Early Boating Days in Canterbury.

The numerous and important alterations and improvements which have been invented and made of late years in the model and build of both racing and pleasure boats, and the appliances connected therewith, will show much more apparently if taken in view and compared with such as were commonly in use only a few years back. Outriggers are comparatively a modern innovation so far as we are concerned, and sliding-seats upset nearly all pre-conceived ideas of the bodily movement of an oarsman. A new swivel rowlock also seems to be a recent feature, and although I am not personally acquainted with its working, from its description I have my doubts if it is not an improved revival of an obsolete idea. I may say the same of sliding-seats, having myself used a double-width thwart for the purpose, and afterwards heard that Clasper or Renforth did the same years before on the Tyne.

Situated as we are, so far from Home, and bearing in mind that the distance has been theoretically shortened—say from three months to one day, since the early days—it must reflect creditably upon us to have so promptly adopted these latest improvements; for although the comparison between now and over twenty years ago to a modern oarsman may be somewhat ludicrous, there cannot have been lacking a good show of British pluck in these colonies to keep pace with the stride of advance as made at Home.

It will be my endeavour, in this sketch, to show some of the early difficulties which had to be contended with in initiating the pleasant exercise and pastime of rowing in Canterbury, and the efforts made to put it in its present proper place among the many other athletic diversions to which the Colonial Britisher is naturally prone—or, in other words, to the manner born. In attempting to do this, "memory must be my eloquence." It might be an easier task to look up old files of newspapers and give a lengthy abstract from the reports of regattas, with names of competitors and boats—and I may have to refer to some of the more important of these events—but having myself been something of a boating man in my time, I prefer, with the assistance of other "old files," likewise on the shelf, to jot down approximately reminiscenses of occurrences, which may still be interesting, and also tend to show that the present tolerably easy-going club ménage was not arrived at without some uphill work being performed by the pioneers. The early boating days of Canterbury may be said to date back for about a quarter of a century, when the watermen of Lyttelton entered into hot emulation, for pride of place, both in rowing and sailing. A few whaleboats were also to the fore, some being manned by Maories, and if one or two ships happened to be lying in the stream, the material was ready to hand to constitute an interesting regatta.

So far as Christchurch was concerned a few small craft traded up to the Bricks wharf, which was within a stone's throw of the present "Star and Garter;" I have heard that a whaleboat got up as far as Dean's estate, at Riccarton, but it was before my time; as Inwood's (now known as Lane's) mill would have offered a serious impediment. I have, however, some fifteen years ago, carried a canoe round this, and also round the dam at Wood's mill, at Riccarton, and paddled the whole length of the Avon, from its tributary, the Wairarapa, to the sea.

To return to Lyttelton, at the time just mentioned and for some years after, it faced an open bay, there was no breakwater to lend its friendly shelter, and the sou'-west rollers came merrily across the harbour, dashed their waves without hindrance against the face of Norwich Quay, and showered their spray across the narrow roadway—there was no reclaimed ground then—to the row of houses fronting the briny, notably to the verandah of the Mitre Hotel, where, at the time, both skippers and land lubbers, interested in nautical events, did mostly congregate—and hereby hangs a yarn;—mine host of the Mitre was a character in his way, and had earned the soubriquet of "Hard a Starboard," consequent on his navigation of a craft bound from Port to the Chatham Islands. It is generally and generously supposed that the bold skipper succeeded in circum-navigating the entire group, but after a rather lengthy voyage, owing probably to adverse winds, coupled with the too frequent use of—well say this one word of command, viz., "Hard a Starboard," which was to the skipper as infallible as the "Pax Vobiscum" of Friar Tuck, in Ivanboe, the first land sighted was Lyttelton Heads.

However well adapted for sailing, and such rowing events as I have named, the harbour was much too open for light gig races; a small T jetty, the piles of which may form part of the foundation of the present Post Office, being the only wharf accommodation fronting the town, and although occasions happened when even the similitude of the millpond was allowable, there has always been some risk for light gigs or the—to oarsmen in training—even more unpleasant danger of being "put off," as a record of the swampings and postponings would tend to show; nevertheless, the higher class of rowing, if it may so be called, found its place in the programme as far back as 1860 or 1861.

The red letter Lyttelton event has, I believe, continued to come off yearly ever since that date on each succeeding first of January or there about, and the opportunity should not be overlooked of mentioning the public spirit which has invariably been shown by commanders of ships in placing their vessels at the disposal of the local committees, to say nothing of the liberality so often extended to a long list of visitors, and the similar liberality of the elected commodore of the Regatta, who often put his hand in his pocket to the extent of some hundreds, in order to ensure the success of the particular event, and extend a like hospitality to all comers.

The combined attractions of course drew many visitors from the city of the plains and surrounding country, but the "Hole in the hill" was only just commenced, and the Bridle-path or the road vid Sumner, and the Zig-zag were obstructive; after crossing the Heathcote ferry on Dale's punt, which traversed the river a few chains above the present swing bridge, foot passengers usually chose the former route, while cavalcades of horsemen might be seen turning to the left, skirting the estuary to the Shag Rock, and making a halt at Day's Hotel at Sumner as a half-way-house for a refresher for man and beast before encountering the ascent to reach the Zig-zig; vehicles of any description were, of course, like angels' visits.

The Lyttelton Boating Club was formed about this time (although there were sundry fours, the property of sundry owners, competing at the earlier regattas), their first gig, so far as I can bring to mind, being imported, and called the "Planet," she stood the string test, although I do not think the same could be said of the "Snowdrop," which followed shortly, and scored many a win for its plucky crews, the blue and white never losing an opportunity of shewing their colours (I notice that at a meeting lately held, some members of the L.B.C. were hauled over the coals for wearing magenta and black instead of red! ergo I conclude this must be another L.B.C., composed of men who know not blue and white, and are not aware of the hard-earned honours won by its wearers; doubtless the veterans, Cuff, Cameron, Roper, and others, will enjoy their smile). Christchurch, even in its baby days, could not, of course, keep out of the racket, and it fell on the broad shoulders of Dan Reese (I beg pardon, I should have said D. Reese, Esq., the present M.H.R. for Stanmore) to form the first representative crew. He, with the assistance of R. McDonald and some others of his fellow-craftsmen, set to work, and in their spare time succeeded in putting together a first-class inrigged gig. She was very light, being built of spruce, about twenty-eight feet in length, and painted black. The latter fact, coupled with the intention to keep her dark, probably caused her to be named the "Black Eagle"—a name sounding more of a continental than a stern and wild Caledonian descent. For if I remember rightly the crew had all competed at regattas held on the Clyde and elsewhere; there being nothing to contend against on the Christchurch river, their ambition was to enter for the Lyttelton great annual event, nothwithstanding the apparent difficulty of getting there. There was a story, with perhaps a spice of truth in it, that the "Black Eagle" was rowed round by way of Sumner to the Lyttelton Heads, and being nearly water-logged, attempted a landing at the present pilot station, which was then in use as a quarantine ground. The piratical-looking craft was ordered to "stand off," amid the waving and yelling of the temporarily imprisoned immigrants, for fear of communicating yellow fever, or whatever the sickness may have been. The result is unknown, but as it is not on record that the population of Lyttelton was decimated at the time, the possibility remains that this is only a yarn, and that the Imperial Bird safely arrived at its destination, per Bruce's cart, via Sumner. That she did duly arrive in Lyttelton is a fact, won every event for which she could be entered, and—with coming distrust of both salt water, quarantine, and zig-zag—was shouldered triumphantly by her gallant crew of North Britons, who, with foot upon their adopted tussocks (with the builder, McDonald), carried her over the hill to the Heathcote Valley. Mr. D. Reese may fairly be acknowledged to be the father of rowing in Christchurch. I am not aware that his crew was constituted a club for some time afterwards, but it was so eventually, and from it—owing to a split in the camp—the first Trades Club (the present T.R.C. is only of recent formation) was started by Mr. S. P. Andrews, who built the "Alpha," a four-oar, which was shortly relegated to Kaiapoi; and then the "Alarm;" both boats doing good service for some years, but neither of them very tip-top. The old "Black Eagle," after standing severe work, and well earning many prizes, was cut down, or, rather, shortened, into a pair-oar, the crew building a superior boat with the same name, in order to keep up with the pace of the period.

These two boats formed the nucleus of the Avon Rowing Club, with a commodious shed on the river bank adjacent to that of the C.R.C.

In the meantime (March, 1862), the Christchurch Boating Club was started, more for exercise and amusement than for pot hunting; this, of course, without any slur against those who had previously contested for honour and glory at an earlier date. The Club purchased a four-oar, the "Christchurch Maid," a good practice boat, and tolerably fast, as things went in those days; she was built by a man named Able, and came in first at a regatta in Port, but by time allowance for length of keel only scored third place. This barbaric custom was partly modified by limiting gigs to thirty feet in length, and before long the "any description" of gig, inrigged or outrigged, disposed of the difficulty. A crew in the "Maid" performed this year the somewhat foolhardy feat of rowing from Christchurch down the Avon and Estuary, managed to find a passage between the rocks, avoiding the Sumner Bar, and so out to the Heads and up the harbour to Lyttelton, some twenty-five or thirty miles; after a rest, the start back for home was made, very much against the advice of the watermen, and others, as it was getting toward evening, and was quite dark before the Heads were cleared, where the "Maid," after narrowly escaping being smashed on a big rock, which stands out somewhere below the lighthouse, had, to say the least, penty of sea room; there was a long swell on but no curlers; it grew overcast and dark as pitch, but, after keeping well out off Taylor's Mistake, the cox at length perceived the glimmer of a friendly light at Sumner. Pulling on quietly, approaching to where the "harbour bar was moaning," the light was lost sight of; a dip into a trough and a six foot curler over the stern floored the crew and filled the boat, two of the crew jumped out, one on either side and steadied the boat, while two or three more breakers broke over her, washing boat and cargo ashore, and landing them safely on the long beach a few yards beyond the Cave rock. The bar had fortunately been missed, or the crew would have probably lost the numbers of their mess; as it was the external wetting was duly qualified with internal ditto, togs were dried, the "Maid" re-launched inside the bar, and pulled safely up to Christchurch without further catastrophe. The erratic disposition of some members of this Club is manifested at the present time by a very curious old record, which may be seen on one of the doors of the old wool-shed at the Steam Wharf on the Ferry-road, beyond Woolston. It was written in chalk, more than twenty-two years ago, and is even now readable, giving abbreviations of the names of a crew of five, together with their weights, viz., 12st. 81b., 12st. 51b., 12st. 4llb., 11st. 61b., and 10st. 61b.; there are also the names of another crew of the same year with weights, 13st. 131b., 13st. 51b., 12st. 41b., 10st. 41b., and 10 stone.

The Christchurch Club was duly constituted with officers, members—working and honorary—a code of rules, and three boats. Its early minutes are extant, giving particulars of these, with a permit from the Council, signed by G. Gordon, Town Clerk, to build a shed on the River Avon Bank, not far lower down-stream than the present Fire Bigade Station, in Chesterstreet. But, owing to various causes, this was not accomplished. Business took some of the most active members away, two sailing to the West Coast on an exploring expedition, whence only one returned. I allude to the lamented death of Mr. Claude Ollivier—the oldest son of our well-known R.M.—in August, 1862. The Club soon after lapsed, but from its ashes two new clubs sprang up, and have continued to progress up to the present time.

The Canterbury Rowing Club, which was inaugurated by Mr Harman, the Messrs Blakiston, and others, and the Railway Rowing Club, by Messrs Holmes and Richardson, and their staff, were both started within the next two years. The former obtained the use of a river frontage near Ward's Brewery on the East Belt, erected a commodious boat-shed, and at once began, to procure the nucleus of a fleet, which has been increased or renewed year after year, and now stands second to none in the colony; and although it has not, probably, a record of as many first-class wins as some other clubs, it must be especially gratifying to its founders to look over the ever-varying list of members that have taken a college training and many honours in this rowing school, to the fulfilment of the anticipations and hopes of twenty years ago.

An equally pleasant record may be noted for the Union, née Railway Club, which built its first house at Opawa, on the Heathcote River, owning the old "Christchurch Maid" and the "Blue Bell"; and getting R. MacDonald, who built the first "Black Eagle," to turn out a gig named the "Express" from his yard. The "Lurline" was soon afterward furnished to order by Edwards, of Melbourne; and another four-oar unfortunately was smashed on the voyage from Australia.

Before the tunnel was opened, a branch line ran to Ferry Mead, and this Club inaugurated the first regatta there in the upper waters of the Heathcote Estuary, where it was held for two or three years with great success. The membership of the Club having been opened to others than the railway staff, it was thought advisable to alter the name from the "Railway" to the "Union." as previously mentioned; and another shed was built; on the Avon, adjoining that of the C.R.C. The wins of this Club have been numerous, and it has been a capital training school. Like the C.R.C., it has grown, to a first-class establishment, and also having some hundred members, with property over £1000 in value.

The exigencies of the City Council for a roadway on the river bank caused, in time, the removal of all the boat sheds from their time-honoured position near the Brewery.

The "Canterbury" purchased a piece of land on the opposite bank, and the "Union," following suit, but on the city side, and a little higher up, sheds were built—or rebuilt— and a visit to them and their custodian (Mr Rees) is worth the while of any one interested in modern aquatics.

In speaking of the old time, I can only make a short mention of the Heathcote Rowing Club, but this would be a pleasure, if only to honour the names of its Captain, Mr. F. Pavitt—truly one of the foremost in the athletics in Canterbury—and his confrère, Mr. J.W. Davis. Both these gentlemen are now in the North Island, and the flag they oft have fought under—the old red, white, and blue—now droops in forsaken sorrow on Heathcote's turbid flow, or rather ebb.

The Waimakariri's eccentric current has been the scene of many a "pulling hard against the stream" contest, and the hospitality of the late Dr. Dudley, and the many kindnesses and attentions of members of both the "Kaiapoi" and "Cure" Clubs will be pleasant in the recollection of us old fogies and more recent visitors that have taken part in them.

I think the Northerners have most frequently taken honours on their own river, but I remember the Railway Club scored a win with the "Lurline;" and a "Westland crew won on one occasion. They were labouring men, and it is said they went into profitable training while putting down sundry artesian wells. I think that Hearn (who has lately been talked about in the North Island as likely to pull a match with Hanlau) was a victor over Dawson, our local sculling champion, on this river. "White, however, I think, beat Hearn in the North, and Dawson beat White, in Wellington, in 1873. This reminds me I am getting on to a comparatively late date, though I may mention that the four-oar Interprovincial, held at that place, and in that year, caused much excitement. Three Canterbury crews showed among the entries, viz.—Lyttelton, Kaiapoi, and a crew selected in Christchurch; Dawson and a brother of D. Reece being in the latter, another Trades Club man, and one from the Canterbury, making the four. The boat was the "Sabriua," belonging to the Union Club, and was without a cox., being steered to glory by Dawson (No. 2.) with pedals and wires. By the way, I remember the strands of the tiller-lines were cut in several places, while the boat was under cover in Wellington, but a friendly slip of paper, with "Look to your tiller-lines" pencilled on it, called due attention to the fact, and prevented an ignominious and cruel defeat. There was heavy betting, and the win of the "Sabrina" caused the dabblers in the hot-pot to burn their fingers; in other words, as Te Whiti once observed, the "potato was cooked" with a vengeance. This partly resulted from the fact that the local, and many of the visiting crews, were weather-bound at the Hutt, and had to train on billiards and dumb-bells, while the Christchurch crew were in Wellington for a week, taking a six o'clock run to the top of Mount Victoria and down again, then a header and rub down at the Te Aro baths, and two good rows daily in the harbour; brisk walks; plenty of beef and porter at the Empire Hotel, where the crew put up (added several lbs. weight of muscle per man); no smoking; no anxiety; no business; but a kindly feeling of brotherhood, and mutual confidence, completed the training régime, which I respectfully submit for the use of those who wish to pull well together, and earn laurels for themselves and their clubs.

The best regattas have for some time been held in the Estuary, with the winning post near Sumner, and this cannot be alluded to without thought of arduous work done by Mr J.S. Monillegiblek, and the Pilot, Mr J. Day—the former for his kindness and accommodation to crews and boats, and the latter for the time and exertion given in the difficult task of flagging out the courses. Sumner makes a capital place for training, but many a good race has been lost here and elsewhere, owing to the lack of knowledge of mud banks, currents and tide. There is a splendid course for nearly three miles at the top of high water, and it is smooth at the first ebb with a north-easter blowing, but at low water the channel is devious, and the essence of mud-flats abominable.

When first I saw the Estuary I thought, "What a splendid chance for reclamation!" With locks at the mouths of the two inflowing streams, and locks at the Shag Rock, the beetling cliffs shifted in part to the North Spit, the canals from the rivers washing away the Bar, steam dredges excavating docks, and forests of shipping and thousands of acres of land occupying the waste of waters! It has not happened yet; we must wait a little longer. And now my space is filled. These sketchy reminiscences have brought up many more, but I will leave them now, only hoping that it may be long before rowing becomes a lost art, and that the pluck and honest manliness it induces may continue to be manifested from generation to generation.

Sepia.

Christchurch,

1885.

Christchurch Bowling Club.

This Club was formed in November, 1875, Mr. W. Wynn-Williams being the first president, and Mr. P. Cunningham vice-president. During the summer 1875-6 the members played on private lawns, the use of which was kindly granted by Messrs. Wynn-Williams, J. T. Peacock, W. D. Wood, R. D. Thomas, and others. The first match was played on Mr. Wynn-Williams' ground, Latimer-square, in December, 1875.

In March, 1876, the Club purchased half-an-acre of ground in Worcester-street, which was laid down without delay, but not being ready for play until late in the year, the Club met for practice at Mr. Williams' for the early part of the season. In December of the same year the Club purchased an additional one-eighth of an acre, facing Gloucester-street, and adjoining the rear of its section in Worcester-street; and, subsequently, another one-eighth alongside the other was purchased, making in all three-quarters of an acre. Within, the last few months the Club has acquired an additional thirty-six feet, facing Worcester-street, which has been laid down, and, it is hoped, will be ready for play this season. The grounds are beautifully laid out and kept in splendid order. A small pavilion for the use of members is on the ground; also a summer-house and arbour—the latter, erected at the expense of Mr. George Gould, as a gift to the Club. The roll of members includes about one hundred names, and the offices are at 45, Cathedral-square. The officers for the present year are—President, Mr. H. Thomson; vice-President, Mr. R. D. Thomas; hon. Treasurer, Mr. W. Robison; hon. Secretary, Mr. Neil Black. During last season the Club entertained a representative team from Victoria, and inaugurated an annual colonial match, The Club possesses a handsome sixty guinea trophy, presented by Peter Cunningham, Esq., to be played for annually by all New Zealand Clubs.

Canterbury Bowling Club.

This Club, whose ground is on a half-acre section in Cashel-street, Christchurch (opposite the Temperance Hotel), was established in October, 1883, and has fifty-five members. In 1884 it played the Victorian bowlers, the game resulting in a tie. In the same year it played a rink of. Dunedin players, winning by three to one; and it also beat the Christchurch Bowling Club twice—once on each of the grounds. This year, in playing return matches, it has been beaten once by the other local Club. Messrs. W. H. Partridge and B. Hale are the vice-Presidents. Committee—Messrs. Frank Hobbs, A. Urquhart, L. Bergh, and E. F. Dombrain. H. W. Toomer is the hon. Secretary.

Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club.

This Club was started three years and a half ago, more particularly to provide courts, which might be used in winter as well as summer, and with this view the Club has laid down four courts—three of asphalt and one of clay and ash—on their ground, which is situated in Cranmer-square, and is held on lease from the Church Property Trustees. £300 and upwards has been spent by the committee on the formation, improvement, and fencing the ground. The Club consists of a President (hon. E. C. J. Stevens), a vice-President (Mr. H. Allan Scott), an hon. Treasurer (Mr. Joseph Gould), an hon. Secretary (Mr. F. H. Bruges), a committee of seven (consisting of Messrs. H. P. Lance, C. C. Corfe, W. V. Millton, T. D. Condell, E. J. Ross, Geo. Hogben, and J. B. Harrison), and upwards of 100 members and lady subscribers. The annual meetings of the Club are held in September, and, as an indication of the financial condition of the Club, the balance to the credit of the Club, after payment of all expenses, was, last year, over £100. The entrance fee is £1 1s., and the annual subscription £1 1s; but members joining after the 1st November in any year, pay only half the yearly subscription for the year in which they join; the year commencing on the 1st May, and all members being elected by the committee. Ladies pay no entrance fee, and only 10s. 6d. as a yearly subscription; and in return for this they are entitled to play every morning from nine o'clock till one o'clock; and on two afternoons in the week—Mondays and Wednesdays. Members have also the privilege of introducing their friends on Wednesday afternoons. Persons not residing between the rivers Hurunui and Rangitata may, on being proposed by a member, and seconded by one of the committee, become a visiting member for a fortnight. Gentlemen, resident beyond a radius of 12 miles from Christchurch are eligible as members, on payment of an annual subscription of 10s. 6d., and an entrance fee of 10s. 6d. During the spring and autumn months, tournaments, both single and double-handed, are arranged amongst the members of the Club, which hitherto seem to have given great satisfaction, not-withstanding the great difficulty the committee have had in making such handicaps as would place competitors on an equal footing, and give each a fair chance of success. The leading players of the Club are — Messrs. F. Wilding, E. J. Ross, W.V. Millton, G. H. Ross, H. Short, and A. W. Cooke. In the single-handed tournament, held during the spring of last year, Mr. Wilding succeeded in carrying off the first prize, beating Mr. E. J. Ross in the last round but one, the latter conceding a bisque in a set to the former. Mr. Wilding also beat Mr. W. V. Millton on level terms in the last round, the latter thus carrying off the second prize. Among the lady subscribers the most prominent players are Mrs. H. Allan Scott, the Misses Hutton, and Miss Maude, all of whom play with considerable skill. There is little doubt that the formation of the Club has been the means of great improvement in the game, and time will probably show that Canterbury can carry off the honours in tennis as she has latterly at cricket.

Football in Christchurch.

As the historians of the cities of the ancients deemed it necessary to describe the athletic exercises and pastimes, by means of which their young men trained themselves in strength and hardihood, so we think no account of Christchurch would be complete without some notice of the sports and games which tend so greatly to fortify the bodies of our youth, aye, and their minds too, for the struggle with the world. The nature of the country surrounding Christchurch is specially adapted for cricket and football; and these games have flourished here from the earliest days, and are very popular with our citizens. Cricket, certainly, has always held first place, but great interest is now being manifested in the winter game, and the general adoption of a fast and scientific style of play, of late years, has brought it into far greater favour with spectators.

Christ's College Grammar School has, since the earliest days of Canterbury, been a nursery for footballers, and the game was played there from the foundation of the institution. The first copy of rules we have been able to find bears the date of 1862, though the game had been in full swing long before this. These rules, which consisted of an amalgamation of several styles of play, which were then in vogue at Home, were devised in the colony, and were, with some slight modifications, played at the school until as recent a date as 1880. Under them the chief feature of play was "dribbling;" and to this is due the fact that, whatever Canterbury's weakness in football in other respects may have been, our teams have always contained good fast forwards.

The Christchurch Football Club was started about 1861 or 1862, and, in spite of the many rivals which the last few years have called into existence, still continues to hold a leading position amongst the clubs of the colony. As early as 1863 this Club played a match with Lyttelton, but its chief opponents for many years were the College Boys; and the games with the Club are still looked forward to with the greatest interest at the school, though the youngsters have not as good a chance under the Rugby Union Code as they had under the old rules.

In 1875 it was announced that a team from Auckland would make a tour round the colony, but would only play Rugby Union—a game, until that date, quite unknown in Christchurch, so that it was necessary for our men to learn and practise these rules; and, with this end in view, a match with South Canterbury was arranged to be played at Ashburton. The comments of the Press on the new style of. play were anything but complimentary. The Auckland team visited Christchurch in due course, but it was by no means strong, and our men, under the captainship of Mr. John Anderson (who had played for Scotland in 1871), won a fairly easy victory. As it was found that the Rugby Union rules were played in all other parts of the colony, in 1876 it was finally decided to adopt them in Christchurch, though not without considerable opposition. About this time a strong club was organised in South Canterbury, comprising in its ranks such stalwart players as the Potts Brothers, F Barker, and Hamerton; and, under the leadership of Mr. A. St. G Hammersley (erstwhile captain of the English International Team), it played several exciting matches with Christchurch.

In return for the visit of the Auckland men, a team was sent North in 1876, and although its members were wanting in combined play and knowledge of the game, they were a strong and active lot. Mr. John Anderson was the captain, and although beaten in Auckland after an exciting contest, be led his men on to easy victories in Nelson and Wellington. In the following year the residents of Merivale got together a good fifteen, and played some even matches with the Christchurch Club. This year, too, Otago followed our example, and sent a team to Auckland, which played Christchurch on its way North. The local men were decidedly worsted, the superior training of the Southerners enabling them to score two tries in the last half-hour. The latter, too, were better up in the rules, and showed our men the important part passing takes in the Rugby Union games. It was now arranged to play annual interprovincial matches with Otago, and in 1878 a drawn game was played in Dunedin. neither side scoring. This contest took place in a howling sou'-westersou'wester, and consisted mainly of a succession of close-packed scrimmages. The Eastern Football Club sprang into existence about this date, but did not survive more than two seasons.

In 1879 the Canterbury Rugby Union was founded, at a meeting of representatives of the various Clubs in the Province, held at Timaru, and has ever since had the management of football affairs in Canterbury. This example has since been followed in Otago, Auckland, and Wellington.

Under the auspices of the Union, a football tournament took place in Christchurch, to which teams were sent from Otago and Wellington. Otago played a drawn match with Canterbury, but Wellington managed, after severe struggles, to inflict defeats on both.

The match in 1880, in Dunedin, was also drawn. In this year two clubs were started in Christchurch on the ruins of the Eastern Football Club, viz.—'The Ravens, who had but a brief existence, and the East Christchurch Football Club, which has gone on and prospered exceedingly, and now numbers on its member-roll considerably more players than any other club in Canterbury.

In 1881 the interprovincial match was played on the College ground, and resulted in a win for Otago by a goal and a try to nothing; and this was followed up in the next year by a still more crushing defeat. Our Southeru opponents had picked up the fast style of play, which had been recently introduced at Home, and its superiority over the old style was most conclusively proved by the score—five goals and three tries to nothing. From this time forth the fast game has been adopted through-out the colony, and the interest in football taken by the public has thereby been greatly increased. Profiting by the lesson taught them in this match, the Canterbury men set to work steadily to improve their play; and the good effect was shown, by the fine game they played against the New South Wales team, later on in the year. Though worsted, they certainly had the best of the game, especially towards the end; and it was only by the greatest good luck that their opponents were enabled to hold the advantage they had gained in the earlier part of the game.

In 1883 Canterbury's representatives were beaten in all their matches, but still showed that they were improving in their play. The game with Otago was played on Lancaster Park—which was then new and soft—in showers of rain and sleet. The ground got churned into a perfect pool of mud, and anything like good play was an impossi-bilityimpossibility. The Canterbury team which went to Wellington this year was very weak, several of our best men being unable to go, Nevertheless, Wellington only won by a try, and had none the best of the game. The match with Auckland was an exceedingly interesting one, as the two teams were fairly even, but played different styles of game; the visitors depending entirely on their back play, while the home team placed more reliance on the dribbling of the forwards. Canterbury scored in the first spell, but the superior condition of the Auckland men told in the end, and enabled them to win by a goal and a try to a try. In all three of the matches played in 1883, the most noticeable feature on the Canterbury side was the brilliant forward play of F. Archer, whose smart dashes and good collaring have set an example which has been invaluable to his fellow-players. Canterbury supplied four players for the team which had such a victorious career in New South Wales in 1884, viz.:— G H. N. Helmore, R. J. Wilson, E. B. Millton, and W. V. Millton, the latter of whom had the honour of captaining the team.

Last season, too, Canterbury at last scored a win over Otago. The number of clubs now playing in and around Christchurch, gave the selection committee ample material to pick from, and a team was chosen, consisting of a lot of smart forwards, who could dribble and collar well, and backs whose strong points were activity and good kicking. The game was played in Dunedin, on a lovely day, and the immense crowd of spectators showed the popularity of football, and the great interest taken in this particular match. In about five minutes from the start Francis cleverly dropped a goal from the field, and Otago were never able to beat this Score, although one try was obtained on their side. Our men's superiority in the smart collaring of the forwards, and the judicious kicking of the backs was particularly noticeable. Helmore played a splendid game for the winners.

This success is certain to do a vast amount of good to football in this province, and we think we can safely prophesy that it will be some years before we shall suffer such a reverse as that of 1882.

In this account of football in Christchurch we have necessarily had to chronicle, to a certain extent, the doings of the whole province, for the greater number of the interprovincial players are chosen from the town clubs.

In addition to the Christchurch, College, and East Christchurch Clubs already mentioned, numerous strong clubs have of late sprung into existence—notably the Sydenham and Merivale. To go further afield, there is the North Canterbury Club, which in the past season won pride of place in the district. This Club succeeded in beating all opponents, though it may be placed as about equal with the Christchurch, as the final match of the season between these two resulted in a drawn game, in which neither side could be said to have gained any advantage. The N.C.F.C. had beaten the C.F.C. in the first match, but the latter Club was unable to play nearly its full strength on this occasion. Next to these come the East Christchurch and the Sydenham, who are very much on a par, although the former had rather the best of it in the first trial of strength, between them, the return match being drawn.

As we said before, Christchurch is particularly well off for football grounds. The College have a fine dry and level ground, the soil of which is sandy, and never gets muddy. The C.F.C. used to play in Cranmer-square, but of late years have occupied the portion of the park on which the exhibition stood. A fine-new ground has lately been laid down for this Club in the North Park which is sure to prove dry and fast; and the Merivale have also laid out their field of play in the same locality. The East Christchurch F.C. has, we hear, rented Lancaster Park for the ensuing winter, and will have a splendid level turf to perform on; while the Sydenham Club have also a good ground of their own. With all these fine grounds, football is sure to go ahead. The equality and keen rivalry of the different leading clubs must develop plenty of good players, while the number of junior clubs springing up will keep up a continual supply of fresh, blood.

Within the last few months a gentleman, representing the football players of Victoria, has been taking a tour through. New Zealand, with a view to having established some universal code of football rules for Australasia; but though the attainment of this object is greatly to be desired, we are afraid that the differences of style between the Rugby Union and Victorian games are so radical, that it will be many years before any such code will be agreed upon. Rugby Union has taken such deep root in New Zealand, and the Victorians are so convinced of the superiority of their own rules, that it will prove extremely difficult to induce the players of either colony to sacrifice any of the cardinal points of their respectives games, and, without some such sacrifice, any amalgamation would be impossible.

The modifications which of late years have been made in the Rugby Union code, and the fast style of game now in vogue, have made the game infinitely more interesting to watch; and we have more spectators for our local matches than will turn up to see the contests between our cricket clubs. As we have once more placed ourselves on a par with Otago, the interprovincial games are certain to attract more attention than of yore, and we need have no doubts as to the future success and popularity of football in our city.

The Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club

Was started in 1880, with a list of 117 members; there are now 172 members on the list. The first meeting was held on the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in March, 1881. The Club holds a Challenge Cup, valued at 100 guineas, presented by the Ladies of Canterbury, for the competitor who wins most points at a meeting. The following are the names inscribed on the Cup at the present date:—

March, 1881.—A. S. Baker, 6 points.

October 1881.—F. W. Robinson, 10 points.

October 1882.—F. W. Robinson, 16 points.

October 1883.—F. W. Anderson, 8 points.

October 1884.—T. D. Harman, 4 points.

The winners of the Standard events are as follows:—

Standard, 10 2-5ths: 100 yards—March, 1881, F. W. Robinson, 11 2-5ths. October, 1881, J. L. Smith, 10 3-5ths. October, 1882, F. W. Robinson 11. October, 1883, C. H. Hamilton, 11 3-5ths. October, 1884, J. C. W. Grigg, 10 2-5ths. Standard, 12 3-5ths: 120 yards—October, 1881, W. J. Webb, 12½ (5 yds.). October, 1882, A. Templar, 12 4-5ths (6 yds.). October, 1883, C. H. Hamilton, 12 3-5th. October, 1884, G. H. Helmore, 12 3-5th (5 yds.). Standard, 54: 440 yds.—March, 1881, J. L. Smith, 55 2-5ths. October, 1881, J. L. Smith, 56. October, 1882, F. W. Robinson, 53 2-5ths. October, 1883, C. H. Hamilton, 55. October, 1884, E. R. Webb, 55 l-5th. Standard, 2-5: ½-rnile—March, 1881, A. S. Baker, 2 20 4-5ths. October, 1881, A. S. Baker, 2 15 4-5ths. October, 1882, F. W. Robinson, 2 11½. October, 1883, F. W. Anderson, 2 9 1.5th. October, 1884, A. H. Lees. Standard, 4-45: one mile—March, 1881, A. S. Baker, 5-1, October, 1881, A. S. Baker, 5. October, 1882, F. W. Anderson, 4 49 3-5ths. October 1883, J. W. T. Boys, 4 54 2-5ths. October, 1884, W. E. Mellish, 4-59. Standard, 17 2-5ths: 120 yds. (hurdles)—March, 1881, A. G. Sheath, 18½. October, 1881, F. W. Robinson, 20. October, 1882, C. Newton, 19 4-5ths, October, 1383, J. Roberts, 19 2-5ths. October, 1884, J. Roberts, 18 l-5th. Standard, 63: 440 yds. (hurdles)—October, 1882, F. W. Robinson, 66 3-5th. October, 1883, W. B. Craig, 72 2-5ths. Standard, 7-40: mile (walking)—March, 1881, H. C. Ford, 8 1 3-5ths. October, 1882, F. Archer, 7 32 3-5ths. October, 1883, F. A. Archer, 7 30 2-5ths. Standard, 20ft.: Long Jump—March, 1881, L. A. Hawkes, 18 ½|. October 1881, L. A. Hawkes, 18-7. October, 1882, F. W. Robinson, 18 6½. October, 1883, T. D, Harman, 19 5. October, 1884, T. D. Harman, 181. Standard, 5-5: High Jump—March, 1881, F. W. Robinson, 5 2½. October 1881, F. W. Robinson, 5. October, 1882, F. W. Robinson, 5 1. October, 1883, W. H. Newton and C. W. Bowen, 4 ll½. October, 1884, W. M. McDowall, 4-11. Standard, 9-6: Pole Jump—October, 1881, J. Partridge, 10ft. October, 1882, J. Partridge, 10ft. October, 1883, J. Partridge, 10ft. Standard, 33-6: Putting 161b. Shot—March, 1881, A. G. Sheath, 34-9. October, 1881, J. S. Smith, 31-8. October, 1882, J. S. Smith, 30 5½. October, 1884, B. M. Moorhouse, 32-0½. Standard, 80ft: Throwing Hammer—March, 1881, C. C. Corfe, 85-10. October, 1881, W. Willis, 92 0½. October, 1882, J. S. Smith, 79-2. J. F. Wachsman, 69. October, 1883, E. M. Boulton, 76 2½.

The programme always includes three events for the boys of Christ's College and High School; and a Challenge Cup is awarded to the school which wins two out of the three events.

The Club now holds its Annual Sports meeting in October, at Lancaster Park. As the cinder-path at the park is anything but a first-class track, the records cannot be expected to be very high. Very considerable interest is taken in the sports, entries being received from no less than forty-two members at the last meeting in October, 1884, besides the entries for the College Boys' Races and the Tug-of-War.

Racing.

Among the first amusements instituted in Canterbury—even when it was a very little settlement, numbering its settlers by the hundred, when horses (except of the strictly useful kind) were scarce, and when trained racers were unknown—was that of horse-racing. For sheer love of the sport owners pitted their hacks, and even their cart-horses, against each other for a spin. Trotting matches were fairly numerous, and if the pace was not wonderful, the fun was capital, and the racing “straight.” The Canterbury St. Ledger, of £1 each, with £10 added from the fund, open to all horses—on Easter Monday, 1852—and two other events, including a “cart-horse race for ten shillings each, with £6 5s. added from the fund, for horses-that have been regularly worked in harness during the last three months, owners to ride,” drew a good crowd of spectators on the occasion. “The course was levelled, and was roped in for the first time,” says a chronicler of the day, who further tells us that "two or three of the jockeys were in full racing costume.” A race ball at the Golden Fleece wound up the day's sport, and was kept up vigorously till four in the morning, about eighty ladies and gentlemen having responded to the invitation of four lady patronesses and a committee of twelve gentlemen. Among the list of names of those present we find the well-remembered ones of Godley, Simeon, Russell, Cookson, Wakefield, Westenra, Paul, Wortley, Bealey, Woolcombe, Creyke, Harman, Bowen, Muter, Townsend, Hamilton, Jacobs (our worthy and very rev. friend the present Dean), and many others, some of whom remain with us still to tell of those early days.

Of these very early days of racing in Canterbury, but incomplete records remain. In December, 1852, two days' racing in Hagley Park attracted a large concourse of spectators on the anniversary day and the Saturday following, the stewards being Messrs. Watts. Russell, E. J. Wakefield, W. Fendal, and Captain Harvey. A much improved course, 1 mile 150 yards in length, with a good start and finish, had been arranged, and on it Mr. Leach's Harkaway, Mr. Wakefield's Robin Hood, Hon. J. S. Wortley's Abd-el-Kader, Mr. Caverhill's Maid of the Mountains (ridden by our old friend Janaway), and Gartner and Ellis's John Heke, gained honours. They could race without betting in those days, and enjoy the fun. Somewhere about this time a Canterbury Jockey Club was first mooted. For a year or two Anniversary Day was the day for races, when a regularly drawn-up programme was put forth, and all the little et ceteras of a well-appointed meet were duly attended to. An occasional day's sport was also frequently arranged for other holidays, usual or special; and other places beyond Christchurch followed the lead, and had their own little meets, affording good sport.

An accident caused the race days to be altered from December to March. In 1854 the weather towards Anniversary Day was so wretched that the Jockey Club (just established) decided to postpone them till Easter Monday; and the change being found to be convenient, it was retained, leaving the old day to the full disposal of the Lyttelton boatmen, who speedily established their annual regatta.

November 1854 was an auspicious time for racing in Canterbury. On one Saturday in that month, after a market dinner in Christchurch, a few choice spirits held a meeting—either in the White Hart or the Golden Fleece, which, the chroniclers do not say—and on the motion of Mr. E. J. Wakefield, seconded by Mr. I. T. Cookson, decided to form the Canterbury Jockey Club. The subscription was fixed at one guinea, with an entrance fee of a similar amount; and all those who chose to subscribe prior to December 2nd, 1854, were admitted as members The races on Easter Monday, 1855, were the first run in Canterbury under the auspices of this Club. Prior to this the rules of the Wellington Jockey Club had been those under which our little events were pulled off. The Club soon made its existence felt beneficially. The course, which before had been a ring in Hagley Park, almost untouched, was levelled, roped in, and kept in fair order. A plan of that old course would show us that our gallants and ladies fair, when doing Rotten Bow on a fine afternoon, are cantering very nearly over the same ground on which our early jockeys won their laurels in their gaily-coloured silks and satins. The winning-post was about where the Riccarton Hotel—erstwhile the Plough Inn—now stands, the "straight" home being about where the road round the park now runs from the mill to the hotel. But in 1858 the Provincial Council passed "The Racecourse Reserve Ordinance," whereby the present ground at Riccarton—a little over 300 acres—was reserved as a public recreation ground, and leased for twenty-five years to the President (for the time being) of the Canterbury Jockey Club, for the purposes of a race-course, at a rental of £15 per annum. By that Ordinance, while a charge could be made for admitting horses and vehicles into the ground, foot passengers were admitted free; but a later Ordinance—the only one, if we remember rightly, which Mr. J. D. Lance had the honour of originating—amended this state of things, and authorised a charge for them also.

For several years racing matters in Canterbury gradually grew more important, till in 1865 a Champion Race of 1000 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 50 sovs., 3 miles, was inaugurated, for which. Stormbird, Lady Bird, Miss Lee, Otto, and six others, competed, Ladybird winning easily; time, 5 min, 56 sees., being within a second of the Otago champion. This year Mr. Creyke retired from the active duties of treasurership of the Jockey Club, having done more than any other man to establish racing on a sound footing in the province. When he first took office the whole machinery of the Club was in confusion, and affairs were at the lowest ebb. To his exertions were due the revival of racing. Entering office with a bankrupt exchequer, he left the Club in a prosperous condition, after having built a grand stand—then unrivalled in New Zealand—and inaugurated the first Champion meeting held in Canterbury.

In 1866 the January races were announced as "The New Zealand Metropolitan Meeting," and the total amount of added money for the three days' events was £2300. The "Champion" was not on the programme, but the "Canterbury Cup" was increased to 1000 sovs. The winner, Belle of the Isle, was Canterbury bred, and trained by Mr. Webb, near Christchurch, for her owner, Mr. W. H. Harris, who also owned Stormbird, that ran second for this event. It must be remembered that at this time Canterbury and Nelson were the two principal racing provinces, and that it was an ordinary thing for the studs owned in the one province one year to be transferred by purchase in the next to the other. But Belle of the Isle was a thorough Canterbury filly, her sire (Malton) having been imported by her owner.

By this time races had been established in many parts of the province. Kajapoi had long had its capital little meets; Timaru events had become important; and Akaroa, Amuri, and several other places, put out good programmes that attracted the local horses and public.

In 1868 the value of the Canterbury Cup was reduced to 500 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 25 sovs. Mr. Studholme's Knottingley was the winner, Mr. Mallock's Backbiter taking second honours. In 1869 the Club, feeling the effect of the bad times that were crippling every settler, had again to reduce the value of the Cup to 300 sovs., with a sweepstakes of 20 sovs.; but the event was as splendid a race has had hitherto been run in New Zealand. Manuka, Knottingley, and Magenta faced the starter, and reached the winning-post in-the order we have given. Time, 5 min. 42 secs. This is the first time the Cup went out of Canterbury since the race was established, but no one grudged Mr. Redwood his success. It is noteworthy that the time was only five seconds longer than the Barb took to travel over the same distance in Melbourne two years previously—a performance then considered wonderful.

In 1871 the time for holding the Metropolitan Meeting was changed from January to November—the month in which it still is held. The Cup this year was contested for by only two horses, although the distance was reduced to 2½ miles. Mr. Redwood's ch.m. Peeress, and Mr, Studholme's Knottingley made a splendid race of it, resulting in a dead heat; but when it was run off the mare knocked the old horse out of time, although he made a game struggle to the end.

1872, the first year that Mr. S. Nosworthy's Lurline won the Cup, Mr. P. Campbell's Tambourine running second, was the one when the ladies' lawn, in front of the grand stand, was laid down, planted, and fenced. The following year Lurline again carried off the Cup, Mr. Redwood's Papapa taking second place. This year the Derby, won by Papapa, was done in the shortest time hitherto recorded, viz., 2min. 46secs.

Since 1873 matters have gone very smoothly as regards racing in Christchurch. The Metropolitan Meeting is still held in November, and is well supported and largely attended. The Club acts very liberally, the added money at the last amounting to £4300 for the three days' events. The Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap, established in 1866, and numbering as its winners Nourmabal, Magenta, Flying Jib, Mainsail, Knottingley, Peeress, Detractor, Kakapo, Tambourine, Nectar, Guy Faux, Mata, Maritana, Chancellor, Le Troup, Grip, and Welcome Jack, was, after a life of eighteen years, merged, into "The New Zealand Cup," a handicap sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, with 1000 sovs. added, and has been won by Tasman and Vanguard. The Derby Stakes, established in 1861, has been made a 500 sov. race, and the Canterbury Cap has been made again a sweepstakes of 20 sovs, with 500 sovs. added. Eight of the winners of this claim Traducer for their sire; three, The Peer; while Malton, Towton, Scud, Sledmere, Ravensworth, and Dainty Ariel, produced the others.

The Autumn Meeting of the Christchurch Jockey Club has al o become very popular; the Great Autumn Handicap, a sweepstakes of 10 sovs., with 300 sovs. added; and the Champagne Stakes, a sweep., with 250 sovs. added, having both attracted good horses. The added money at these meets ranges about £1200. Besides these there are Plumpton Park races, and meets at Heathcote and New Brighton, so that residents in Christchurch and the neighbourhood—who either like the sport for itself, or as an excuse for a day's outing—have every chance of gratifying their taste at almost any season of the year, and in almost any suburb of the city. The Canterbury Jockey Club is now a power in the racing world of the Australasias, and includes many men of high standing. Mr. Penfold is the Secretary.

Chess.

Clubs for the practice of this game have been in existence for many years. So far back as twenty years ago a club was established which, after an intermittent kind of life, expired from inanition. The present Club was practically formed about ten years ago. It meets in the rooms of the Philosophical Institute, at the Public Library, every Tuesday and Friday evening. The roll of members numbers about fifty, and the average attendance is from eighteen to twenty each evening. Admission is by ballot, and the subscription is ten shillings per annum. Two or three handicap tourneys are held every year; also interprovincial matches with the Wellington and Dunedin Clubs, in which hitherto Christchurch has been able, at least, to do more than hold its own. In 1879 a New Zealand chess tourney was held in Christchurch, the old Provincial Council Hall being lent for the purpose. About ten of the best players in the colony attended, and it evoked considerable interest. The prizes were £50, £20 and £10, to be taken either in money or trophies. The first was won by Mr. Hook ham (Christchurch), the second by Mr. D. R. Hay (Dunedin), and the third by Mr. P. F. Jacobsen (Christchurch). The Club is numerically stronger than any other similar one in the colony, if not in the Australias. The President is Mr. H. Hookham; the vice-President, Mr. P. F. Jacobsen; the Secretary, Mr. Howard; and the Treasurer, Mr. W. A. Smith.

Cycling.

Bicycles and tricycles are numerous now in Christchurch, and, as may be expected, the riders have formed themselves into clubs, of which there are now two—the Pioneer and the Christchurch, both with a considerable number of members. Opportunities are taken of the public holidays to get up races, both local and interprovincial, and the members meet for runs in the country about for miles on Saturdays.

Music and the Drama.

As regards these amusements Christchurch is very well supplied. In another place, under the head of “Societies,” we have referred to the Christchurch Musical Society. Besides this, we have four or five good brass bands, which are always ready to afford entertainment. The visits of professional musical talent to our city are neither few nor far between; none of any note thinking arrangements for New Zealand complete that do not include Christchurch. The same may be said of the drama. We have two theatres and several halls, and it is very rarely that one or more of them are not occupied by some company of local talent or European reputation.

Cricket.

Canterbury is particularly adapted for those who wish to indulge in this fine old English game. Plenty of level land and good grass-growing soil supply every requisite required to make a fine cricket ground. For some years now players have had one or more good grounds to play upon, and a short history of the game and play—more especially of the early days—in this Provincial District, may not therefore be uninteresting.

The first match was played in Hagley Park, at the end of March, 1852, between the married and single, which resulted in a win for the Benedicts. Afterwards, £30 was collected towards making a ground. To give our readers some idea of the difficulties under which the game was played, a few lines about the nature of the country in those days may not be amiss. Christchurch was situated in a swamp. Flax and native tussock were in abundance, and a spade rather than a scythe had to be used to prepare a wicket. There were no English grass paddocks for some few years after the date we have mentioned. It was necessary to pare off the native tussock, and after some little trouble a pitch was obtained sufficiently level. It was upon such wickets as this that the first games were played. The first club —the Christchurch Cricket Club—was formed in 1852, and played their first matches in the season of 1852.3. They were two games with the working men, and resulted in a win for the Club on both occasions. They were played in Hagley Park, opposite the College grounds. For some two or three years occasional games were played, and then the Club became defunct.

It was not until 1858 that the game was revived and put upon a more permanent basis; in fact, this really may be called the commencement of cricket in Canterbury, as, after tins date, it has been carried on season after season until the present date. It is curious what small things lead to big results, and the revival of the game in Christchurch arose from one of these small incidents. Some short time after his arrival in the colony Mr. George Turner, the veteran who now stands umpire in some of our local matches, saw some one in Cathedral-square with a bat in his hand. He hailed him with delight, and in the course of conversation with the stranger, who he found was Mr. William Hobbs (father of Mr. Fred. Hobbs, of Christchurch), known then and afterwards as "Bill" Hobbs, he discovered that a Mr. George Dickinson—better known in these days as "Old Dickinson"—possessed another bat. No sooner was this information obtained than he trudged off to St. Albans, through the flax and swamp, to unearth this treasure. Having ascertained the fact, Mr. Turner inserted an advertisement in the Lyttelton Times, calling a meeting, and, in response, fourteen or fifteen colonists attended. At this meeting the Albion Club was formed, being called after one of the same name in England, with which Mr. Turner used to play. The enthusiastic promoter was appointed Secretary, and for all but the last year of its existence held that office. The scene of its play was Latimer-squareLatimersquare, which was ploughed up and sown down for the purpose. It was never a good ground, but in those days the batsmen were not so particular, and received their knocks without a murmur. The formation of this Club was soon followed by another, called the Avonside, which played in the late Mr. W. G. Brittan's paddock, at Avonside, just below Ward's brewery. The first inter-club match was played on this ground on February 17th and 18th, 1859, and resulted in a win for the Avonside by 59 runs. There was a large number of spectators, as a cricket match was an important event, and the early colonists were always fond of a day's sport. This being the first club match played in Christchurch we give the score to show who were our principal players:—

Avonside First Innings.   J. C. Veel, l.b.w., b. Dickinson 5   G. Miles, b. J. Marshall 2   A. C. Croft, b. J. Marshall 0   E. F. B. Harston, c. Turner, b. Dickinson 3   W. H. Dawe, c. R., b. J. Marshall 25   J. Longden, b. R. Marshall 6   F. E. Stewart, c. J., b. R. Marshall 18   G. Palairet, c. Green, b. Dickinson 0   A. Blakiston, c. Turner, b. Dickinson 1   T. Henley, not out 0   S. S. Field, b. R. Marshall 0   Wides, 6; byes, 6 12 72 Second Innings. J. C. Veel, b. Merton 6 G. Miles, c. Auckland, b. Dickinson 10 A. C. Croft, b. Merton 2 E. F. B. Harston, l.b.w., b. Bargrove 11 W. H. Dawe, c. Auckland, b. Dickinson 14 J. Longden, not out, 0 F. E. Stewart, b. Merton 30 G. Palairet, l.b.w., b. Merton 5 A. Blakiston, b. Dickinson 3 T. Henley, b. Dickinson 13 S. S. Field, b. Bargrove 0 Wides, 3; byes, 19; leg byes, 6 28 122

AlbionFirst Innings.   J. Auckland, b. Croft 11   J. Marshall, l.b.w., b. Blakiston 0   R. Marshall, b. Croft 0   H. Green, b. Croft 9   G. Turner, run out 2   J. Bargrove. b. Croft 1   C. Merton, run out 14   G. Ford, b. Croft 0   F. Slee, not out 5   G. Dickinson, b. Croft 5   J. Wood, run out 8   Wides, 4; byes, 23; leg byes, 3 80 85

Second Innings. J. Auckland, run out 3 J. Marshall, c. Stewart, b. Croft 2 R. Marshall, b. Dawe 17 H. Green, b. Dawe 2 G. Turner, not out 0 J. Bargrove. c. and b. Croft 0 C. Merton, absent 0 G. Ford, absent 0 F. Slee, c. Stewart, b. Dawe 4 G. Dickinson, b. Croft 3 J. Wood, absent 0 Wides, 9; byes, 9; no ball, 1 19 50

The return match was played in March, at Hagley Park, when the Albion won by five wickets. About this time these matches were made the occasion of much enjoyment. There were no pavilions, so large tents were erected for the use of the cricketers and for luncheon. A band played in the afternoon, and everyone went to see the game. These two Clubs kept up a wholesome rivalry until 1861, when the Canterbury Club was formed, which included most of the members of the Avonside. This year the ground up by Dilloway's was used, and a pavilion built by private subscription. A grand match was got up to celebrate the Anniversary of the Province, between the Town and Country. The Town, chiefly by the aid of Mr. B. Parkerson, who made 48, scored an easy victory. This score was the highest, individual total made in a match up to that date, and was looked upon as a great performance.

About this time the goldfields in Otago and Nelson attracted a number of visitors, some of whom were good cricketers; but their assistance was only transitory. Club matches kept the game alive, and it was very amusing, when any ship arrived in Lyttelton, to see the rival representatives of the two Clubs looking after recruits. A new bowler was "kept dark," and none of the opposition Club were allowed to see him bowl. In those days you knew everyone, and the Club matches were the occasion of many a gay gathering. Of course, the friends of the respective Clubs were much interested in the game, and it was truly a pleasant meeting, and one which will never be forgotten by those who took part in them. About 1863-4 another club was formed, which received the name of the first one, viz., the Christchurch Cricket Club. It was composed mostly of young players who could not afford the entrance fee and subscription to the Canterbury, which was looked upon as the "Swell" Club. They used to play in a paddock behind what was then known as "Kohler's Gardens," just beyond the West Christchurch School, on the Lincoln-road; but after this ground being required for other purposes, application was made to the Provincial Government of the day for the use of ground in Hagley Park. The result of this was that ten acres were allotted to each of the three Clubs; and on most of the maps of the city these are shown. The Christchurch Club were the first to move in the matter of forming their ground. This was in 1865; but we are passing one of the greatest events which occurred in connection with the game. In 1863-4 Messrs. Kissling and James Fulton, of Otago; and Messrs. H. P. Lance and E. C. J. Stevens, of this province, were chiefly instrumental in establishing the inter-provincial matches which up to the present season have been played annually—alternately in each town. We can recollect quite well the first Canterbury Eleven going South. The oval upon which the match was played that year, and for some seasons afterwards, had been newly turfed, and during the game Mr. Sale, while batting, hit the ground and knocked a large piece of turf out, which, of course, had to be replaced. As few people know anything about this match, the score may not be uninteresting. Mr. H. P. Lance acted as Captain for Canterbury, and Mr. James Fulton, for Otago:—

Otago. First Innings. Second Innings. C. Morris, c. Powys, b. Stevens 1 run out 2 J. Jacomb, l.b.w., b, Taylor 0 b. Dickinson 2 C. Mace, b. Stevens 1 b. Stevens 0 J. H. Hope, b. Stevens 3 c. Dickinson, b. Tennant 17 J. Redfern, b. Taylor 14 c. Murison (subs), b. Stevens 13 J. MacDonald, b. Taylor 0 b. Tennant 12 J. Fulton (capt.), not out 25 b. Taylor 1 J. Mace, c. Bennett, b. Taylor 1 b. Dickinson 8 B. Couldstock, c. Murison (subs.), b. Taylor 2 b. Dickinson 0 G. K. Turton, c. Bennett, b. Dickinson 7 not out 0 H. D. Maddock, c. Dickinson, b. Taylor 10 c Stevens, b. Taylor 4 Extras 14 Extras 12 78 74

Canterbury. First Innings. Second Innings. W. C. Wilson, run out 2 b. MacDonald 1 A. L. Powys, b. MacDonald 1 c. Hope, b. MacDonald 0 A. E. Tennant, b. MacDonald 1 c. Redfern, b. MacDonald 3 H. P. Lance (capt.), c. Jacomb, b. J. Mace 3 C. Redfern, b. J. Mace 0 E. C. J. Stevens, run out 5 b. J. Mace 0 G. S. Sale, c. MacDonald, b J. Mace 0 not out 15 J. H. Bennett, l.b.w., b. Macdonald 5 c. Fulton, b. J. Mace 5 H. Mytton, b. J. Mace 7 c. Fulton, b. J. Mace 3 J. W. Stevens, not out 3 b. MacDonald 6 G. Dickinson, c. Hope, b. J. Mace 2 c. Hope, b. MacDonald 0 R. Taylor, b. MacDonald 1 c. J. Mace, b. MacDonald 5 Extras 2 Extras 5 34 42

Mr. Tennant, who played in this match, was one of the best cricketers the province ever had; as, besides being a grand batsman, he was a magnificent field and good fast bowler. He now resides on the West Coast. At this time bowling over the shoulder was not in general practice. Mr. E. C. J. Stevens, when he arrived from England, where it had just been allowed, was "no balled" for bowling over the shoulder, and gave it up in consequence. Since then he has never been able to recover his lost art. He was very destructive, which was perhaps some reason for his being "no balled." The Stevens who bowled in the above match was J. W. Stevens. Mr. H. P. Lance is still in Canterbury, and Mr. Geo. Dickinson can always be found on the ground when an important match is being played. Mr. G S. Sale is now a professor in Otago, and Bob Taylor we occasionally see in town. It was in this year that Mr. Jones, of Otago, brought "Parr's" All-England Eleven over to New Zealand, and a combined match.—Otago and Canterbury—was played after the Interprovincial. Parr's Eleven played a twenty-two of Canterbury on the ground near Dilloway's Plough Inn. Canterbury made 30 in the first innings, but thanks to the splendid play of A. E. Tennant, who scored 28, the total reached 105. W. C. Wilson made 12, and T. R. Moore, then a College boy, contributed 10. Parr's Eleven made 137 in the first innings, and won the match by an innings and two runs.

The following year Canterbury turned the tables upon Otago, and won the match by four wickets. It was in this year (1864) that A. R. Bloxham, E. S. Harley, and W. P. Cowlishaw first played for Canterbury. In 1865 local matches became more frequent, but it was not until 1867-8 season that any great improvement took place in this respect. In the meantime the Christchurch Club had commenced the formation of their ground, and the Canterbury Club finding it difficult to raise funds for making theirs, an arrangement was made by which these two Clubs united, and thus came the United Canterbury Cricket Club. The formation of the old Hagley Park ground was not completed until the autumn of 1866, but owing to the very dry spring play did not commence on the ground until the end of November or beginning of December. Our cricketers, consequently, obtained very little practice, and suffered a severe defeat at the hands of our Otago friends. In fact, this was the worst defeat Canterbury has ever suffered from Otago—one innings and 37 runs. A. L. Parry was captain of the Canterbury Eleven for the second time. In this match A. J. Cotterill—brother to the Cotterills playing now—played in his second interprovincial match, having well earned his place in the previous contest in Dunedin by making 17 in the second innings. He and A. Ollivier, who played for the first time, showed good form. This was the first time T. R. Moore played in these interprovincial matches.

In the following year the Albion Club was revived, a monster gathering being held in Latimer-square, at which all the spectators received a free lunch. The cricket on this occasion was not of the highest order. Some good matches were played with the United Club with varying success; but owing to the want of a good ground the old Albion Club languished, and eventually became defunct, after an honourable existence of many years.

Cricket, in 1867-8, improved very much under the active exertions of the Secretary of the United, Mr. F. M. Ollivier, and in this year there was a veritable Canterbury week, three two-day matches being played during Christmas week. Although the Canterbury players improved, Otago were too much for them in the field at this time, as they received such numerous assistance from visitors who were attracted by the gold diggings. In 1868-9 was played the memorable drawn match between Otago and Canterbury, the latter having 17 runs to get and three wickets to fall. In this match A. J. Cotterill made the splendid score of 72. The following season, 1869-70, was the last that the Albion Club appeared in the field; and in the following year, in order to secure that wholesome rivalry which is so beneficial to all games, Messrs. E. S. Harley and E. Fowler (a celebrated Victorian player, who had come to Canterbury in 1868), established a new club, which for the third time received the name of Christchurch, but some years afterwards the name was altered to "Midland." The Ellesmere Club also flourished at this time, and between the three, frequent matches were played.

In 1870-1 Canterbury, as if to make up for a series of defeats at the hands of Otago, had a full revenge by this year scoring a one-innings victory, with 29 runs to spare. Besides several of the old players, Messrs. G. H. Lee, C. S. Odell, C. Perry, and H. H. Loughnan, helped materially to achieve this result. In this year a presentation was made to William Guise Brittan, as a memento of the support he had always rendered the game, more especially in the early days of the settlement. The clock, which formed the presentation, was inscribed, "Presented to William Guise Brittan, by the Cricketers of Canterbury, N.Z., February 16th, 1871." For some seasons the regular Saturday afternoon matches had been established, and have been continued until the present time. Canterbury, thanks to the fine batting of Messrs. G. Savill (58), who played for the first time; and E. Fowler (40), again scored an easy victory over their old opponents.

Shaw's All England Eleven visited the colonies in 1876-7, and the match with our local cricketers resulted in a win for England by 24 runs.

The following year the first Australian Eleven commenced their tour of the colonies, prior to going to England. After being successful in all their previous matches, they suffered their first defeat in Christchurch, at the hands of our local fifteen. The scores were—Australia, first innings, 46; second innings, 143. Total, 189. Canterbury Fifteen—first innings, 135; and second innings (for eight wickets), 57. Total, 192. In 1878-9 Canterbury sent an Eleven to Victoria, when they played six matches, winning three against East Melbourne, Ballarat, and Richmond; and losing three against Melbourne, South Melbourne, and Bohemians. Upon their return they played an afternoon's match at Tasmania, which resulted in favour of Tasmania by a few runs. Only one innings each was played. In 1881 another Australian Eleven visited New Zealand, their main object being to revenge the defeat of the first team by Canterbury. On this occasion they made ample amends for their previous failure by winning the match in one innings and 100 runs to spare. This result was in a great measure due to W. L. Murdoch, who played a grand innings for 111. Australia —first innings, 323. Canterbury Fifteen—90-133. Total, 223. Several matches have been played with Auckland, the first taking place in 1873, when the Northern team defeated our local players by seven runs. Since then four other matches have been played, of which our local cricketers have won three. The interprovincial matches with Otago have continued year after year without intermission, and, in all, twenty-two matches have been played with the following result:—Canterbury won thirteen, Otago won eight, and one was drawn. About five years ago the Addington Club started, and promises to become one of our leading clubs.

In 1884 Tasmania sent an Eleven over, and played two very exciting matches with Canterbury. The first they lost by one wicket, and the next by six runs.

Shaw again brought an English Eleven to Canterbury in 1882, but owing to bad weather the match was not played out, although the result would have been an easy win for the visiting team. In 1880 the first steps were taken to obtain a freehold ground for cricket purposes, and to Mr. A. Morton Ollivier is due the credit of having secured to Canterbury such a ground as Lancaster Park. The total area is nearly eleven acres, and with the buildings and formation, cost a little over £7000.

In 1881 this ground was used for the first time, and now all the principal matches are played there. Cup matches were instituted in the season 1882-3, and, so far, have proved a great success. The benefit derived by the first Eleven, has this year been extended to the second Eleven, and now there is a Junior as well as a Senior Cup. The winning club hold it for the year, and have their name engraved upon it.

The management of the game is in the hands of an Associa-tionAssociation formed of all members of clubs subscribing to its rules and regulations.

Speaking of cricket generally, the play improved very fast from the time that the present Hagley Park was formed up to 1879; after which, through the loss of a number of the best players, it fell off very much; but this year it has again improved, and but for the untimely death of Mr. Geo. Watson, the Canterbury Eleven would have been as formidable as any that have been put in the field. With two fine grounds the game is sure to progress, and in a few years a player will have to be good indeed to represent Canterbury in the Eleven.

Coursing.

This favourite amusement in the Old Country has the last few years taken root here, and several districts in Canterbury have their coursing clubs, while private owners have their aristocratic dogs, claiming noble descent. The lead in the sport was taken by Christchurch gentlemen, who formed a club and enclosed the Plumpton Park, with all the requisites for breeding hares, and the grounds for coursing them. Meetings are held at intervals, which are well attended, and at which some capital sport is afforded. Last year the Plumpton Park Company enlarged the sphere of its operations and formed a racecourse upon which already some very fair horse-racing has been held. The Secretary of the Club is Mr. W. E. Walker.

Any account of the amusements of Christchurch would be incomplete without some reference to the Horticultural Shows held in the city and in the suburbs. In this matter, as in many others, Christchurch has led the way, the first show having been held when the settlement was only a few months old. Since then they have been pretty regularly opened. For many years the Christchurch Horticultural Society has been in existence, and has done good work in encouraging attention to this most beautiful occupation. The exhibitions held under it have been generally of a high order; and, latterly, have rivalled those to be seen in many English provincial towns of far greater pretensions than ours. As the suburbs have increased, societies have sprung up in them, notably—in Addington, Papanui, and Merivale. Juvenile clubs have also been formed, the Foresters Juvenile in particular having achieved a very fair amount of success. To the influence of these societies Christchurch and its neighbourhood owes its chief beauties, having probably, for its size and age, more gardens—from that of the cottage to those attached to the houses of the richer classes—displaying greater wealth of bloom and colour than any other city in the colony.

Beyond comparison, the grounds of the professional gardeners in and about our city, surpass those to be seen elsewhere in New Zealand as regards size, cultivation, and the quality of the plants. No visitor to Christchurch should fail to inspect them. A brief description of some of them will be interesting to our readers, and we give it below. The Public Gardens, situated in the Park, we have already described.

Mr. Abbott's Nursery.

It is now twenty-four years since Mr. Abbott formed his first nursery in Canterbury. He arrived in Christchurch in 1858, and having set to work within a very few months, is now the oldest nurseryman in the district. He has two grounds, the one situated on the Papanui-road—a conspicuous spot, which the passer-by cannot fail to notice—about 14 acres in extent, 8½ of which is in cultivation; and the other at Shirley Cross, two miles distant, containing nine acres.

One covers, as we have said, 8½ acres, and contain two greenhouses each 50 feet long, and one propagating and hothouse, also 50 feet long, all three heated by means of about 700 feet of hot water piping laid on; a fernery 36 feet long, a dozen or so of skeleton frames for raising young plants in, besides large shrubberies and plantations. The St. Albans creek runs through the grounds, feeding a pond filled with various kinds of water-lilies and other beautiful aquatic plants, of which Mr. Abbott has a large quantity to dispose of.

Entering from the Papanui-road by the double iron gates, the visitor finds himself in a long avenue fifty feet wide, flanked on either side by shrubberies of specimen shrubs and trees, including the Cedrus Deodara, Cryptomeria elegans, Retonospora leptoclada, R. plumosa, R. squarrosa, Libo-cedrus decurrens, Arbutus Croomi, A. Andrachne, A. Canariensis, Picea pinsapo, P. amabilis, P. Nordmaniana, P. cephalonica, P. Webbiana, and other beautiful shrubs, some of them of most exquisite foliage. People wishing to purchase can see for themselves how certain shrubs grow and thrive, and can select those which they think most suitable to their gardens. On the left of this avenue are three large rose beds, divided by broad grass walks, containing many thousand plants of over two hundred varieties, in which Mr. Abbott does a large wholesale trade. There are also several other beds filled with general nursery stock, and one very large bed of fine arbutus plants. On the right are several beds, divided by grass-walks, containing many thousands of beautiful coniferæ and choice hybrid-named rhododendrons, of which there are here shown over one hundred and twenty varieties. As you near the house there are other beds filled with choice kinds of flowering and evergreen shrubs, and herbaceous and flowering plants of all descriptions. Again, turning to the right, are five acres, subdivided by grass and other small walks, into beds filled with all kinds of coniferous, fruit, and forest trees. On the left of the avenue are the greenhouses. In the first one the display of many-coloured bloom is gorgeous. Primula sinensis, cyclamens –including the cyclamen gigantia—camelias, geraniums, cineraria, echeveria (which flowers the whole winter through), tuberous-rooted Begonia, of recent introduction, of which there are great numbers of gorgeous blooming plants; Salvia verchaffelti, which also flowers all through the winter; and Kennedya Baumanii, a recent introduction, flowering very freely, the bloom being tinted a most peculiar shade of red. These are only a few of the plants which are thriving in this greenhouse. The stock is immense, and any visitor with a small purse would need all his philosophy not to indulge, when looking at them, in naughty envy. It should be mentioned that, Mr. Abbott being an enthusiast over ferns, every available space under the stages of the greenhouses is filled with these lovely plants, of which he sends large quantities out of the colony.

The second greenhouse is also rich in colour, and is a sight worth seeing. Heaths and azaleas abound, and the beautiful Daphne Indica odora rubra has several representatives here. There is a very large collection of show and tricolour pelargoniums; the Abutilons, in great variety of colour; the Primula —some double and new colours—and a large stock of young bedding plants coming on, including geraniums, verbenas, calceolaria, lobelia, &c.

The propagating and hot-house is next shown us. Here are tropical ferns in great variety. Among them are to be noticed Adiantum Farleyense, A. Mooreii, A. Peruvianum, A. Concinum, A. magnifica, A. Nobilis, and at least twenty other varieties of this select plant. Ferns and lycopodiums, in baskets, are suspended from the roof. There is a large collection of fine foliage and variegated plants, and a large number of new roses, propagated from importations, received a few weeks since. New pelargoniums, including all the newest and best varieties of Regals, are to be seen; also, about thirty varieties of orchids, and a new introduction here, the Aphelexis Macrantha Purpurea. A new gold fern, Gymnogranum Peruviana, in splendid condition, has several representatives here, and they are perfect gems.

In the propagating pits are immense numbers of varieties of coniferæ and hardy shrubs, variegated pines and cypress. One of these pits contains half a thousand rhododendrons, newly grafted from a large number of varieties very recently imported from England, and which has been a complete success.

The fernery, one of the most beautiful spots in the nursery, is the largest in the district. It is 36 feet long and 12 feet wide, and built of corrugated iron, of which, however, not a vestige can be seen inside, a splendid imitation of the natural habitat of the fern being made with refuse from the pottery works, lightly covered in parts with mould. In this Mr. Abbott has planted his tree and other ferns, and they thrive splendidly. Altogether they include a very large proportion of the entire list of known ferns, and the visitor has here the treat of seeing the most complete collection of varieties of exotics and others to be found in this colony, Mr. Abbott having had collectors at work for him, for some time past, in several parts of the colonies. They include Leptopteres superba, Onychicum Japonicum, Todea Africana, Seolapendrum (many varieties), and several are his own seedlings; the Adiantum cuneatum, A. gracilimum, A. formosum, A. pedatum, A. fulvum, A. hispidulum, the old English maidenhair (capelus venerus), Gleichenia flabelata, G. Cunniughami, G. dicarpa, G. Circinata, Marattia fraxinea, M. Salicena (these two last from the Rotomahana, Hot Springs), Lastrea felix mas Cristata, and a Nephrodium molle corymbiferum.

At the back of the house, on the east side of the creek, the ground is covered with flowering shrubs, rhododendrons, lauristinas, carnations, and picotees, of which there is an immense collection, and some skeleton frames for raising young conifers, &c. The Shirley Cross Nursery, covering, as we have said, a space of niue acres, is devoted to general nursery stock, including many thousands of fruit trees. There are over a hundred varieties of apples—a great many thousands in all—and all grafted on the blight-proof stock.