Chap. XV. ANNIVERSARY FETE. 433 
ject, and began to believe that, if only neglected, Cook's 
Strait could almost do without him. 
The prosperous state of the working-classes did not 
fail to show itself by their very obstinate, but inoffen- 
sive, determination to have a share in the arrangement 
of the forthcoming festival. The democracy and aris- 
tocracy of the place could not manage to agree about 
the persons to be appointed as a Committee of Manage- 
ment. A man or a measure proposed by one of the 
employing class was sneered at or joked down by the 
carpenters and tailors ; a proposition from a mechanic 
or labourer was objected to or cavilled at by a rangor- 
tira ; and no union could be formed. In vain middle- 
men tried to reconcile the merry disputants ; in vain 
the leaders of the two jesting parties yielded here or 
condescended there; no lasting peace could be con- 
cluded : and after many days' good-humoured dispute, 
it was determined to satisfy all parties by holding two 
festivals on different days, to be called the " Popular" 
and the " Select" fete. 
The " Select" people gave a subscription ball at 
Barrett's hotel on the night of the 22nd ; the stormy 
weather having prevented any out-door amusements. 
On Saturday the 23rd, a rowing-match took place in 
the harbour under their auspices : but a proposed sail- 
ing-match was put off, in consequence of an accident 
having happened to one of the boats. 
On Monday, the " Populars" presented a much more 
extensive bill of fare. The weather having declared 
fine by ten o'clock, flags waved over many of the 
houses and the masts of the shipping, and a spirited 
race between four whale-boats round the vessels at 
anchor started the proceedings. 
Then came a hurdle-race by four horses, over some 
VOL. I. 2 F 
