very beginning of the sports. A more fortunate selection of days could hardly have been made out of the whole year, and should a break in the weather nowoccur before the finish, he would be an ungratetul and greedy man who would complain. If there is room for comparison, the weather yesterday was, if anything, more favourable than on any of the previous days. It rained hard enough, in all conscience, during the "night, but this was rather fortunate than otherwise, for it rendered the race-course more firm and fit for running, the sandy sod of which even its best parts are composed being at no time particularly solid. And although there was a slight shower or two duringthe day, they only had the effect of giving variety to the scene by moving the crowd to take occasional shelter, and, by that same fact, they had probably also a beneficent influence upon the receipts of the booth-holders. The rain was at no time so heavy or so frequent as to interfere with any of the sports, and there were no interruptions to the programme other than those which were under human control; and we imagine the Committee are human,

and therefore fallible. It may be said, indeed, that the committee —or rather the stewards and judges — were yesterday more innocent of losing time, and of infringing upon people's patience, than on the two first days. There is one particular, however, in which the superintendents of the sports might improve their managemant. In announcing a sport, their first work anould be to form a ring and then hring their competitors to the ground. The advantage of this was seen in the case of the wrestling, which was visi ble to all, and more visible than sensitive people might care about. The disadvantage of the opposite was illustrated in the case of the flat jumping, which is always an interesting sport, and which was invisible to those who did-not secure a front place in the small ring formed, or who had not an advantage of others in length of leg. The crowd attracted by the sports was not quite so numerous as on Monday, but it was very little less so, and there were many new faces—those of visitors from Charleston, Addison's Flat, and from the terraces to the North. The town itself appeared almost equally deserted as on Monday, and in the conveyance of people to and form the course, Cobb and Co's six-in-hand and Mr Jones's three-in-hand were all day actively employed. The Grand Stand seemed to be, if anything, a more general place of resort than on the previous days, and there was a considerably larger number of ladies, exemplary by their patience in remaining in their seats, while their lords or lovers were restlessly flitting about, book in hand, and with many excellent, though not always correct, notions in their heads as to the winning horse. The interior of the Grand Stand was, in fact, by the increased number of the young and fair, a very pleasing feature in what was altogether a pretty picture. It would, indeed, be difficult to find a course with more picturesque surroundings, seen as it was yesterday, with the blue-tinted hills behind, with the immediate back-ground of very variegated foliage, and with the sea in front—perhaps our readers will oblige by finishing the sentence for themselves according to their individual taste. To help them we may say that it looked very blue, but so also did those wliu dropped SWeepslokco on Solirn when he came in light-weight; and, by some unfortunate association of ideas, the sea, and Selim, and sweepstakes are so mixed up in our recollection of the events of the day, that in referring to the sublime we might realise the ridiculous.

WBESTLIITG in the Devonshire or Cornish style was the first game of the day. It is not quite such a pleasing description of sport as the Cumberland style of wrestling, and it occupies a considerable space of time before a decision can be arrived at, but it was witnessed yesterday with considerable interest, especially the match between M. Byrne and Nattrass. There were altogether six entries, and the men were drawn thus : —Robert Cowen with Braithwaite, Nattrass with Byrne, and Dunn with Simpson. The prizes were £8 and £-1. Braithwaite and Cowen, attired in duck or canvas coats, suspiciously like strait jackets, first entered the ring, and gripped. Cowen acted chiefly on the defensive, not attempting any particular feat in the offensive, but after three foulfalls in which Braithwaite was uppermost, and when he was making a fourth effort, Cowen threw him well. Byrne's style of wrestling is much superior to that of the two who I preceded him, as he stands well up to I it, and, by his playfulness, relieves the game of any appearance of a painful struggle in strength. B"e was well matched also in having Nattrass, who is a good type of a wrestler, especially in the Cumberland style. In the struggle Byrne tripped about most nimbly, his disposition being to show play, but he was apparently able to do so without giving his opponent any advantage. Twice, during a long struggle, he threw Nattrass, and there was a good deal of applause by the uninitiated, but they were declared to be no falls. Afterwards Byrne came to the ground, Nattrass going some distance over him from the impetus of the fall, but it was again no fall according to the prescribed rule. At this stage the game had to be interrupted ti» allow the ; races to go on, and because also of a shower of rain, and it was not resumed yesterday. It will be continued today. Towards the end Byrne was innocently the cause of an unfortunate accident to one of the judges, Mr* Emanuel. In one of the intervals of breathing he playfully wrestled with Mr Emanuel, who came to the ground pretty quickly. In the fail, unfortunately, he received some injury to his ankle, and had to be carried off the

ground, disabled. It was at first supposed that the injury received was not more serious than a dislocation or serious sprain of the right ankle, but we believe that when examined by Dr. Giles, it was found that there was a fracture of the leg bone. HORSE-BACJQTO was resumed, and formed the principal attraction for the rest of the day. There were four events on the card, but only three came off, the Ladies' Eace not having attracted the requisite number of entries. THE BULLEE HANDICAP. Of 35 sovs. Entry, 4 eovs. Distance 2 miles. Mr D. Leslie's e.g. Cossack, aged, lOst 121b 1 Mr M'Laren's b.g. Deerfoot, aged 9st 101b 2 Mr James Murray's e.g. Tommy, aged, 9st 101b 3 Mr Trimble's Gipsy, and Mr D. M'G-inley's Squatter, had also been entered, but were scratched. At the start, Tommy went away with the lead, but before he passed the straight running he was overhauled by Cossack, and beyond Gibson's corner Cossack led by three lengths. On the beach side of the course, they were all equally placed, Deerfoot gradually falling behind. Coming round the north end of the course, they still held the same places. Cossack being all the time hard held by his rider, Campbell. Coming in for the first round, Tommy came well up, and passed the Judge a length behind Cossack, still held. In the second round they continued to keep the same places as in the first, at an even distance of two lengths. There was some suspicion that Cossack might again stumble, as, without the martingale, he carries his head high, and was hard to hold, but he kept his legs in even the worst places, and he came in the second time several lengths a-head. There was a fine struggle between Tommy and Deerfoot in again passing the Judge's box, Deerfoot gaining on Tommy and maintaining his advantage half-way round. Atthe finisu \_/oS3ac£ was let out more than was necessary, except to distance the others, and he came in first, the other two only saving their distance by a tussle Deerfoot came in second ; and Tommy third ; and if Tommy had got the whip a little sooner, he might have had a better position.

the rADrrcs' pijbse. Of 10 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 432 2s each. Post entry. Selim, list 61bs, 1 Littlej ohn, 11 st 1 Olbs, 2 Lady Bird, 7st lOlbs, ~ 3 Sulky, Bst lulbs, 0 The test for the race was the jumping of a hurdle opposite the Grand Stand, and that preliminary offered an incident of painful excitement. Coxon's Lady Bird got over the hurdle, but, falling, threw her young Maori rider, and apparently rolled and trotted over him. He was lifted up bleeding from theforehead,and seemingly shaken, but he picked himself up in a shorttime, and was ready for the start amidst an encouraging cheer. Littlejohn went over easily ; Selim, after two baulks, made the leap very finely ; and Sulky, after one or two shies, did the same. A good start to the race was got by all except by the young Maori. Selim led, Sulky was next, Littlejohn third, and Ladybird fourth, all held, and going steadily. They kept the same places all round, Ladybird hard held, but collaring Littlejohn. There was a good rush together in the straight running, Selim leading, but Ladybird afterwards went a-head fast to a good seond place, hard held. The other three kept close together, and close up, Sulky falling back in the second round. By the time thev were on the beach side of the course Littlejohn pulled up well, and Ladybird and Sulky fell behind. Selim continued to lead, with Littlejohn as a good second, and at the end of the second round, Selim had only the advantage of half a length. In the third round, Sulky maintained the character implied in his name, and bolted to stable. Ladybird was nowhere, evidently pumped. But there was a good race between Littlejohn and Selim, the latter leading. At the finish, Littlejohn pushed a-head to his utmost, but Selim held the lead, and came in by four or five lengths, finishing finely a good race. A considerable amount of money in betting and sweepstakes was dependent upon this race, and there was naturally much disappointment on the part of some, and congratulations on the part of others, when it was announced that Littlejohn, not Selim, was the winner of the race. Selim, it was said, had come in five s pounds light weighted, and the stakes • were accordingly awarded to Littlejohn, but the circumstance are the subject of protest. A STANDING FLAT LEAP came as an interlude to the races. ! There were five competitors for

£3 and £l, and there was some very close leaping, but O'Mara, who shaped well from the first, took the first prize, and Hamilton the second. The greatest leap made by each was:— O'Mara, 10ft l'lin; Hamilton, 10ft lOin; Eobert Craig, 10ft Sin ; John Dag, 10ft sin ; and J. H., 10ft. HASTDTCAP HUEDLE EACE Of 30 sovs. Distance, mile end a half. One event over five flight of hurdles. Entry 3 sovs. Mr Trimble's b.m. Gipsey, Jlst 10lb ... I Mr W. Wooli'e's Littlejohn 2 Mr Coxon's g.g. Bar won, lOst 0 There was some further commercial confusion eaused in'connection with this race, as Slim Jim's name appeared by some mistake upon the card, and was drawn in sweepstakes made in anticipation of the race. There was some fine running and leaps made by Gipsy, and as well by Littlejohn, but an accident at the second hurdle put Barvvon out of the race. Therie was a fair start, and all cleared the first flight, Barwon leading, and well held. He led to the second flight, but, in going over fell. Littlejohn did the same, and Gipsy, clearing it well, got her first advantage. Littlejohn was soon remounted, but Barwon's saddle-girths, we bslieve, went. Gipsy took the third flight a long way a-head, and for the second round Littlejohn was a hurdle behind. In the third round he picked up his distance considerably, but Gipsy was well held in. In the straight running, Littlejohn came cleverly up, and the race finished with a smart rush, and an advantage of four or five lengths to Gipsy, whose leaps were to the last beautifully made, although her only remaining competitor did so with equal pluck, if not in the same elegant style. THE THREE-LEGGED BACE. For this foot race sixteen entries were made, and after the necessary tying of the legs a start was made, in which all joined but one couple who were not fully on their guard at the start. A good run was made, and M'Lean and Nottman came in first, with Allison and Duncan second. The two w r ho did not start protested against the giving of the prize on account of an unequal start, but after hearing the protest the majority of those judging the race decided that the runners named were entitled to the prizes. THE KILE EACE. This race was contested by five competitors M'Kay, Allison, Duncan, M'Lean, aud Bensted. They were started in front of the Grand Stand, and the distance was once rouud the race course. All ran well, but Duncan won without much difficulty, and Allison came in second. The first prize in this race was £8 ; the second £2. The Ladies' Bace, the Consolation Stakes, the Miners' Purse, and the Trotting Match—the last mentioned at half-past twelve —are the events for this day. exclusive of several private matches.

FOURTH DAY.

Yesterday was tlie fourth day of the sports, and the third day of the races by which the people of Wcstport have ■entertained themselves and their neighbors for the Christmas holidays of 18G8. It was also the last day of both sports and races, all the items of the extensive programme which had been prepared having been accomplished within the four days, except the " collar and elbow" wrestling. The competitors who have entered for that particular sport may probably engage iu it to-day, at some convenient place in town. For the present, however, the use of the race-course, the sports ground, and the booths belonging to it may be accepted as concluded. There still remains, of course, the aquatic sports which formed a part of the amusements of the holiday season, according to the original design, but we are not sufficiently acquainted with the secrets of the treasury chest to be able to say whether the intended regatta can be held or not. It is to be hoped that it will be held, if it is only for the good moral or mental effect it may have by acting as a slight negative to the "horsey" element which at present occupies so much of public thought and conversation. At any rate it will not take place before the advent of the New Tear, and there will be time in the interval for people to recover their equanimity and their ordinary sense of the serious interests of life. It is necessary, in referring to the •events of yesterday, to begin, as usual, •with the weather. Of the several good ■effecte which may accompany the which are past —and it is to be hoped they have produced no bad ■effects upon anyone's head or happiness —one good thing effected has been the demonstrating t« the assembled population of the distiict that fair weather does prevail in it sometimes. We hope that no one will be ungene-

roua enough to say that iLe exceptionallygood weather they have enjoyed is only worthy of notice as proving that the rule is for the weather to he quite the reverse. Whether or not, no man can he prepared to deny that the circumstances were altogether most favorable for the sports, and that they continued so up to the last moment. We say " up to the last moment " advisedly, for not more than. a moment or two had passed after the last race of the season, when it commenced to rain, and it is now raining with a decided determination to make up for the temporary respite to mortals which the Clerk of the Weather had given for the past three or four days. Fortunately for the fairer of mortals who visited the ground yesterday, the majority had left soon after the Ladies' Eace, and, if they missed seeing the " Consolation Stakes," they must feel the consolation of having reached home with their artificial adornments their flowers, feathers, and such other " fixings " —undestroyed. The races for the day consisted of two Trotting-Matches, the Miners' Purse, a Ladies' Race, and the Consolation Stakes. The only sports other than racing which remained was that of the Cornish or Devon wrestling, some of the competitors in which bad wrestled on the previous day, hut with no decision as to the prize-win-ner. The crowd of persons which these different events attracted to the ground was not quite so numerous as on the two previous days. Still there was a large and animated gathering • and, altogether, the number of people who have assembled during the different days may be taken as a satisfactory indication of the extent of the population of the district. How well employed the majority of that population also are was sufficiently indicated by the freedom with which money was spent. How much there was of freedom, and how little of any aggravated form of folly there was in the spending of it, was apparent by the marked sobriety of the crowd, and the general good order which prevailed. Much was, no doubt, drunk of drinks various in name, color, and weight; but there was no case of " drunk and disorderly," or of the other condition, " incapable." We have not heard of even a single polieA_cta»go,«ltopngl»it io scarcely in the nature of things that, in a mixed population, assembled at such a season, there should be altogether a clean charge-sheet. That there is nothingatall prevailing of party feeling, or of any tendency towards disturbance of the peace, as was supposed to be the chronic state of the district in the early part of the year, was abundantly evidenced. A more well ordered or better-tempered crowd of people than that which has been assembled daily for four days at the Westport sports and races could scarcely be seen at any similar assemblage. The following are some details of the different races :

TROTTIXG MATCH. The stakes were £2O, and the distance three miles ; catch weights, and post entries. The horses entered were Mr J. Bell's Kildare, Mr A. Patrick's Modesty, and Mr D. M'Ginley's Flora Temple. Itwas not much ofa race, Kildare having the whole show to himself after the first, when he was well held by his rider, with some difficulty in keeping him to a trot, which, when thoroughly in the humor for it, was done in very fine style. The grey marc Modesty also trotted very nicely, but not in the same true style. Flora Temple frequently broke out of the trot, and the order in which they came in, with a long advantage to Kildare, was Kildare Ist, Modesty 2nd, Flora Temple 3rd. The second match was for £lO, with the amount of all entries over two. There entered: —Mr J. Connelly's Wild Irish Girl, Perrott and Brownlee's Mendoza, and Mr M'Ewen's Bob. In the first round Mendoza and "Wild Irish Girl came in abreast, and Bob as third. In the second round the order was—the Girl, Mendoza, and Bob, two lengths apart. In the third round the Girl was ahead only half a length, Mendoza being second, and Bob two lengths behind. In the fourth round they were all two lengths apart, Wild Irish Girl winning. She was ridden by Campbell, who had been in a majority of the races throughout the three days, and who won all the races he had ridden but two. miners' purse. The stakes were £ls, for all horses regularly worked in claims or drays on the South-west Gold-fields for three months previous to the races. To be run in heats —distance one mile. The horses entered were Mr Alcorn's Darkie, Mr M'Kenna's Polly, Mr C. Lyon's Bobby, Mr Browulee's Mendoza, Mr Malouey's Baldy, Mr

Coxon's Limping Tom, and Mr Stitt's Garry Owen. The following was the result of the two heats ; Ist heat. 2nd heat. Garry Owen 1 Garry Owen 1 Bobby 2 Darkie 2 Darkie 3 Limping Tom is Limping Tom 4 Bobby 4. As posted, the places given to them were—G-arry Owen, Darkie, Bobby, and Limping Tom, Darkie having been second and third, and Bobby second and fourth. But they were all, or the first three of them marked "protested," and we are not aware how, or if, the stakes were awarded. Since the above was in type, we understand that the Stewards have decided that the Miners' Purs 9 shall be again contested by the horses Limping Tom, Bobby, and Darkie; and they have held the protest as good against Garry Owen, the horse not having been entered according to the conditions.

ladies' kace. The Ladies' Race naturally excited considerable interest, and, perhaps, anxiety on the part of some, whose experience may have taught them that such races are often attended by accidents, or whose sensibilities are so keon that the contemplation of a fair rider hurting her little-finger, much less breaking her neck, would make their gallant blood run cold. Our reporter considers that we are fully justified in saying that he belongs to the latter class ; and, judging by the convulsive gasp which he gave when one fair rider fell from her saddle, and fortunately into the arms of some one or half-a-dozen, we imagine that we are perfectly so justified. It might however, be either the fact of falling, or the fact of falling into some other one's arms than his own, which was the cause of his jealous anxiety. He was unfortunately seated on the extreme top of the Grand Stand, and had some difficulty in reaching any probable scene of accident on the course just at a moment's notice. His friends, in fact, had quite as much difficulty in restraining him from attempting something of the kind. His expression was that he would have taken leave of his life and. all his sweepstakes to be the happy man upon whose devoted head and shoulders anyone of the fair riders would have pitched, as he saw one of the number do. Our impression is that he has taken leave of his senses. Sweepstakes and "swipes" have evidently ,iu his case, a maniacal influence. The horse entered for the race of which he has such a confused idea, in consequence of his greater interest in the safety of the riders than of the animals, were Mr Kingham's Selim, Mr Stitt's Garry Owen, Mr Trimble's Gipsy, and Mr Coxon's Barwon. All the riders were undoubtedly wellmounted, so far as the appearance of horses and saddlery went. The peculiarities of the animals under - feminine government developed themselves, however, before the race was run. There was a quiek equal start, but Selim, ridden by lady in a jacket of blue, very soon took the lead, and maintained and increased it. Gipsy, whose rider had a plain dark habit, was next in front. They were the only two who got beyond the straight running in the first round. Barwon, which was keeping on the outer edge of the course, made a dash to leave it altogether, and its primrose-jacketed rider made a flight in the air, not altogether in circus style, but she had the fortune to fall literally " into the hands of the people," and she soon remounted; but a bad example had in the interval been afforded by Garry Owen, which bolted from the course at Gibson's corner, with the apparent intention of saving the young lady in pink from any evil that might befall her in the sight of strangers, by taking her home to her friends. Barwon was similarly affected at the same corner, but they were brought back in sufficient time to allow their riders to witness, with delight or disgust, the finish of the race by the two others. Without referring to the style of the equestriennes on horseback, which is, of course, warmly debated, we may say that Selim came in a dashing first, leading Gipsy by a number of lengths, and the winning " jockey-ess " (if we may coin a word for the occasion,) was loudly cheered. CONSOLATION STAKES. A Handicap of 20 so vs. £ls first horse, £5 3econd, for all horses beaten at the meeting. One mile and a-half. The entries were Mr M'Laren's Deerfoot, Bst lOlbs; Mr Harris's Lightfoot, Bst lOlbs; Mr Coxon's Ladybird 7st; Mr M'Ginley's Squatter, 7st lOlbs. We have onlv space to say that the race towards the end was between Squatter and Deer-

foot, and Squatter might be said to wiu on three legs. The order was: Squatter ... 1 Deerfoot ... ... ... ... ... 2 Lightfoot ... ... ... S Flora Temple ... 4 Lady Bird ... ... ... 5 This concluded the racing. WBESTLING. The wrestling was undertaken at intervals. Yesterday Math. Byrne threw his man, Nat trass, very soon, and, after a long struggle, and several foul falls, Dunn threw Simpson. Co wen then threw Dunn, and for first place Oovven and Byrne wrestled. Byrne was less light and playful than with Nattrass, Co wen going in determinedly to win as he had last year. Byrne was, however, sufficiently unguarded, for he was finally caught in his play, and cleanly thrown by Co wen.

FIFTH DAY.

The last chapter of our narrative of the Westport sports and races was written yesterday under the impression, at the first, that the fourth day would surely be the last day of sports for the season. But, by the omission of an item of the programe of sports, and the resolution that a protested race should again be run, there was just enough of amusement left for yesterday to again attract a crowd to the grounds, thero being from three to four hundred people present. One of the attractions in horseracing was the race for the Miners' Purse, which was decided to be run over again, on account of Garry Owen, the first horse on the fourth day, being disqualified, not having been entered according to the conditions specified. It was also known that a private match was to take place between the two horses, Selim and Grasshopper, and a Scurry Race or Booth-holders' Purse was expected to follow. The only sport left over from the previous days was the Collar and Elbow Wrestling, which also attracted a good many to the ground. The weather was again most favorable, a bright sunshine lastinc throughout the day.

THE MINERS' PUESE. The three horses required to contest this event for the second time were Mr Alcorn's Darkie, Mr Lyons's Bobby, and Mr Coxon's Limping Tom. The distance was as on the former occasion—one mile in heats. In the first heat good running was made, and resulted in Limping Tom coming in first, Darkie a good second, and Bobby third. The second heat was shortly afterwards run off, and left a different result; Darkie coming in first, with Bobby second, and Limping Tom third. The third heat was contested only by Darkie and Limping Tom, when the latter ran off the course, losing a considerable distance before he could be pulled up, which left the race in that heat an easy gift to Darkie. PRIVATE MATCH. A private match for £lO a-side was then entered into between Mr W. Woolfe's Grasshopper and Mr Kingham's Selim, with catch weights, for one and a half miles. Young Sunley rode Grasshopper, who, though well handled by his young jockey, lost considerable ground on the heaviest portion of the course, and Selim won by several lengths. SCURRY RACE. One or two of the booth-holders present subscribed the sum of £2, and it was agreed to get off a Scurry Eace, with an entrance often shillings each, the full amount to go to the winning horse. For this no fewer than eight horses entered, viz., Tommy, Modesty, Bobby, Punch, Sheep's Jemmy, Kildare, Morey, and Gustavus Adolphus. It was decided, after a little time, that the race should be run in heats, and the distance one mile. A splendid run was made, and there seemed more cheering excitement among the onlookers than on any former event of the week. The order of their coming in was, —Bobby, Ist; Morey, 2nd; Tommy, 3rd ; and Gustavus, 4th. After a short breathing-time being given the second heat was announced, and seven horses started. All passed the Grand Stand in a body at the start and began to separate midway between the Stand and Gibson's Hotel, when a very unfortunate accident occurred to two of the riders whose horses fell simultaneously. The two riders thrown were Campbell and Harry Hopwood, commonly known as " Duke." At first it was thought that Campbell was the more seriously injured, but he escaped with the loss of two of his front teeth and a slight bruising. Hopwood was more unfortunate, and, strange to say, though it was soon afterwards discovered that he had fractured both bis shoulder bones, he walked alone from the place at v/hich he fell to the booths, a distance of at least two hundred yards.

Dr Thorpe, who was on the ground, rendered immediate assistance, and had him removed to the Hospital in Mr Jones's trap. After the accident the crowd had all assembled round the two unfortunate riders and paid little attention to the result of the race, which terminated with Gustavus first, ridden by Mr Ereeth, who, in the second heat had dispensed with his saddle to make lighter- weight, and rode well bare-back. Some altercation then arose as to what horses should be allowed to run the third heat, and no understanding having been arrived at between the Stewards and the riders, the race remains undecided. Thisended the day's racing and the WRESTLING in the Collar and Elbow style was announced. There were six competitors, Byrne, Elynn, Jones, Hewitt, Morris, and Mahar. Flynn and Mahar were the first to enter the ring, and Elynn threw his man neatly, after a good deal of play. Byrne and Morris were the next couple to enter, and Morris was easily thrown. Hewitt and Jones then contested, and Jones gave the fall. The field was then left open to three, Jones and Flynn wrestling first, the latter throwing bis opponent without much difficulty. Elynn and Byrne were then left to contest the first prize, and kept hard at it for a considerable time, tv ken Elynn threw Byrne, the first prize falling to Elynn, the second to Byrne. We are told that Byrne was not in his usual fettle ; having given a twist to his ankle on the day previous, when wrestling Nattrass. The day's amusement thus terminated, and they were equally satisfactory with those of the four days previous.