THE SCHOOL PICNIC.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1046, 10 January 1884, Page 2

THE SCHOOL PICNIC.

Yesterday will long be remembered by the .Ashburton school children as a redletter day, and the annual picnic, which is always looked forward to with so much pleasure by the youngsters, was certainly never held under more favorable auspices. At half-past ten o’clock the scholars of the Borough School were marshalled in ranks and marched to the station, where a large concourse of people had already assembled. The special train left for Windermere at 11, and including a contingent from Winslow, there could not have been fewer than 1,000 people on bo .rd. Arrived at Windermere it was found that Mr Wright had a number of conveyances for tjje ladies and the smaller children, the ipppe sturdy IjmJjed walking to the grounds wporp the picpip yas to bo hold. Better weather than yesterday could not be imagined, and the smiling faces of the young people showed that

they were determined lo enjoy themselves. On corning to their destination, everybody realised that Mr Wright had spared neither expense nor trouble to make the picnic a success Shyness is not a striking characterise c of New Zealand youth, and it is unnecessary to say that the children quickly made themselves at home in the beautiful grounds thrown open to them A large paddock was set apart for cricket and other games, while serious depredations were made upon the orchard, with a total disregard as to whether the fruit was ripe or not. We certainly think it is a pity that generosity such as Mr Wright’s should be abused in this way, but wo suppose that the children have not yet developed a conscience in this respect. However, we shrewdly suspect tha in many instances their sins have found them out, for unlimited green apples can scarcely be consumed without unpleasant after experiences being felt. At about one o’clock a numerous company of visitors sat down to a cold collation served in a largo tant erected on one of the lawns, and full justice was done to the good things provided. Mr and Mrs Wright and several members of the family were indefatigable in their ministrations to the wants of their guests, the younger part of the latter plying the knife end fork with an astonishing gusto. Relay after relay of people sat down at the tables and kept the carvers well occupied. The inner man having been satisfied an adjournment was made to the paddock, were cricket was played in a promiscuous way by some youngsters apparalled in many and varied costumes, while others sought amusement at the swing. A maypole was erected and a number of girls danced? round it, very nicely plaiting the colored ribbons round the pole in the o-thodox way. We think, however, that the School Committee might have worked with a little more spirit and organised some sports for the boys, but although many people were ready with suggestions, nobody seemed to take the matter in hand. Not that the children probably felt the want of this much, as when they were tired of playing they could retire to a shed crested on tha lawn and o:oupy themselves with eating cake provided for them, and we must say they availed themselves of the privilege to their heart’s, and we presume to their stomach’s, content. At about five o’clock the people again assembled in the tent and partook of tea and cake, which was provided in unlimited quantities, and when six o’clock came the children ware marshalled in front of the house and sang the National Anthem, which was followed by hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Wright, their family and the School Committee. A movement was then made for the station, where the special train was in waiting, and the party arrived in Ashburton having, according to the universal verdict, spent a happy day, to be long remembered. Mr Wright’s characteri.-.tic and lavish hospitality is beyond all praise, and he no doubt considered himself amply repaid by the sight of so many joyous faces on which were depicted gratitude for the treatment one and all had received.