THE SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PIC-NIC

Inangahua Times, Volume III, Issue 93, 23 March 1877, Page 2

THE SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PIC-NIC

The school children's pic-nic held on Tuesday radically outran all expectations, and as an open-air gathering was unquestionably the premier achievement of the Inangahua. The initial stage in the day's proceedings certainly did not look propitious, for just as the procession was about to start for the ground a cart freighted with about half a ton of good things for the pic»nk> bolted — or rather the horee attached to it did. The animal, a young and restive one, took fright ai»d careered madly down Church-street in the direction of the Court House, and thence along Uridge»9treet to the junction of Shielsstreet, where its progress was arrested by a stamp on the side-walk. All along the "oute of the runaway, at each jolting of the dray, tins of biscuits, lollies, buns, and tarts, were thrown out and heaped in disorder on the ground. Several gin cases of ham sandwiches were in this way scattered along the dusty streets, and of course rendered useless. As much of the wreckage as could be was re» covered, and fresh cargo having been taken in to make good the loss, the dray reached the ground without further mishap. The children having mustered and shipped their banners, flags, and other holiday para« phernalia, the procession, headed by the band, a arched down Broadway to Smith's paddock. On the ground the stalls erected for the late sports were taken possession of by a bevy of ladies, and with the assistance of a number of their " lords and masters," both present and prospective, soon gave the booths a tnoat» tempting appearance. While this part of the arrangement* was being carried on extensive preparations were made for dancing, and a committee was selected to conduct the races and other sports for the boys, and swings, races, and other congenial amusements for the girls. Close upon £10 in money was available as prize money, which enabled the Committee to give some really good events. The Rev. lather Carew had the especial care of the younger children, and what with lolly and cake scrambles and a variety of innocent and healthful games he succeeded in keeping his charge admirably.

At nndxday there could not have been less tban -even hundred persons on the ground, about half the number being children, and the remainder adults— chiefly of the feminine gender. The day was gloriously fine, and the sight which the ground presented was really something to be remembered, for such an agglomeration of tiuslin*, ribbons, small waists, high-heeled boots, and btbies one could harJly expect to encounter outside the dreamland of bachelorhood. At mid-day the whole of the children were seated in a circle under the shade of the trees, and there sup* plied with sweetmeats and tea in galore. Immediately afterwards tbe table* were kid and the whole of the adult assemblage was provided with creature comforts, after whiclj the amusements of the aay were renewed with all the vigor which slacked appetites and light hearts could impart. For the bigger children the dancing was of course the great centre of attraction, and the viciuity of the band was thronged all day by those who lore to trip the •• light fantastic toe," and by those who love :ogaze at the light fantastic ankle. The dancing was a great feature in the day's festivities* and the spectacle alone which was p-esented by such a number of gaily dressed people, twirling and whirling and hopping about on the green, was woith travelling some distance to see. 'The sports Committee managed their part of the business very satisfactorily, an© the mile and half-mile races amongst the boys were really most exciting even is. The pace at which the long races was kept up was really surprising ; the chief victors of the day being tbe sons- of Mr John. Williams of Fern Flat, and those of Mr M'Laucblau, of Black's Point. Though the picmic was planned and carried out by the Bey, Father Carew and the Catholic School, tbe children of all denomiua nations were invited to participate in the gathering, and this invitation, largely availed of as it was by both parents aad children, established a thoroughly good feeling, which betrayed itself at every stage of the day's proceedings. It would perhaps be inviuioiuto mention any names, as all did 80 much towards the enjoyment of tbe day. The unbounded success of the gathering is in itself a sufficient re war J to those who interested themselves in the getting up and conduct of the pic-nic, and all we can say in cocclunon is that the school children's annual picnic of the Inangahua will henceforth be looked forward to both by old and young as the one glad re-union of tbe year.