Boxing Day Sports.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1479, 24 December 1881, Page 2

Boxing Day Sports.

Judging from the number of sports advertised, Hamilton will be well represented this year, and in fact the whole of the Waikato. It seems a pity, however, that sports are being held on both sides of the river on the same day, as it is sure to mar the success of one or the other. At

Hamilton West, in addition to foot-racing, there will be a handicap trotting match for a siher cup, value ten guineas ; also, a five-guinea cup to the winner of the mile handicap foot race ; amounting altogether to about £40. The sports will commence at 11, in front of G-wynne's hotel, and, judging from the very liberal programme, some excellent and exciting contests may be anticipated At the conclusion of the races, should funds permit, a swimming race will take place, the competitors starting from the Waikato Brewery and finishing at Gwynne's baths. In the evening there will be a display of fireworks on the lawn of the Hamilton Hotel, commencing at 8 o'clock. The Hamilton Band will be in attendance during the day at the sports, and in the evening at the fireworks display. At the conclusion of the latter a quadrille party, under the arspices of the Hamilton Band, will take place in the Hamilton Public and Volunteer Hall, when the Te Awamutu Band will also be present, they having accepted an invitation from the Hamilton Band.

Hamilton East. The usual Boxing Day sports will be held on Sydney Square. The committee have drawn up a capital " bill-of-f are, " and although the value of the races from a financial point of view are not so much as at the West, the events are more numerous. The Tv Awamutu Brass Band will be present dm ing the day and execute choice selections. In addition to the foot and other races there will be a trotting race for horses that have never won an advertised raee — first prize a saddle, second a bridle. In the e\ening a dance will take place in the Oddfellows' Hall.

Oxford. The resident? in and around this newlyformed township intend to celebrate Boxing Day with a race meeting. The programme consists of six events, which include a Handicap Hurdle, Maori Race, Oxford Handicap, Pony, Hack, and Consolation Races. Mr G. Maclean, will officiate as judge, and, judging from the list of stewards, nothing will be left undone on their part to make the meeting a success. Oxford is within easy reach ot Cambridge, and, should the weather prove favorable, a capital day's sport is in store for those who choose to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Alexandra. For some time past the committee in connection with the Alexandra Sport* have been actively engaged in canvassing the district for subscriptions, and their efforts must have been succesful, for they have placed an excellent programme before the public. In addition to foot-rac-ing there will be horse-racing and native sports. Major Mair will act as judge, whilst King Tawhiao will officiate in a similar capacity for the native s orts The Alexandra Band, under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Muller, will be in attendance to enliven the proceedings. In the evening a vocal and instrumental concert and dramatic performance will be given in the Alexandra Public Hall in aid of the funds of the band. The whole to conclude with a dance.

Exccursion to Taupiri and Huntly- > The VYaikato Steam Navigation Company will run their favourite steamer Delta to the above places on Hoxing Day, starting from Hamilton at 8 a.m. and Nganidwahia at 9 a m., returning at 5 o'clock. The fares are exceedingly moderate, and if the weather is favour able no doubt the trip will be greatly enjoyed by thos>e fond of uver excursions.