This extract from the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator shows the range of activities enjoyed at the Wellington sports day on Monday 24 January 1842, which celebrated the anniversary of the New Zealand Company settlers' arrival. Activities included sailing and rowing races on the harbour and a horse race over hurdles. There were also traditional English 'rural diversions' such as catching a soaped pig. The sports were held two days after the actual anniversary day (22 January), so that the holiday would fall on Monday.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 26 January 1842, p. 2
Permission of the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.