12 inches ahead of Narcisse, Thomas coming in a good third, only a few yards in the rear. Time, 47 m. 23 sec. For the 200 yards hurdle race, over four hurdles (3 feet 6 inches high), which, with the six miles, was looked upon as the race of the day, six competitors shewed up and all went off well at the start, but each succeeding hurdle told heavily on the "crowd." All the hurdles were however beautifully taken in true sporting style by Mr. Lamontagne and Mr. Handyside, until the last one, when the latter gent, making a slight faux pas, Mr. Lamontagne ran in an easy winner of a cup, valued at $20, and the race, time, 38 sec. For the one mile race, open to all, first prize, $15, second prize, $3. Four Indians started. "Thomas" led from the start and was never once headed, time, 7 m. 40 sec. "Joseph" second. Half mile race to club members only, (prize $20). Five gents started, all well together, Francis Brown soon took the lead, and kept increasing his distance gradually, to the winning post. The next race, 250 yards, was for boys under 15 years of age, prize, a pair of snow shoes. 8 started, Master Wm. Brown, brother of the above named gent, won by a few yards. Altogether, notwithstanding the disappointment, the Stewards experienced at receiving no assistance whatever, from the officers of the Garrison who have hitherto been always liberal in promoting these national sports, these races not only surpassed all former meetings, but were really creditable to our city." SEASON 1851 - 1852. In 1851. The now veteran Hughes, having returned to the bosom of his first love, snow-shoeing matters again took a leading place in his affections, and among the tramps he and his "hardy band" undertook across the snow, were ;-one to Lachine and others over the back country. In February there was a race to St. Vincent de Paul, starting from the head of St. Denis Street. In this contest Hughes was badly beaten, his residence in Kingston during the year before telling fearfully on his wind. It was won by Charles Duchesnay, Colthurst second, Harris third. In these races across the country, the Club dinner was ordered at the stopping place, when the night was spent as was their wont, in wine and song, the revelers leaving for home the next day. On Wednesday evening January 7th, 1852, a meeting was called to elect office-bearers. It was held at Dolly's when the following gentlemen were elected: COL, ERMATINGER.-President. GEORGE COLTHURST.-Vice-President. It was decided to hold the regular tramps, on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, starting from McGill College grounds at half-past two o'clock. The tramps commenced on the Saturday afternoon following and continued steadily through the winter. This year Hughes being in better condition and burning to wipe out his defeat of last season, proposed a tramp out to St. Vincent de Paul and a race home. Accordingly one bright Saturday afternoon a large number of the club assembled at the "Rendezvous" and after a jolly tramp, found waiting quite a lot of fellows who had driven out to enjoy the sport. After supper, the runners prepared themselves for their long "run" and as is usual on such occasions, some banter took place between the runners and their friends, as to the likely position of each in the race, some proposed to "chalk" numbers on the shoes, this seemed to please those interested; and Colthurst cooly taking the pencil chalked No. I on his shoe. This rather damped the ardor of the others who declined to show such confidence, although they promised to add an O to it before reaching town, but opportunity was denied them as Colthurst, running to the front at once was never headed, Hughes and Harris arriving second and third quite a distance behind. The Annual Races took place upon the St. Pierre Race Course on February 18th, 1852, and in spite of the very severe weather, a large number was present to witness the competition. The four mile Indian Race brought out a field of six ; five Indians and a member of the club, Edward Hughes. After a close competition Narcisse won in 32 m. 15 seconds. Thomas, 2nd. Francois, third, Hughes fourth. The Hurdle Race, 250 yards, followed, bringing to the "scratch" three competitors, two Indians and a member of the club. One of the Indians came in first, closely followed by the white, (no name given) but as both tumbled over most of the hurdles instead of jumping them, the Race had to be run over, when the same tumbling ensuing the race was given to the Indian. The one mile race, was won by an Indian named Lazarre in 7 m. 30 sec. Narcisse second. Race for Boys under 10, 1⁄2 mile, was won by Master Murray closely pushed by Master Rogers. SEASON 1852-1853. This season the Club tramped about as usual although there is no record of any one in particular. In March, a race took place, starting from the Mile End round the Mountain. The competitors ran by way of the Road, without shoes, finishing at their Quarters in St. Joseph Street, which establishment was presided over by Mrs. May. It was won by Harris, with Colthurst second. On Thursday afternoon February 17th, 1853, the annual races were advertised to take place but owing to wet weather were postponed until the 21st, when they came off over the St. Pierre race course. * SEASON 1853-1854. In 1853. The tramps took place weekly, one in particular being to Lachine. when after supper a race took place, which N. H. Hughes (who was well acquainted with the Road,) won easily. On Wednesday afternoon March 1st, 1854, the annual races took place upon the St. Pierre race course, the weather was mild, the snow heavy and very deep, consequently the "time" was slow. Five Indians started for the three mile race which was won in 30 m. 33 s. by Thomas; Ignace, second; Francois, third; Narcisse, fourth. One mile Race was won in 8 m. 30 s. by Lazarre ; Francois, second. The 200 yards hurdle race over 4 hurdles, finished the day's sport. For this six competed, five whites and one red, the "red" was the victor, he took his leaps like a real red deer, winning by a shave, the winner's name was Pierre Iniwarewas. * George Colthurst was Secretary this season. SEASON 1855-1856. In 1855.-The Club tramped to Bout de l'Isle. A Owing to lack of Records, no particulars can be published. |