The Blackpool Herald. — 1876-06-09 (Blackpool, Lancashire, England)

AMUSEMENTS.  RAIRE.S HALL GARDENS. These gardeus are now unquestionably one of the leading attractions of the "Brighton of the North", aid this week they have been crowded with visitors from all parts of the country. The management ham displayed a zeal and ambition to meet the increasing wants of Blackpool, by sparing no expense to Make them as complete as possible, and their efforts have been appreciated by the publ;c far beyond the most sanguine expectations. The skating rink in the conservatory is one of the chief additions, And durlng the week it has been crowded with skaters, many of whom, more especially the ladies, exhibited 'a dexterity in gliding along the rat de trawrs surface, which surprised many of the non skating spectators. There is an area of about 1,200 yards for skating on, and one of the novelties of this rink is, that whilst skating you are surrounded by the choicest of plants, which evolve a fragrance and perfume which can be better imagined than described. The rink is seated all round, and lavatories and cloak rooms have been erected for the convenience of both ladies and gentlemen. The pavilion is a noble building, and arrests the attention of the visitor immediately he enters the gardens. The interior is a magnificent and spacious hall, extending the whole length of the building, and is the largest public room in Blackpool. The stage effects and scenery have been carried out by Mr. L Edward, and are of the most elaborate description. The principal attraction this week has been the celebrated Jackley Troupe, eleven in number, from the Alexandra Palace, London, and Chester and Lee's French Marionettes are most undoubtedly wonderful exemplifications of mechanical skill. The racecourse, overlooked by the grand stand, is in capital order, and to-morrow (Saturday) a seven miles' walking match has been arranged to come off for a ten-guinea plate, the competitors being Robert Holden, of Pendleton, and Jas. Cummings, of Brighton, thelatter to have 350 yards start. Professional contests of this kind doubtless draw large numbers who would under ordinary circumstances perhaps not attend, and if the roughs who invariably come, could conduct themselves more becomingly. the pleasure of these matches would be greatly enhanced. The bowling greens situate at the southern side are in excellent order, and have been extensively patronised daring the week. The artificial lake in the cadre of the race-course &rtainly one of the most striking improvements, and *4l be sure to prove throughout the season highly attractive to those who delight in boating; the depth is only about 4 feet, and there is an ample supply of small boats, which haye been greatly in demand all week. Oa Monday, a swimming gals came off on this lake, under the auspices of the "Leeds Swimming , Club," which proved a complete success. The following was the programme : First event—Race for members of the Leeds Swimming Club only; distance 100 yards.—First prize, a sterling silver cup, value £4; second, a gold centre medal ; third, a silver medal. There were six entries, and, after a tight race, the cup was carried off by William Aspey, who had 25 seconds , allowed; T. Wilbey, with 23 secones, somiug in mxt ; and A. S. Robinson, with 6 seconds, third: The second event was an All England Handicap Swisoltning Race, distance 200 yards—Tat prize £3, 2nd ditto £l, 3rd ditto 10a There were five entries fee--this race, which was one of a most exciting nature. A. S. Robinson, of Leeds proved the victor, Sykes, of Dewsbury, gaining the second prize, and J Walbram, of Leeds, mew ing the third. p Professor Peter Johnson went through some extraordinary feats of natation, and the sports were brought to a conclusion by a duck hunt, which caused roars'of laughter, and amused the spectators immensely. Six live ducks were put into the lake, and there were fivo competitors, ducks being caught by Messrs. P. Johnson (champion), E Hughes (Blackpool), and J. Thompson (Blackburn). The fireworks are under the superintendence of Mr. It .T. T. Bruce, whose fame as a pyrotechnist is renowned. The open dancing platform is open as usual, and the services of two bands have been etaipeds The gardens resent from the north-cast corner of the open dancing platform a most beautiful eomp I (eil, and the vegetation is throughout in a most flour:shfug condition. The Dog Morgau" which discovered the remains of the murdered child at Blackburn, has also been exhlbited eveiy day during the week. The uumber of admisssons to the gardens during the Week, have been as under, Viz ':— Mont/ay, 9,3'00. Tuesday, 6;350. Wednesday, 2,100.