Sporting & General Medals, Badges & Awards (Part 4) -

Lot 1155    eSale    Sporting & General Medals, Badges & Awards (Part 4) - H

Estimate $220
Bid at live.noble.com.au

AMATEUR CALEDONIAN HANDICAP, handcrafted in silver (45mm), no maker, ring top suspension, reverse inscribed 'Won By/Jas Ross/Jany 26th 1888'. Centrepiece set a little off centre, otherwise very fine.

From the Napier "Daily Telegraph" 26th January 1888.
Courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past.

"Caledonian Sports.
The Scotch make capital colonists, but go where they will they ever carry with them the remembrance of their native land. In nearly every Scotch parish they have their sports meeting, and strange to say, some of the most important gatherings are those held at mere villages. The prize-money in towns and cities may be large, but the highest honors are not won there. Hawke's Bay has a large percentage of Scotch people, but yet it is only a few months since the Caledonian Society was inaugurated. Its progress, considering the short time that has since elapsed, has been very great, and it is safe to say that it has before it a long and prosperous career. To-day its inaugural meeting took place on the Recreation Ground, and when the meeting was announced there was much rejoicing in many out-of-the-way districts, for to the Scotchman the skirl of the pipes is the sweetest music in the world.

The programme prepared was on a most liberal scale, there being quite a number of open and amateur events, for which the prize-money totalled more than ?200. The day being declared a general holiday placed facilities in the way of many thoroughly enjoying themselves. The railway authorities issued special excursion tickets, which were largely availed of, so that Napier last night was full of the sons and daughters of the "Land of Cakes". The value of the prizes was sufficient to attract athletes from every part of the colony, so that all that was necessary to ensure a highly successful meeting was fine weather. This morning early the wind was very high, and then a heavy shower or two followed, with the result that long before the business of the day began the atmosphere was light and cool, giving every promise of a lovely day. The arrangements carried out by the secretary, Mr W.Bogle were of a most satisfactory character, and everything was done for the convenience and comfort of the great crowd of visitors who it was highly anticipated would grace the ground with their presence.

On the ground things were extremely lively, musical selections being given at intervals by a band of pipers in full Highland costume, and while the pipers were resting, the Railway Band gave selections at intervals. Quite a number of side shows were provided. For the benefit of the little ones at each end there was a merry-go-round, both of which were freely patronised. Lessons in the scientific art of boxing were to be had for a consideration, while Aunt Sally and other games could be indulged in by their admirers. The inner man was not overlooked, for three refreshment rooms testified as to the provision made in this direction. The sports ground was railed off, so that the public could not interfere with the competitors; this also enabled the spectators, no matter where their vantage ground, to have a good view of the various contests. The stands were freely patronised, and from each a capital view could be obtained. The charge of admission to the hills resulted in very few spectators being visible there. The convincing ground was in capital condition, so that the times made, remembering there is no cinder track, were at least creditable to the competitors, and showed that much careful training had been indulged in. The first event was started pretty punctually, and this was very necessary, in view of the large number to be got through during the course of the day. The judges and officials worked hard, and seemed to give every satisfaction both to competitors and public by their decisions. In the short distance races each competitor ran between chalk lines, which was nearly as good as having a roped course, for each man had to keep within his lines. A detachment of police under Sergeant Cullen were present to keep order, but their services were little required as there was no disposition shown to get over the defined limits.

The attendance at the opening of the sports could not have much exceeded one thousand, but there was a constant stream of visitors entering the ground till nearly lunch time. About two o'clock there was a great increase in the attendance, and at this hour there must have been fully three thousand people on the ground. The country people mustered strongly, and it was evident that the Scotchmen from all parts of Hawke's Bay had assembled to celebrate the day. The great event of the meeting - at least the one in which most interest seemed to be generally taken - was the Boy's Race, for which thirty competitors of all ages and sizes competed. It was run in one heat, which precluded all chance of a scratch man getting through."