WHAT IT IS TO BE A POPULAR JOCKEY.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1265, 30 April 1883, Page 2

WHAT IT IS TO BE A POPULAR JOCKEY.

•' ' '' — : ■ ■■♦ — ; Archer, the celebrated jookey, was married at Newmarket 09 January 31. and the event" excited not only local but general interest. Excursion trains were actually run to Newmarket from the neighboring towns, and" thousands of spectators surrounded the church to witness the arrival of the wedding party. The bride is a Miss Nelly 'Dawson, daughter of Mr John Dawson, and niece of Matthew Dawson, to whom Archer Was apprenticed, and with whose stable he has been ever since identified. On reading the list of presents displayed at the house of the bride's father,, one would fancy that the marriage cremonial of the heir to some mighty empire was the event being celebrated, . instead of that of a popular jockey. Lord Hastings sent a prize ox, and this was roasted, whole; on the Se vends (just outside the. town) and given away to the poor, or indeed to all comers, with bread and beer. Lord Falraouth, for whom Archer has ridden most of his celebrated winners, gave a splendid solidsilver dinner service. Prince Batthyany gave the bride a splendid bracelet, Sir Henry Hawkins a loving cup with this inscription ; " From Sir Henry Hawkins to P. Archer." In fact, the presents were hundreds in number; and were given by some, of 1 the best known names in England. They included, too, not only valuable but useful articles, such as a brougham and pair, and another a horse and dog-cart. The procession to the church seemed to have almost resembled the welcome home of some victorious general, as the cheering was tremenduous, and the object of it was continuously-raising his hat as an acknowledgment. In the evening there was a grand display of fireworks, in wHicl? Archer was represented astride of Beau Brummel, now. a prominent favorite for the English Derby, and the animal which, in all probability, Archer will ride in that race. Altogether . Newmarket seems to have run wejl nigh crazy over the nuptials of its Hero ; but it must have total 'very gratifying to the famous jockey io find himself so much respected by those noblemen and gent

lemen with whom- he has been bo long associated in his profession.