DUVAUCHELLE'S BAY SCHOOLTREAT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 262, 21 January 1879, Page 2

DUVAUCHELLE'S BAY SCHOOLTREAT.

The annual treat for the pupils attending the above school took place on the 13th inst., in Mr Shadbolt's paddock, the use of which was kindly given for the occasion. 132 children assembled, accompanied by their parents. A large number of "strangers were also present to witness the sports, amongst whom were his Worship the Mayor of Akaroa and Mrs Waeckerle, the Rev. Mr Anderson, and many other distinguished visitors.

W. Montgomery, Esq., wrote to express | his regret at not being able to attend as he had intended, being prevented by pressure of business with the Railway Engineer. However, although absent himself, his liberal support and sympathy Vere present. The weather was exceedingly, fine, and the programme of the day's sports was gone through without a hitch. A marked feature in the day's amusements was the spirit, order, and zeal with which the children contended for the prizes in the "Olympics." The most interesting novelty connected with the children's f.te was the Christmas Tree, which was at the same time the delight of the children and the object of admiration of all who saw it. It reflected infinite credit on Mrs Shadbolt for the taste displayed in constructing it, and was, as it were, the crowning of all her other efforts to make the children happy, and here the names of Mrs Davis, from Christchurch, and of the Misses Shadbolt must be coupled with the first-named. There was a piano in the compartment with the Christmas Tree, kindly presided over by Mrs Hewer, and some selections suitable to the occasion were nicely sung by the Misses Shadbolt and the children. The day's sports, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the children and everyone present, and pronounced by all to be quite a success, were brought to a conclusion hy appropriate addresses being given by Messrs Shadbolt, Piper, the Rev. Mr Anderson, and the teacher, Mr G. F. Carden. The latter was noticeable for the zeal he exhibited in attending to the children, and the general interest he took in their enjoyments. The refreshments supplied, almost to a degree of prodigality that reflects much credit on the people of the Bay, were administered principally by Miss Emelia Shadbolt, who may be called on this occasion the stewardess of the feast, and who busied herself all day long with the zeal of a very Martha. Mrs Shadbolt was chiefly occupied in spreading the seeds of discord, such as nuts, figs, raisins, &c., &c., which, however, it was edifying to notice, <vere not allowed to remain long enough on the ground to take root. * The Children, who, as the teacher remarked, exhibited a more than ordinary spirit of discipline, and were very obedient to orders, were arranged in semi-circular rows—the boyo on the right and the girls on the left of the grand spread previous to making the grand attack ou tea and buns, in which encounter they proved themselves equal to the occasion.

In the evening, a ball was held in the schoolroom, which was well patroni§ed, and was a very good winding-up to the amusements of the day. Dancing commenced at half-past eight p.m., and was kept up till daylight in the same spirit that animated the other recreations of the day.