Athletic Sports.

The Jubilee festivities were concluded today, when the athletic sports for the officers and men of the squadron, the members of Friendly Societies, and local amateurs, were held in the Domain Cricket Ground. Beautifully fine weather prevailed. The demonstration was in every respect a success beyond the highest expectations of its promoters. There was present the greatest concourse of people ever seen in the Auckland Domain, and it is estimated that the attendance exceeded in numbers that at any fete previously held in New Zealand. Looked at from a point on the low ground opposite the pavilion, the spectacle was a very impressive one. The centre of the picture was the beautiful green carpet of well-kept grass, at the outside of which was the racing track completely bounded by thousands of the populace. On the slope at the southern end of the ground there overlooked the field an immense throng, so deep that those in the rear were lost to view against the high trees growing in a long line on the side of the hill, and forming a most appropriate background to the animated scene; and in the immediate centre of this serried mass was the pavilion, its front almost hidden by the numbers of people crowded onthe verandah and stairway. The cool and pleasant shade given by the belt of pines was gratefully claimed by many other thousands, whilst the high hill at the north-eastern corner of the field had also fringes of humanity, as well as knots of people dotted here and there, and onthe flat there were great numbers, many of them standing under a canopy formed by innumerabl a umbrellas used as sunshades. The scene was one which in itself fitly celebrated the Jubilee. It is estimated that about 20,000 people were present, and the good order which they observed was a striking feature.

At about 3.15 p.m. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand and party arrived at the Domain gates. There were with Lord Onslow, Rear-Admiral Lord Charles Scott, Lord Carrington, Sir John and Lady Thurston, Miss Thurston, Captain Savile, Captain Trench, Hon. D'Arcy and Mrs. Lambton, Captain Barlow (H.M.s. Orlando). Messrs. Meysey-Thompson, Fitzgerald, and Pullen. The party were received at the entrance to the ground by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. Ii. Upton), Mr. Devore (President of the Jubilee Committee), and the members of the Entertainment Committee, and were escorted to the pavilion. Here they were met by Mrs. Upton (the Mayoress), Mrs. A. Devore, and Mr. J Coates (president of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club). Seats had been reserved on the pavilion for the visitors, who were presented with programmes of the sports, beautifully printed on satin. A choice luncheon was provided for the party by Mr. M. Gallagher, Imperial Hotel. Lord Onslow expressed himself charmed with the beauty of the Domain and the surroundings, and agreeably surprised at witnessing the many thousands of well dressed and orderly people. His Excellency and party, with the exception of Lord Carrington, left the ground about five o'clock, not waiting for the Maori war dance, as they had seen it that day at Orakei. Lord Carrington, however, remained until the close of the sports, and watched the dance with much interest; and at its close he asked Mr. Porter to convey to the Maoris a message from him to the effect that he was much impressed with their noble bearing and good behaviour, and that he thanked them for their performance.

The meeting was under the managements the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, and the arrangements were of the most complete character. The racing ground was marked off with a post and wire fence, in order to prevent encroachment by the public, and all the races were started punctually to time. Special praise must be given to Messrs. J. Halyday, A H. Cotter, T. F. Upfill, H. H. Davy, and P. Edwards, and the judges, Messrs. R.Garrett J. F. Logan, and Coupland. The starting by Mr. Edwards was excellent, and Mr. J. E. Cooke, who was time-keeper, was indefatigable in the duties of his office. The committee, in conducting the sports in which the men of the squadron took part, were assisted by a committee comprising Captain Barlow, Lieutenants Lambton, Tyrwhitt, and Risk, and Paymaster Campion, The gentlemen named, and all the other authorities of the meeting, worked well, and deserve every credit. The Friendly Societies sports were conducted by the following Committee:—Messrs. J. Jamieson, Pigott, Cole, Hughes, Garratt, Carr, Massey, Beehan, Le-Rov, Duthie, and Niblock.

The amount of money taken at the gates was £509, but this does not represent the total number of people present, as many entered the ground without paying. This sum, with the £42 realised by the tender for the progaammes, makes £551, or £350 more than the estimate given by the Amateur Athletic Club to the Jubilee Committee.

There were two bands on the ground—that of H.M.s. Orlando, twenty members, under Bandmaster G. Bird; and the Artillery under Bandmaster A. R. Hunter. The performances of both were exceedingly good. The Orlando band contributed the following programme:—"Bohemian Girl," Balfe; waltz, "Daddy," Bucallosi; fantasia, "Folk Songs of Italy," E. Rampezzoti; quadrille. "Merrie England," Williams; grand selection, "Attila," Verdi; galop, "Tourism" A fine programme was also submitted by Mr. Hunter's band, a notable item being the "Maritana" fantasia.

A staff of police, under Inspector Broham and Sergeant-Major Pratt, rendered good service during the day.

The sports throughout were well contested, and some of the races for the members of the Amateur Athletic Club, especially the 150 yards handicap, were very exciting. The officers and men of the squadron entered heartily into the spirit of the gathering, and showed the greatest interest in the events which they decided. Besides Captain Barlow, Captain Felly and a large number of other officers of the squadron were present.

One of the most novel features of the proceedings was the Mongolian Race, the competitors being 25 Chinamen. They appeared in new running costume, purchased for the occasion at a total cost of £7 4s. When they trooped on to the ground they were received with great applause. The details of the race were arranged by Messrs. Ah Kew and Ah Chee, who presented a large consignment of Chinese crackers (costing £7 10s), and these were placed in the centre of the field and fired at the moment of starting the race. The sound of the exploding crackers was almost deafening, and as packet after packet was thrown onto the heap, a great volume of smoke arose, accompanied with a noise like the discharge of artillery, which continued whilst the Chmamen were running, and for some time afterwards.

The day's proceedings began at half-past ten o'clock with the sports for men of the Friendly Societies; and after the adjournment, at half-past twelve, the squadron sports began. The details are as follow:—

Friendly Societies.

100 Yards Handicap.—The starters were:—Purdy, scratch; Parsons, scratch; Mc-Donnell, 2 yards; O'Hare, 3 yards; Duflin and McPhail, 4 yards; Jones, 5 yards; Bain and Harvey, 6 yards: Markes and Wilson, 7 yards; Miles, 8 yards. This was a very good race, the three placed men finishing almost abreast. Harvey, 1; Jones, 2; McDonnell, 3.

Quarter—Mile Handicap.—In this event the starters were:—Purely, scratch; Mc-Laughing, 10 yards; McPhail, 15 yards; Bailey, 15 yards; and Harvey 16 yards, Bailey took the lead from the start, and was never headed, winning easily. Bailey, 1; Harvey, 2; McLaughlin, 3. Time, 58s.

Half-Mile Handicap.—McLaughlin, 20 yards; Bailey, 21 yards; and Wilson, 22 yards, were the starters. Bailey came to the front at the back of the course the second time, and won easily. Bailey, 1; McLaughlin, 2. Time, 2m. 21¾s.

One Mile Handicap.—There were post entries for this event, as follows:—Bailey, scratch: McCormick, 35 yards; Beachem, 25 yards; and Wilson, 40 yards. Won rather easily. McCormick, 1; Balley, 2; Wilson, 3.

150 Yards Handicap.—The starters were: Purdy and Parsons, scratch; McDonnell, 3½ yards: Duflin, 6 yards; Jones, 7 yards;Harvey 8 yards: Marks, 9 yards; and Wilson, 10 yards. After a good race Harvey won, Parsons being second, and Duffin and Jones running a dead heat for third place. Time, 16s.

100 Yards Handicap (for men over 40).—The entries were received on the ground, as follows:—E. O'Hare, scratch; Andrews, 18 yards; C. Bater, 20 yards; and Miles, 25 yards. Won by a few yards, O'Hare running well. Bater, 1; O'Hare, 2; Miles, 3.

150 Yards Hurdles.—The starters were:—O'Hare, scratch; Parsons, 3 yards; Jones, 4 yards; and McLaughlin 8 yards. Parsons won easily. O'Hare stopped at the first hurdle. Time, 22s.

Wheelbarrow Race, 100 yards.—J. McDonnell, 1; Shaw, 2; Cole, 3. These were the only starters.

Fire Brigades.

100 Yards Handicap.—This was one of two races promoted on the ground for members of fire brigades. The starters were: Parsons, scratch; Jones, 4 yards; Jenkins, 12 yards. Won easily. Parsons, 1; Jones, 2; Jenkins, 3.

150 Yards Handicap.—The starters were the same as in the last event, the handicaps being: Parsons, scratch; Jones, 8 yards; Jenkins, 30 yards. Won by about a yard. Jones, 1; Jenkins, 2; Parsons, 3.

Squadron and Amateur Sports.

100 Yards Race.—J. Lydon (Orlando), 1; F. Stimpson (Orlando), 2; W. Keleher and G. Raynor, dead heat for third place. Seven started. Time, 11½s.

150 Yards Handicap.—This race, for the members of the A. A. A.C. Club, was run in two heats and a final. A good Held of seven started in the first, and after a good race it resulted: A. Smith, 11 yards, 1; J. Hill, 13 yards, 2; R. Jeffreys, 17 yards, 3. Time, 15¼s. The second heat was also a good contest. The limit man, Barton, led for most of the way, but Hutchison came at the finish and won with something in hand: J. P. Hutchison, 5 yards, 1; N. Barton, 14 yards, 2; M. H. Laird, 2½ yards, 3. Time, 15¼s. In the final all six placed men started, and a fierce struggle for victory resulted. When 100 yards had been traversed Smith had a good lead, but Hutchison came at the finish in a most determined manner and just beat him on the tape by a couple of inches, Laird being halt a yard away third, and the field well up: J. P. Hutchison, 5 yards, 1; A. Smith, 11 yards, 2; M. H. Laira, 2½ yards, 3. Time, 15s.

Quarter Mile.—Eight men from the squadron started for this event all from scratch. They went away at a very merry pace, and J. Lydon got a good lead, which he held till the back of the course, when G. Raynor displaced him, and running strongly won rather easily by about eight yards: Gr. Raynor (Opal), 1; J. Lydon Orlando), 2; W. Keleher (Opal), 3.

One Mile Bicycle.—This was a first-class race. Eleven started. Rollo fell when he had gone 10 yards. The limit man, Hoffman, led the first round, but the scratch division were closing up rapidly. Selby displaced Taylor, and at the back of the course in the second round Lecky came up, and getting on terms with the leader passed him in the straight. Howard then spurted strongly, and was leading in the last lap, Buchanan and Short both passed Lecky, and the former drew up to Howard's hind wheel, but the page 92 latter held his own, and won rather easily by a couple of lengths: A. Howard, scratch, 1; A. G. Buchanan, 20 yards, 2; H. Short, 100 yards, 3. Time, 3m. 20s.

220 Yards Veterans' Race.—This was for all-comers from the squadron, and a good field started. A spirited contest ensued, but on turning into the straight A. Gunn took the lead, and leaving his field rapidly won by 10 yards: A. Gunn (Orlando), 1; Stanzon (Lizard), 2; W. Warburton, 3.

120 Yards Hurdles.—A most amusing event took place for this contest. Nine started, and at the first hurdle several fell, and nearly every one of the ten flights was tumbled over before the race finished. F. Stimpson, who jumped well throughout, won after a good finish. F. Stimpson (Orlando), 1; W. Martin (Orlando), 2; W. Payne (Orlando), 3.

Wheelbarrow Race (100 Yards).—This event, for bluejackets, caused great laughter. The competitors, eleven in number, were blindfolded, and each drove a wheelbarrow in which was seated another sailor who guided his mate as to the direction he was to take by his voice. The start had barely been effected when several collisions took place, causing much diversion, and the erratic courses described by those who were fortunate enough to escape upset was equally amusing. The winner turned up in Loch and Torr, who managed to keep a fairly straight course, and a close fight for second place ensued between two other pairs, the result being: Loch and Torr (Orlando), 1; J. Bissett and mate (Orlando), 2; Leach and Sherman, 3.

Professor Carrollo's Display.—The exhibition of dumbbell practice and formations to music, by about 80 of Professor Carrollo's pupils, was one of the most pleasing items on the programme. All the party filed out in neat black and white costumes, and taking up their positions in squad opposite the grand stand, under the direction of the Professor a variety of graceful movements were gone through in splendid style and with great precision, the whole concluding with a mazy march at the double. At the conclusion of the display the performers were accorded hearty and lengthened applause.

Quarter-Mile Handicap.—This event was for local amateurs, and produced a splendid contest. A fine field of 17 were despatched to an even start, and Clarkson, Goldwater, and Atkinson were the first to show in front, but at the back of the course all had drawn up into a bunch. Turning into the straight Taylor was ahead, but Kilfoyle, coming on full of running, quickly displaced him, and though Hutchison came on the outside in grand style he could not get on terms with the leader, and only beat Taylor for second place. The result was: A. Kilfoyle, 16 yards, 1; J. P. Hutchison, scratch, 2; T. W. Taylor, 30 yards, 3. Time, 54s.

Three-Legged Race.—A great field of blue jackets contested in this event, and though many fell a keen struggle for victory took place. The result was: W. Smith and W. Sherman (Opal), 1; F. Wilson and W. Stevens (Orlando), 2; A. McKinlay and J. Lydon (Orlando), 3.

Obstacle Race (officers only).—This was a race which caused great amusement. The obstacles which had to be surmounted in a course of about 500 yards were:—First, a triple hurdle; next, a boom, erected horizontally about 15 feet from the ground, had to be climbed over by means of dangling ropes attached, then a large sail pinned securely to the ground had to be crept under, a greased inclined plank had to be scrambled up, and last, but not least, the competitors had to crawl through suspended barrels. Eight started and all got safely over the hurdles, but at the boom Baird got a good lead and running well, scrambled under or over all; the succeeding impediments, and won with a bit in hand. The result was, Baird (Opal), 1; Armstrong (Opal), 2; Corbett (Opal), 3

Half-Mile Mongolian Handicap.—This was quite a novelty to the spectators, and the sight of 25 well-built, wiry-looking Celestials filing on the ground in orthodox athletic costume was one that has perhaps never before been witnessed in any athletic meeting in Australasia. All started from scratch, and the field began to straggle rapidly. At the end of the first round Ling Chung had a good lead, and running in good style, won by about 20 yards. The result was: Ling Chung, 1; Ah Hing, 2; Ah Yuk, 3 The following were the competitors:—Ling Chung, Ah Hing, Ah Yuk, Yuh Fung, Ah Wong, Sing Him, Ah Mung, Yuk Lee, Ah Hee, Li Yung, Kong Ting, Ah Won, Sun Foo, Ah Quong, Ah Chow, Ah Kwoang, Ku Hing, Ah Ling, Ah Gang, Ah Wing, Kow Kee, and four others.

Tugs-of-War.—There were five teams entered for this contest. The first heat was between 12 stokers (Orlando) and 12 bluejackets (Opal). After a brief struggle the former hauled some of their opponents over the line but then desisted, ana the Opals taking advantage of the halt took them by surprise and reversed the verdict. Orlando's marines and Opal's bluejackets, No. 2, next measured their strength, and a good tussle resulted in favour of the former. The next heat was between Orlando's bluejackets and Lizard's bluejackets. A tough pull ensued, but the former wore their opponents down and won. After an interval the Orlando's bluejackets and Opal's bluejackets met, and a desperate struggle ensued. The former had the worst of the first portion of the tug, but clinging to their work with great tenacity at last out-stayed their opponents and won the contest amidst great cheering. The effect of their great exertions was apparent, however, when they met the team of marines from the Orlando. The soldiers were a stalwart lot of fellows, and pulling with a will, carried of the prize. They were heartily applauded by the spectators.

Three Mile Bicycle Race.—This was one of the most interesting events of the day Ten started, but Ashton fell in the first lap Selby led for the first half-mile, but Boord after running second time, displaced him, and Taylor drew up, while the field closed on the leaders, Howard and Buchanan going very strongly, and cutting down their opponents Boord shortly after ran to the front and led the field at a merry pace, and Buchanan, with Howard in close attendance, spurted page 93 strongly, and when two miles had been gone was second. The pair of scratch men then settled down in pursuit of Boord, gaining steadily, and in the last lap but one were within five yards of him. Howard then put on a magnificent burst of speed and went ahead, and led Buchanan on the back stretch. On turning into the straight he had the misfortune to lose his pedal and Buchanan passed him and won by a couple of lengths: E. G. Buchanan, scratch, 1: A. Howard, 20 yards, 2; F. Boord, 250 yards, 3. Time, 10m 29s.

1000 Yards Race.—H. N. Goldwater was the winner, leaving his field early in the second round, and finishing well in advance of his opponents. H. N. Goldwater, 45 yards, 1; R. Jeffries, 10 yards, 2; E. Clarke, 33 yards, 3.

Sack Race.—Eleven men started, and many tumbles ensued, the race eventually being won by a seaman from the Orlando.

Obstacle Race, Allcomers.—For this event over a dozen started, and all went well until the greasy inclined planks were encountered, at which many of the competitors came to grief, and Raynor, who was leading, was displaced by W. Payne, who got over at his first attempt, and securing a long lead, won easily.

The War Dance.

Owing to the fiasco which occurred at the Devonport Racecourse, in the failure of the public to see the war-dance, Mr. Devore and the members of the Jubilee Committee determined that no stone should be left unturned to have the dance repeated in the Auckland Domain, where the natural amphitheatre surrounding the Cricket Ground would enable 20,000 people to see it performed with ease and comfort. They, accordingly, arranged with the natives to give it immediately after the sports of the day on Saturday. The result was a magnificent success, and the Auckland public have seen the Maori war-dance, as performed by a large body of natives, for, perhaps, the last time they will have the opportunity of witnessing it. At the close of the day's sports the natives, who had been marched up late in the afternoon, and were kept in reserve in the bush near the Government gardens, came up in regular formation, preceded by Mr. Porter and Mr. E. T. Dufaur, and were greeted by the immense assemblage with enthusiastic cheers. The Maoris were all stripped to the waist, and armed with paddles. Two or three of the chiefs had taiahs, or meres, and led the dances, which were given with great vigour and precision. The first dance, the Ngeri was one of the hakas which is performed when a tribe has had a meeting and decided to fight, believing their quarrel to be just. The performance of the dance was greeted with great applause. Then followed the dance when they had conquered the enemy's pa and were victors. This was a haka or dance of delight. The third dance was when the victors went out of the pa and were eating the bodies of their enemies. These dances were given with tremendous energy, and elicited great cheering from the spectators. But the feature of the programme was the Kokiri, or charge, when the Maoris getting into formation, gave a tremenduous war whoop, and brandishing their paddles charged right down on the immense assemblage in front of the grand stand. The effect was electric, hundreds of the spectators believed they were going to burst in on the packed assemblage, like an avalanche, but with great agility and dexterity, the leading files pulled up at the very feet of the spectators, and then charged round the cricket ground, so as to enable the spectators on all sides of the amphitheatre to see the Kokiri, or rush, or Maori charge. This spectacle completed the delight and satisfaction of the spectators, and was an excellent ending to the day's amusement. Lord Carrington directed Mr. Porter to thank the natives for their performance of the dances, with which he had been greatly pleased.

The days of a genuine war dance are past. The Maoris now do not practice it in earnest, and so it tends to degenerate into a somewhat spiritless performance. Those who saw a war dance thirty or forty years ago, when the Maoris meant it, and when perhaps 1000 warriors took part, could not help making comparisons. But what we saw is probably the best we can expect to see in Auckland.

We may quote from Dr. Thomson his description of a war dance as it should be:—"The whole army, after running about 20 yards, arranged itself in lines, five, ten twenty, or even forty deep, and then all squatted down in a sitting posture. Suddenly, at a signal given by the leader, all started to their feet, having weapons in their right hands. With the regularity of a regiment at drill, each man elevated the right leg and right side of the body, then the left leg and left side; and then, like a flash of lightning, jumped two feet from the ground, brandishing and cleaving the air with his weapon, and yelling a loud chorus, which terminated with a long, deep, expressive sigh, and was accompanied with gaping mouths, inflated nostrils, distorted Faces, in which nothing was seen but the dark pupil surrounded with white. Every muscle quivered. Again and again these movements were enacted, and time was marked by striking their thighs with their open left hands so as to produce one sound, and by old naked women daubed over with red ochre acting as fuglers in front of the dancers."

We give four other chants of different kinds:—

No. I.
One voice: My children, here's strength.
Chorus: Ha! ha!
One voice: My children, here's firmness.
Chorus: Ha! ha!
One voice: Behold a proof of unflinching strength,
The head of Te Kawai-ta-taki,
Which I grasp in my hand.
Chorus: Ha! ha!

No. II.
Ah, see ye not there are signs in the heavens?
And know ye not there are thoughts in the heart?
Hew them in pieces! hew them in pieces!
Pounce, pounce upon them,
Pounce upon them now!

No. III.
Son of the potent? Son of the brave!
Mighty in battle on land and the wave.
Great is the soul where true valour reigns,
Noble the blood that swells in your veins;
Crest of the Kawau yield to your foe,
Chiefs of the warriors! ye are laid low.

No. IV.
Kumara, one, two, three;
Kumara, two, three, four;
Now carry out your plan.
Pounce; pounce upon them.
Rehearse your incantations,
So ye may be strengthened in the strife;
Oh, let your plots
Ripen into action.
Say, are we not the descendants
Of Puhikuku and Puhikaka?
Pounce upon them; pounce upon them.
When will your valour begin to rage?
When will your valour be strong?
Ah! when the tide murmurs.
Ah! when the tide roars.
Bid farewell to your children,
For what else can you do?
You see how the brave,
Like the lofty exulting peaks of the mountains,
Are coming on.
They yield! they yield! O fame!