CELEBRATION AT HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2333, 23 June 1887, Page 2

CELEBRATION AT HAMILTON.

Volunteer Parade.

Despite the miserable weather the Hamilton Light Infantry faithfully carried out tho programme laid down, and proved that they are no mere feather bed soldiers. The company paraded at the Public Hall, at 10 o'clock, the total of all ranks being 71. After a little preliminary drill, they marched to Sydney Square, headed by the band. They were then exercised in company movements by Capt. Reid. At noon, in the rain, they fired the customary feu de joie, the band playing the National Anthem. Three cheers were then given for Her Majesty, and the company were inarched to the Oddfellow's Hall, where a substantial luncheon was served, the donors beins? Messrs Bright, E. L., Smith, Pascoe, BeK and Tucker. After lunch the company was divided into two for the sham fight, which took place on the reserve between Bridge street and the, h ist school. The attacking party, under Lieut.. Coombes, took up a position in Che ti-true near the school, and the defending fmee, under Lieut. Edgecumbe, leaving their position in the old redoubt, advanced in skirmishing order across the open until surprised by the appearance of the enemy. They at once opened fire, but were obliged to retire before superior numbers. They, however, maintained good order, and k«|jt np a smart fire against the foe, who were by this time making it particularly hot for them. On regaining tho redoubt, Lieut. Edgecumbe again opened fire, but the enemy fixed swords and took the position by assault. Tho attacking force scaled the parapet in a manner that would have done credit to an old campaigner. The company was reformed and marched to the Square, where they were photographed by Mr Dey. The men were then matched back to the I üblio Hall, where they were dismissed, having been five hours under anus. C.ipt. Rod, who directed the whole of the proceedings, is deserving of the .utmost, credit for the admirable style which characterised the whole affair. It ought to be added that though, as we have said, tho weather was wretched, there was a very good turn out of the. townspeople, the juvenile portion of the community being especially conspicuous.

The Ball

The volunteer ball, in the Oddfellows' Hall, was a grand success. The hall was most tastefully decorated with banners, evergreens, sword stars, &c, and the other arrangements were all that could be desired. The attendance was larqrs, between forty and fifty couples being present. Lieut. Coombes performed the onerous duty of M. C. in a most satisfactory manner, and the members of tho committee were mo-it assiduous in their efforts to make the evening pass pleasantly. The music was supplied by the band, assisted by 'several amateurs. The refreshments were supplied by Mr E. L. Smith, of the Royal Hotel, and gave every satisfaction. Dancing was kept up until an early hour yesterday morning.

The Illuminations

Owing to the rain this part of the programme was a comparative failure. The only building appropriarely illuminated was Gwynne's Hotel. Chinese lanterns were hung on the balcony and underneath. On the balcony, over the main entrance, was a largo transparency with the Crown and Koyal Monogram. Below this, and just in front of the door, was a smaller transparency upon which appropriate mottoes were inscribed. The effect of the whole was most pleasing. A few lanterns were seen in other places, but there was no other organised attempt. Mr Knox had made elaborate preparations, but owing to the rain he put off the show until last night, on which occasion his premises were ablaze with the li{?ht of about 40 real Chinese lanterns, arranged so as to form a setting for a large transparency of the Royal Arms. The effect as seen from Hamilton East was excellent. Under the distressing circumstances Hamilton did its best to honour the occasion, and has no reason to feel ashamed of her contribution to the general effect.

JUBILEE DAY IN CAM BRIDGE.

Notwithstanding the wretchedly wet day, the inhabitants of Cambridge went in wholesale for celebrating the Jubilee, and right royally must they have done no, for at a comparatively early period of the day many might be met with who had been drinking Her Majesty's health in something evidently stronger than hop beer. As the day progressed some of these individuals became rather too demonstrative, and had it not been Jubilee time the constable would no doubt have had a few lodgers. We are, however, glad to report that he managed theso difficult cases without "running them in." Service was held in S. Andrew's Church at 10.30 a.m., and was well attended, the greater portion of the congregation belonging to other denominations. The Ven. Archdeacon Willis was assisted in the service by Pastor Griffiths, the Baptist Minister, who read the first lesson. The sermon was preached by the Archdeacon. It was a very earnest discourse, in which he referred to the friendly feeling that ought to exist among the various Christian Churches, and also spoke of the pleasure it gave him to have them in S. Andrew's Church to return thanks to Almighty God for blessings bestowed on our Queen and country. The choir was also assisted by members from other churches.

The Races

Everyone who attended the races seems to be of one opinion, viz., that it was one of the wetest and jolliest days that have been spent upon the course. Everyone was wet outside, and a great proportion bad dono their level best to wet t.he other side. Several, however, had to succumb before they had imbibed what they considered the necessary amount to keep out the wet and honour the Queen. The Cambridge Band was present in great form, and discoursed sweet strains, while a candidate for larliamontary honours shouted for the boys and told them to "vole straight.' The attendance was very satisfactory, considering all things, and we trust there will be a good surplus. The races were as follows :— HANDICAP HURDLE RACK. Mr C. Weal's Monitor, lOst -libs (owner) ... ... ... •■• ••• 1 Mr J. McCann's Scrutineer, list lOlbs (owner) 2

Mr J. Brown's Joe, 9st lOl.bs (W. , Windsor) ' 3 ' Alaric, Pahanga, and Warlock also ran. JUUIIjIOK OUL\ Mr J. C. Booth's Ernest, 7st 41b (Mc•Glynn) * .:.' • ... '••■ 1 Mr J.' Brown's Pretender, Oat libs (V. i Dodd) ... I- 2 Mr J. Allwill's Victoria, Oat 41b (15. •Armor)., . ... . 3 Dorinda also ran. This race was n> regular boil over, no one expecting Knicst to be in it. It was a very tight finish all up the straight, the Hamilton horse winning by half ia'hock". ■, 1 NOVUt 'ItACE. r * Mr Kay's Tβ Narnb, (I<\ Rhodes)" ; ... • 1Mr N. Mason's Little Dorrit, (Owner)... 2 Mr N. Mason's Native, (F. Goldsmith) 3 Gleanor also ran. The winner was sold to Mr Walton for £7 15s. . VICTORIA STIOKri.ICCHASE. ', Mr 0; Weal's' Monitor, lOsf 101b (owner) ..; ... 1 Mr Wt T. -Carr's Norah,' JLQsfc 71b {¥. Goldsmith) 2 Alaric, Scrutineer and Pahanga also started, the latter failing to finish. Alaric met with -ah accident that will" doubtless finish his racing career, as he has severed one of the sinews of his leg. . .... ..,, quekn's plate.' i Mr J. Allwill's Victoria, Bst 101b; (E. Ariner) ••• 1 Mr J. Brown's Pretender, Ost (I<\ Dodd) 2 Mr A. Bach's Sheet Anchor, Cst 71b (W. Roby) : ... 3 Only three started. The finish was a very close and exciting one, the being under the whip all up the straight,* the mare winning by a head. As soon as, it was known that-Victoria had won, tho band struck up with the National Autheni t and another bumper was quaffed to Her Majesty's good health. ; PONY BACK. Mr T.Hannon's Phthisic (G. Walton) 1 Mr W. T. Carr's Poodle (E. Ariner) ... 2 Mr J. Forrest's Jubilee (G. Bovvley) ... 3 In consequence of a dispute this race was run a second time, when they finished in the order given. This finished a very successful day's sport, and Mr Carter's coaches; soon conveyed those who had not buggies or horses back to to town.

The Ball.

The attendance at the brill was very good, the room being comfortably filled. The committee had arranged everything very nicely, and if the weather had been fine we feel sure the hall would have been crowded. Dining an interval in the dances the National Anthem was sung, the solo being taken by Mrs Russeil, whose clear, rich voice just suited tho part. Her efforts were, however, greatly marrod by the piano —the old town scrubber—being most vilely out of tune. It will not keep in tune for above a week, and yet it is guarded in a most jealous manner by the council, and if you hire the hall piano for a performance you must pay again if you want it-for rcihearsal. Travelling companies tune it up or down just as they like, but woe to tho inhabitant that touches it without a'special written permit.The supper wns supplied by Mr Boyce and reflects the greatest credit upon him. Dancing was" kept up tiL 4 a.m. The committee worked hard and we trust there will not be a deficit, Mr H. Gillett's National Hotel was very handsomely illuminated, and a display of fireworks and coloured tires was given on the : open space opposite about 8 p.m. but the rain, which wasjeomingdown in torrents at the time, spoiled tho effect. The postoffice was also very prettily decorated, and Mr Boyce hoisted a coloured V.R. over his verandah. On this occasion the hotels were allowed to keep open till 12 p.m., but at that time everything seemed very quiet.

TE AROPIA.

More undesirable weather for a holiday could not well be imagined than that which prevriiled here during the greater part of Tuesday. Heavy rain fell during the night previous and when day broke the threatening aspect of things augwred badly for the success of the days rejoicings. Up till ten in the forenoon the rain continued to fall more or less heavily, and a meeting of the committee was held to consider whether it would not be advisable to delay the celebration until the following day. As the weather at that hour showed signs of moderating, it was resolved that there should be no postponement and that the programme as arranged should be carried out as far as circumstances would allow. At one o'clock, therefore, there was a general muster at the school grounds where a procession was formed, the children headed by the brass band taking the load, followed by the Masonic body in regalia, and the greater part of the residents. Marshalled by Mr R. Parr, the procession inarched through the town and round the domain to the place where the chief ceremony of the day was to be performed, the planting of the Jubilee avenue. At this stage of the proceedings the rain which had partially ceased for an hour or two, had again began to fall heavily, and the treeplanting had to be done under the most adverse circumstances. Meanwhile the children inarched to the Public Hall for shelter, and after the completion of tho work at the avenue they were joined by the adults. There matters wore a much brighter aspect. A maypole had been erected, and the dance which was to havo been carried out in the domain was now gone into with great spirit. There was an abundance of refreshments for the young folks, and enlivened by the strains of the baud, everyone seemed to forget the disheartening state of things outside. After the dance the author of the prize Jubilee ode signed " Loyalty" was called upon to recite his composition and the Rev. S. Lawry appeared on platform in response to the call. It is almost needless to say the verses were read in excellent style, and at the finish the author was greeted with loud and hearty cheers. This was followed by a few short addresses from some of those who had assisted at the planting of the avenue, and the occasion was taken advantage of by most of the speakers to give expression to their feelings of loyalty to Queen and country. Before the termination of the afternoon meeting a hearty vote of thanks was proposed to Mr Geoi-ge Wilson, the energetic secretary of the Celebration Committee, for his successful exertions in carrying out the numerous arrangements, and it was carried by acclamation. In the evening.the hall was again crowded to overflowing at the entertainment, which then came off. The performers were wholly local amateurs, and the warm applause which followed the efforts of the various singers testified to the pleasure of the audience. The Rev. Mr Lawry was again called upon to recite the Jubilee ode, and the maypole dance was repeated by the children, in costume, under the direction of Mr P. Faes, who was warmly thanked for the excellent manner in which he had trained the dancers. The hall was then cleared, and the votaries of Terpsichore kept up the amusement a few hours longer. Altogether the day's proceedings, in spite of the vileness of the weather, were of a most enjoyable kind; and gave ample evidence of the loyalty and spirit of the inhabitants of Te Aroha. AUCKLAND. The city was brilliantly illuminated on Tuesday night, many of the devices being costly and beautiful. The shipping was also illuminated, and the electric light was shown at Fort Cautley. The mayoral banquet was a great success. Amongst the guests was Mr Barton, Mayor of Hamilton. PAEROA. Despite the weather the Jubilee concert and bal held here on Tuesday evening was a great success.