The Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 - 1864)(about) |
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Monday 6 January 1862
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2 corrections, most recently by paulette - Show corrections
GLADSTONE.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) .
GLADSTONE, DECEMBER 31.
FRIDAY, the 20th, was a grand gala day for
the young folks of Gladstone. That being the " breaking-up" day at the National school, it was arranged, it seems, that a treat, or rather a series of treats, should be given to the children. Accordingly at eight o'clock in the morning the large Customs' boat, which had been kindly proffered by Mr. Hilliard for the occasion, started for a cruise in the bay, laden with her well packed freight of juveniles, and under the chargo of their teacher. At Diamantina island-so chris- tened by Lady Bowen at the time of her visit here-the boat anchored for a while, so as to allow the little ones to go on shore. There they spent a delightful hour in bathing and general " skylarking." At noon the boat returned again. Shortly after they once more reassembled on the town "flat," where they enjoyed themselves ad libitum indulging in all manner of sports, and keeping up the excitement to a late hour. Immense quantities of nuts, lollies, figs, &c,contributed by the different storekeepers, were scram- bled for by the little ones. A foot race was also started, and attractive toys freely dis- tributed amongst the successful competitors. About six, tea was provided. The children were arranged on the grass in a semi-circular form under the shade of a large tree, and provisions of all kinds were handed round, the parents and friends of the neighborhood having apparently been vying to see who could supply the richest and sweetest cakes for the day. The juveniles having feasted, the adults present on the ground were then invited to partake - the whole affair being more like a pleasant " pic-nic" on a grand scale than anything else. At dark the chil- dren and friends repaired to the school-room. Here the " magic lantern " was exhibited to their delightful gaze, and the musical bells subsequently played by Mr. and Mrs. Ware, the latter proving a treat alike to young and old. And so ended this said gala day at Gladstone; everything having passed off first rate, and the first thing of the kind which has ever taken place here.
Christmas-day went off very quietly here - the people seeming to prefer spending the day to agreeable family gatherings, and leaving sports to other days. On Boxing day we had our Regatta. A number of boats were trimmed up for the occasion, and the racing went off in a very creditable style. The first race amused me not a little, it being announced as " bushmen versus swearers" (alias squatters). The pulling was very fine, especially at first. After a while, however, one of the aristocratic swearers managed to break his oar, and this, of course, decided the contest. The whole of the bushmen, chiefly shearers, had been old jolly " tars." I append a few par-
ticulars :
FOUR-OARED RACE-Squatters v. Bushmen:
won by the latter.
PAIR-OARED RACE: won by Robinson's
crew.
SAILING MATCH ; won by " Lady Bowen,"
beating the " Ellida" by four minutes.
On Tuesday last a public meeting was called, io see what aid could bo afforded the BrisbaniU°s in their laudable effort to bring the All longland Eleven to Queensland. The hour, .however, advertised for the meeting was an" un propitious one, and con sequently but few" were present. I suppose wo shall have another meeting about it shortly. 1 am sorry to hear, though, by the Courier, that there is n^1 much chance of your ultimately succeeding. Xt is intended, I believe, to re-form the olcf cricket club here, and on New Year's Day (to-morrow) we are to have a general local match played on the ground.
On Friday last thf; races carne off on the ground here. They were rather hastily {,'ot np ; and besides, we have no local paper for' announcing such things, and consequently there were but few squatters or persons from a distance present. All went off without accident, save the breaking of an arm by a little boy. I subjoin a few mems. :
TOWN PLATE, of 20 sovs. :
RobinBon's Risk. 1
Ryal's Zodiac . 2
Harkaway . 3 PUBLICAN'S PURSE, of 15 sovs. :
Robinson's Moss Trooper. 1
Zodiac . 2 ~J ' Pormien's Minnie . 3 ;^
LADIES' PURSE, of 10 sovs.:
Lano's Jock. 1
» Harkaway. 2
St Veno . 3
Little Dick . d kr. SUBSCRIPTION PDBSB :
~"rrj Sailor. 1
¡^i. Winner . 2
X/X Jock . 3
I"OHU.,IJ HMiraoir :
Sisk . 1
Moss Trooper . 2
Jock . 3 HURRY SKURRÏ : won by Bryan's Count.
"We havo bad some glorious showers latelv"; HotbiDg, however, of the heavy, Bultry \Vgalher you have had down in your quarter. The Un'cle Tom carno in a di^- or two ago, and has agiMn bailed.