METHVEN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1423, 21 May 1886, Page 2

METHVEN.

HARVEST HOME AT SPRINGFIELD

(from OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

There is r saying “ that where e’er a Scotchman roves” he never forgets his native heather, 'nor fails to retain a recollection of the happy hours be spent at the social gatherings in his native land. Mr and Mrs Cameron, of Springfield, being no exception to the general rule, with their usual

hospitality invited most of the residents in

this district to a “ Harvest Home” (which is one oi the most popular o£ the Scotch gatherings) last Wednesday. In response to their invitation upwards of 150 people assembled at their homestead, where each and all received a hearty Highland welcome. The large shearing shed was converted into a temporary suite of apartments for the occasion. The comfort of the guests was evidently a first consideration, as the walls of the building were lined throughout, and the numerous openings incident to such buildings were carefully closed to prevent the intrusion of draughts. One end of the building was set apart for the concert hall and ballroom, in which was erected a small but very neat dais for the performers. The portion of the shed known as the “shearing board” served as a corridor leading to the other apartments, but so profuse were the decorations that it resembled a conservatory. The first room of the corridor was rather a novel adjunct to ballroom requisites, being fitted with cots for the sleeping infants who were too young to be deprived of their materna attentions for any length of time. The general comfort mast have pervaded this apartment, for although largely patronised, the juvenile choruses were conspicuous by their absence. Next in order were the draw- « ing-room and the ladies’ dressing-room, both of which were elegantly furnished. Access to the dining or supper room was through the former, the tables of which literally groaned under the weight of ing viands. The whole building was profusely and artistically decorated with ferns and evergreens, tastefully relieved with bunches of golden grain, and brilliantly lighted with lamps and Chinese lanterns, the whole having a very pleasing effect. Mr Cameron, on behalf of Mrs Cameron and himself, welcomed the guests to Springfield, and stated the evening’s amusement would commence with a concert, but as he was so busy elsewhere Mr Angus*- his storekeeper, would take charge of that part of the programme. Mr Angus asked for the kind indulgence of the audience on behalf of the performers, who were principally employes on the estate. On the conclusion of a rather long programme it was evident that such a request was superfluous; as each item merited the encore it received. After the concert the company adjourned to the supper room in relays, and did ample justice to the good things provided. In the meantime the concert room was cleared for the dance, which was kept up until daylight did appear. Mrs Fitzgerald presided at the piano in her usual artistic style, and Mr A. McKay was equally successful as violinist and piper. A plentiful supply of tea, coffee, and other drinks of the Blue Ribbon order, was served daring the evening and all night long, in fact Mr and Mrs Cameron and their numerous employes seemed to vie with each other in ministering to the wants of their guests. Three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Cameron and the performers, and the company returned to their respective homes highly pleased with their night’s entertainment.