AOTEA RACES.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1509, 7 March 1882, Page 2

AOTEA RACES.

Emulating the spirit of their white brethern, the natives of Kawhia and Aotea held a race meeting at Herangi, which is near Aotea, on the Ist inst. This is, I believe, the first race meeting held solely under Maori auspices in this part of the country, and the result of their efforts, considering it is a first attempt, may be deemed fairly satisfactory. I could not help meditating while on the course, upon the change which, during the last two or three years, has taken place in Maori public opinion. Here might have been seen the horses of the Hauhau and pakeha contesting in* the same event, while the owners watched with eager and friendly interest the final struggle for the prize. To my mind this was the most pleasant feature of the meeting, and, one which but a few years since seemed a long way from fulfilment. 1 noticed King Tawhiao's two youngest sons on the course during the day, as well as some of the principal chiefs from Kawhia, who, sinking any differences of a political or social character, which they may hold against European usage or ideas, seemed thoroughly to enjoy themselves. Provided the weather had been more propitious there would have been a large assemblage, as it was little complaint can be advanced on this score. As the exact amount of prize money for each event, could not be determined till the second inst. I shall be unable to state the proportion of the prizes. Suffice it to say that the races were as well contested, and the prizes as eagerly fought for .as if it bad been twice the value it waC possible for the committee of management to make it. Motutara, of Aotea, acted as judge, and Pciri Pari, of Makaka, as starter during the day. Race, 1£ miles. Mr Ellis' Tautawhiti ... 1 M r Galvin's Lawyer 2 Lawyer astonished many by the way he compelled Tautawhiti to run for the prize. Rack, It miles. For Maori horses. Tihiiahi's Kawhia ... ... 1 Toihau's Waikato 2 Kmgi's Kunica 3 This was a capital race, and would have been won by a horse called Karioi, provided he had not run off the course. Pony bace, 1 mile. Toataura's Takena 1 Ngunguru's lS[iger 2 McDonalds Zoe 3 Rack, 1 mile. For beaten holies. Mr Ellis's Kumea 1 Mamai's Teoho 2 Kumea just managed to snatch the prize from Teoho, owing to his being in better condition. Rack, 2 miles. Mr Galvin's Jonathan ... 1 Mr Ellis' Jack 2 This race Avas viewed with much interest, as both horses had the reputation of being fast. The result proved Mr Galvin's- to be the best. This ended a fair day's sport. (Own correspondent).