CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1033, 27 December 1872, Page 2

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

Truo to olden custom, reverencing homely associations, glad for a brief season to throw carking cares to the wind, and give daily toil and trouble the go-by, the community which by chance, necessity, inclination, or the wandering proclivities of colonial life, has found an abiding place in aud around Westport, has gono in to do its level best to celebrate Christmas tide in true orthodox fashion. That the effort proved successful in every one's opinion depends entirely upon tho sum total of pleasurable sensation forming each individual idea of Chris'mas merrymaking. Taking it for granted that alt living under their own roof trees gathered in social concourse, made merry in their own fashion, and were content, and that the stranger in tho gate found welcome, wo have but to record a few passing notes upon outdoor sports and friendly gatherings. Chrismas eve came in gloomily, it rained, as it usually does at "Westport, with a vengeance. Tho clouds poured down their pent up treasures and all beneath was sloppy. Sight gazers and the eager buyers of all things nice for the morrow's* festal spread, found little satisfaction in wandering to and fro in tho streets to gaze at the window show of dainties. Tho customary show of butchers' meat was Bhorn of its accustomed goodly proportions. The knights of the cleaver had wisely taken time by the forelock and supplied their customers early in the day with their prime cuts and Christmas joints. Of fruit and cakes there was a goodly store, and vegetables in abundance, but customers

ingercd not to gaze upon the way but hurriedly mado their purchases and travelled homeward. In the hostelries bright lights abone and glasses clinked suggestively, but the sound of revelry was subdued, the dampness of the air affecting ereu those who had met for social joviality. It was, as old residents averred, the most rjuiet Cristinas Eve they had known for years past ; although here and there, as the night advanced, there might be met some lively spirits who, soaring above all mundane disappointments, went in with a will for fun under difficulties. The Christmas day was spent as it should be, discreetly. Each worthy host tried to excel in spreading a dainty display, and seemed anxious that each partaker thereof should find " good digestion await on appetite.

BOXING- DAY. Townsfolk and visitors wore early astir yesterday morn'n», eigerly scanning the " lift " for signs aud prestiges of fine weather. The rain had ceased during the night and as the sun rose a wee patch of blue sky appeared, in nautical phrase, about enough to make a petticoat; and by breakfast time the clouds had disappeare 1, and the sun shone out brightly. Everyones' spirits rose proportionately, and busy preparations for a day's enjoyment were soon apparent. At 1 p.m., the time fixed for the ringing of the first bell, a good crowd of holiday faces had assembled on the course at Gibson's, Orawaiti, and the scene presented the usual features of a fostive. gathering. Mr E. Macfarlane had charge of the Grand Stand refreshment booth, and spared no pains to cater well for his patrons. He was flanked on either side by Messrs Gibson and Herron, whose bars were well supplied with all that thirsty souls could covet. Messrs Smart and Morris had charge of the fruit and confectionery stand and made a good display, and what was more satisfactory, drove a thriving trade. Most of the usual accessory surrounding of race course meets were represented.

Chief among the attractions of the day was the performance of the "Westport Brass Band, who, donning their new uniforms,looked smart and soldierlike, and playing their best tunes lent a charm and variety to the scene, and agreeably enlivened the intervals between the various events. The Starter and Clerk of the Course were Mr John Sea ton and Mr P. M'Kenna; and conspicuous, by virtue of their office, were the observed of all observers. They were indefatigable in their exertions to perform their onerous duties successfully, and trying their best succeeded well. Mr George Falla filled, and the post of honor, the Judges Box, and looked every inch the beau ideal of a jolly sportsman. The stewards, Messrs Dobson, Hughes, Seaton, Gilmer, i Brown, and lloche, Mr Tom Jones as Clerk of the Scales and general supervisor of sports and pastimes, and ..Messrs Gilmer and lugs, as Honorary Treasurer and Secretary respectively, did all they could to arrange preliminaries satisfactorily and maintain perfection in the arrangements. Wo give such brief memoranda of the events of the day as the exigencies of Christmas time and hurried publication will permit.

Trial Stakes of 10 sovs, Added to a sweepstake of 1 sov each, second horse to save his stake. Distance miles. Weight for age. Entry 2 sovs. Dolly Varden ... 1 Eonald ... 2

For this event there wero four entries. —Ronald, Why Not, Kettledrum, and Dolly Varden. Why Not was scratched, and Dolly Varden running well throughout, won by a good neck. Foot Race 150 yards, first prize £2, second prize £l. Entry 2d Gd. Mason 1 Mosely 2 Bunnino high leap. Frst prize £3, second prize £1 10s. Entry, 2s Cd. Mason ... 1 Eobinson ... 1

Packers' and Miners' Purse of 10 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 1 sov each, second horse to save his stake. Open to all horses regularly employed in packing on the Nelson South West Groldiielda for three months previous to the races. Heats—One mile. Catch weights. Post entry of 2 sovs. FIRST lIEAT. Spuds ... 1 Why Not ... 2 Gipsy ... 3 Ho bin ... 4 SECOND HEAT. Spuds ... 1 Why Not ... 2 The work was too heavy for Eobin, and Gipsy lost a good chance of winning the second heat l)y running off the course. Boys Bace, 150 yards, for boy* under 12 years of ago, first prize £l, second prize 10s. Entry Is. Walker ... 1 Labatt ... 2 Hop, Step and Jump, first prize £2, second prize £l. Entry 2s Gd. Alasou ... 1 Eobiuson ... 2 Butchers Purse of 10 sovs, second horse to save his stakes. Catch weights. Post entry of 2 sovs. Distance 2 miles, open to butcher's horses only. Eonald ... 1 Why Not ... 2

lionald landed first at the winning post by barely a head, contesting the race after the first time rouudwith Why Not; Kettledrum pullinggamely thoroughout but coming in a bad third.

Handicap Foot Race onco round the course, first prize £2, second prize £l. Entry 2s 6d. M'Kay ... 1 Eobinson ... 2

Crowlo started at 30 yards, Eobinson at 15 yards, and th« two light weights at Bcratch. The runuing was hot thoroughout.