THE HIBERNIAN FETE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 190, 17 November 1876, Page 12

THE HIBERNIAN FETE.

f£ qS * \ Hl < berm J an F t te came off at Burnside, as advertised on tne Jth instant., and a thoroughly enjoyable day was spent by all who visited it. The lightning and rain of the evening preceding had been looked upon with much anxiety by many who were in expectation of the long-promised amusements, but fortunately their forebodings proved false, and the gala day was as halcyon in its serenity as the most exacting could have desired. Trains beo-an to run at an early hour, and by noon the picturesque grounds selected for the scene of their festivities contained a large assemblage variously computed at from 1500 to 1800 persons. The efforts of the committee, together with their judicious choice of a locality wherein to hold their fete, were such as to render it impossible that any who availed themselves of this opportunity o f wholesome recreation should return to their homes disappointed. For all there had been provided suitable amusement, "and to every appearance it was thoroughly enjoyed. Numbers of those who were present found contentment in remaining in and around the arena where the sports properly so called were carried on, and where the enlivening strains of an excellent band added to the cheery tone of the gathering, others taking advantage of the dryness of the turf, which a long spell of fine weather had made it safe to take seats upon, had ascended the surrounding slopes, and thence looked down upon the merry scene beneath, while they at the same time enjoyed the retirement of a private pic-nic ; and a number of youths availing themselves of the opportunity offered by a paddock close at hano, organised and maintained with spirit games of cricket and^ football. The sports commenced with the <• Maidbn Plate, 120 yards— M'Pherson, 1 ; Titchener, 2. The winner who, we believe, had not hitherto been known as a competitor in any of the sports taking place in or about Dunedin proved to be a capital runner, and one who is likely to make a name for himself in this peculiar line if he chooses to persevere in it. It was not, however, until the second race that he showed his full powers Handicap Race, 150 yards— M'Pherson, 1 : G.Murdoch; 2. Handicap Walkino Race (for boys), half-mile— Sims, 1,Krull, 2 ; Jackraan, 3. Much interest was here excited by the pluck shown by Master J. Daker, a very little fellow, who exerted himself all through with the greatest spirit, but who unfortunately transgressed the rules by breaking at one time into a run, which prevented him from being acknowledged the winner, although heactually was first in. Thbowino the Stone — M'Cluskey, 1 ; M'lhroy, 2. Ibish Jig— Costello, 1 ; Sullivan, 2. This dance was admirably executed, and caused much merriment. The shades of difference between the successful and the defeated being very slight. Yottths* Handicap Rack — Cameron, 1; Mills, 2; Drnmmond, 3. Btjbnsidb Handicap, half -mile — G.Murdoch, 1; Nightingale^. Thbbe Standing Jumps— Downes, 1. Extba Rack, 220 yards— M'Pherson (scratch), 1 ; Scanlan, 2*.

This was given by the Committee as no provision had been made on the progamme for a medium race. Handicap Walking "Race, one mile — M. Carr, 1 ; Edie, 3. Foot Race (for boys attending St. Joseph's Schools); 150 yards— Philp, 1; Woodley, 2; Scanlan,3. Grand Irish Reel (six competitors)— Sullivan, 1 ; Costello, 2. j Consolation Handicap, 120 yards— Titchener, 1 ; Samuels, 2 ; Lindsay, 3. With this latter race, as its name imports, the sports terminated, and a most successful fete was closed. Throughout the day there was no hitch, and nothing whatever occurred in any way to mar the enjoyment. Fine weather, well organised, and admirably contested sports, good music, contentment, and high spirits, and 'tho' last not least* first-class refreshments for the inner man, supplied with the utmost attention and civility by Messrs. Harris and Co., and Hall, all combined to make the hours fly happily by, and to sustain the reputation of the Hibernian sports. The committee, with thoughtful kindness, had invited the children of the Industrial School, which is situated in the neighborhood, to be present at the f 6te, and accordingly a large party of them were conducted by their master, Mr. Titchener, to the grounds, where their neat appearance and excellent behaviour testified highly to the character of the establishment in which they are being educated, but, unfortunately, notice of their attendance was not furnished in time to admit of preparations being made to supply them with refreshments.