LICHFIELD

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2449, 22 March 1888, Page 3

LICHFIELD

[own correspondent.! St. Patrick's Day was spent in a right royal manner in our township, and even the most fastidious Irishman could not complain of tho way in which tha day, specially devoted to his patron saint, was occupied. In the '" ould counthry " tho inhabitants (we are told) indulge in "lashings of whusky" throughout tho day, and towards evening the gintlemen wander about inviting one another to " tread on the tail of me coat," which results in a copious supply of sticking plaster being required, and occasionally a "dint is raised" that necessitates a trepan before the " gintleman "is himself again, caused by the handy manner in which the shillaley has been used. In Lichfield we dispensed with the shillalies, but a native substituted a stirrup leather and iron, which proved quite as effective, and I doubt if Donnybrook Fair itself could have produced as many indiscriminate fights, while " whusky" ran like wntlier. A large number of natives from Waotu and the surrounding settlements came to take part in the sports and horse races that had been improvised for the occasion ; and had they been thoroughbred Irishmen they ould not have enteied more heartily into the fun, for they took a fair share of both fights and whisky. Indeed, I jannot help fancying there must bo a distinct relationship between these two races, for their tastes are certainly very similar. For instance, they both pin their faith to "spuds," and no one admires the pig more than an Irishman ; without it is not the Maori. Then again; give thenativo full scope at whisky, and I question if ho would not equal Pat. At present he cannot very well trail his coat tail, but. (when properly charged with tho reductive fluid) lie is quite as ready for a " rough and tumble" as Paddy; and I think his weapon, stirrup leather and iron, is an improvement for making a "nate job " of an opponent. The men from the railway camp marched up in a body about 11 a.m. headed by a band playing the "Campbell's are coming," the band consisting of two penny whistles, several kerosene tins (beaten ai drums) and a couple of pokers suspended by string, that did duty for triangles. They marched into the hotel and after giving cheers for everything and everybody, proceeded to the business of the day, viz, whiskey. About noon the foot sports commenced and were curried through very successfully. The event that caused most fun being the race for Maori women, to witness which, everyone turned out. The principal winners of the men's races were a young man in Mr Heanoy's employ, a man from tho railway camp, and a stranger who happened to be in the town, all three are " speelers " and evidently know too much for our ordinary " pods." After dinner tho horse races were held, and afforded rare sport; the steeplechase being particularly good, the two leading horses being neck and neck from start to finish, and if one had not rapped the last hurdle, which threw him out of his stride, I believe it would have been a dead heat. An impromptu dance in the schoolroom was got up by the young folks and was thoroughly enjoyed ; they were however served a very nasty trick by some person or persons, who will do well not to repeat it on a future occasion, for if caught they will be made an example of. The obliging host and hostess (Mr and Mrs Heaney) of tho Hotel had a very busy time of it, and must at times have had their tempers sorely tried, for a St. Patrick's day crowd is not a very easy one to manage through the day, and must be even worse in the evening. I trust they have netted a good lump sum as compensation, for they thoroughly deserve it for their courtesy. In conclusion, if anyone wants to see a " foine soight" let him attend at Lichfield on a St. Patrick's day, and—if an Irishman—he will not be. disappointed.