CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, 1888.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 240, 29 December 1888, Page 3

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, 1888.

Though the dullness of times has been a genera cry, the holidays|passed off cheerfully enough, marred to a certain extent by the weather. Late on Christmas eve some lively-spirited people made themselves generally happy, and people otherwise inclined rather annoyed, by their demonstrative method of jollification, but there was really nothing of which complaint might be made. The weather on Christmas Day turned out beautifully—quite a pleasant change from the days immediately preceding it. Many who considered the day one of devotion attended their places of worship, while there were camping, boating, andjriding parties. Holy Trinity Church had been very nicely decorated in glory of the joyous event that was being commemorated, by tasteful lady members of the Church. The weather on Boxing Day was enough to depress the spirits of intending holiday-makers, tor up till 10.80 it would have been madness to have thought of going pleasure-seeking out ot doors, But about that time things began to assume a more hopeful appearance and the showers occurred at longer intervals. THE BICES were of course the most important onnsideration, as so many people would be directly affected by good or bad weather. Large numbers of people who had previously made up their minds to go to the races did not venture out under the unfavorable circumstances, and many who did were made uncomfortable for the rest of the day by the drenching they got. But it cleared up after twelve and ajpleasanter afternoon coaid not have been wished for.

At these meetings people can always depend that the horses are raced on their merits, and there is a genuine love of sport in all that is done. The spieling fraternity—those blacklegs that compel many people to regard racing with disgust—did not appear to be represented by a single individual, and with a relief from the unsavory pollution of such scoundrels there was quite a refreshing tone in the doings of the day. There were fully three hundred Maoris on the ground, but though they all seemed bent on enjoying themselves, remarkably good order was preserved all day, The victories of Mr Hepburn’s stable were as popular as usual, The Secretary, Mr Nasmith, and the other officers, had all the arrangements well and creditably attended to, and had the morning only been brighter the Waerenga-a-hika Club would have been able to pride itself on having had so successful a meeting that it might well be envied by much larger clubs.

THE WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC had to suffer In the same way that all other gatherings arranged for sut of doors hat 3oh«, bus Although it was to bo regrattec

that the privilege kindly granted by Messrs Butt and Finn—of the use of their nicelysituated property on the Kaiti—could not be availed of, the managers of the picnic were not of that kind to become depressed and cause the children to lose their anticipated treat. They immediately arranged, or rather with that foresight which does not admit of being taken unawares, had arranged, for the use of the Theatre Royal, and as jolly and pleasant a day was spent indoors as any one could wish for. Once the children had got to the hall the harder it rained the better was the fun, and the children seemed to greatly enjoy themselves. MrM. Ford had the arrangements to attend to, and though there was plenty of work for all to do the results were very satisfying. In the evening the elders had a social meeting in the Good Templars’ Hall, which hardly gave sufficient accommodation for the number present, but an exceedingly enjoyable time was participated in. SALVATION ARMY PICNIC. The members of the Salvation Army and their friends had arranged for a picnic at Patutahi, and on this occasion the Army had to give in to a certain extent, but the members were not vanquished. They waited for some time to see whether Nature would not assume a more hopeful aspect so far as pic nickers were concerned, but still the prospect was anything but delightful when the start was made, the use of the Patutahi Social Hall having been obtained for the occasion. Some of the number got wet during the trip out, but not nearly so much rain fell in the district selected for the picnic as had done in town. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances a happy day was spent, and as the rain was so much needed, when the day was over it was admitted that all things had occurred in a favorable way. ORMOND SCHOOL CONCERT. The concert in aid of the Ormond School funds passed off most successfully on Wednesday evening, the hall being crowded to excess, and some of those present coming from town. A large and varied programme was presented, the only fault being that rather much time was allowed to elapse between the different items. The School Band played the overture and as usual they acquitted themselves admirably. These lads have already gained a high reputation, and are now looked forward to as very popular participants in any programme that may be presented. A song “ Fading Away,” by Miss Briggs, was excellently rendered, and received a well deserved applause. Mr W. Fraser followed by a recitation which he gave in his usual satisfactory style. Mr Hatten gang “An Old Man's Advice ” well, and Mr George’s song “ The Dashing Militaire” fairly brought down the house, the singer having to respond to an encore. The glees, “.In the lonely Vale of Streams” and “See Our Oars,” by the school children, exceeded all expectations, and their tutor, Mr J. D, Harper, is deserving of the highest praise for the excellent manner in which the children have been trained, Mr Gilmore recited “ The Life Boat,” and Mr P. Vandy sang “ Rooked in the Cradle of the Deep.” The nigger song and dance, “ Coming Home from Meeting,” by Messrs P. Barry and R. Bruce, elicited much applause. The comic reading by Mr Fraser fairly convulsed the audience. Much amusement was caused in the duet “ Very Improper, Indeed,” by Mr and Miss McFarlane, Miss McFarlane taking her part particularly wall. Mr George was heard to good advantage in the song “ Killaloe ” The school children again elicited much approbation for the way they acquitted themselves in the well known waltz song “ See Saw,” at the same time going through a number of oalisthenio exercises and keeping remarkably good time. A hornpipe by Masters A. Skillicorn, J. Murphy, Jennings Harper and James Harper was performed in a manner that would have done credit to many professionals. The preformanca was brought to a close by another well executed hornpipe by Messrs J. Ryan, Bruce and Ryan, who had to respond to a well earned encore. The performance ended shortly before midnight and the hall was then cleared and dancing was kept up till early morn. All agreed in the opinion that a thoroughly enjoyable time had been spent, and Mr Harper was generally complimented on the whole affair. During the evening the following ladies and gentlemen presided at the piano: Mrs Smith, Misses Batty and McFarlane, Messrs J. D. Harper and E. C. Bolton.