CHURCH OF ENGLAND PICNIC.

Dunstan Times, Issue 769, 12 January 1877, Page 2

CHURCH OF ENGLAND PICNIC.

[ln our last issne we apologized for holding over our report of the above Picnic, on account of pressure on our apace ; we now, take tho opportunity of writing a few lines respecting it.] On Wednesday, the 3rd inst., our Church of England friends held their second Annual Picnic in tho Parsonage Grounds, Clyde. Early in tho day many were seen hurrying hither and thither, making great preparations for the event, at which all knew they would enjoy themselves. At about half-past three o’clock in the afternoon tho Clyde Brass Band was heard “tuning up” opposite the Town Hall, which was the signal for to start to tho grounds. The children soon assembled in strong force in the main streit, and vers marched down to the the scene of action, headed by the Band, who played several lively tunes in thtir usual masterly manner, as the procession (moved along. When the Parsonage was reached it was plainly to 1 a seen that everything had been provided so that the day might he an agreeable one for all. Tho good things of this life were spread out in rich profusion, bunting was flying, and the entire company assembled seemed to be prevaded with a thorough, holdiday spirit. At about four o’clock, after tho usual preliminaries, the “cup that cheers ’’ was handed round with many kindly words of greeting, and if happy smiling faces are any criterion to go by, all must have enjoyed themselves immensely. Tea being over, the company dispersed to spend the remainder of the evening in a social and becoming manner, for which ample provision was ma le in the shape of swings, round-abouts, skipping ropes, etc. “ Twos-and-threes,” rounders, and dancing were indulged in, for which latter the Band kindly played. At intervals a splendid sample of fruit was passed from one to another, to which justice was done especially by the “ little ones.” The Rev. J. Dcwe, Mrs Dewe, and those ladies and gentlemen who worked so hard to carry out the whole affair deserve great praise, and we are sure that everyone present were, of the same opinion as ourselves that it was a great pity that these rc-unions come but | once a year. We noticed many stranger! from distant parts of the district present amongst the company assembled, which--including the children—must have been close on 390. The ladies who collected fir the Picnic have handed the balance of receipts over expenses, L2 12s, to tho Caurch Building Fund. A deputation of ladies and gentlemen having waited upon Mr H. Nettlefold, ths Bandmaster, requested him, as a favor, to play for a dance, to be held .at tho Town Hall, at the olnseof the Picnic. After having consulted the opinions of the Band, it was agreed that the wishes of the deputation should ho granted, which was accordingly done, and the Halt was opened- at nina o’clock in the evening, it having been previously cleaned and nicely decorated with evergreens and flags, by Mr Thus. Webb, for that purpose. About thirty couples responded to the M.C.’s call “ Take your partners for the First Setand throughout the whole of the dances that cordial feeling, for which Clyde is noted, prevailed. \Va may, in conclusion, justly say that a mon pleasant evening’s amusement has not been our lot to enjoy for many months’ past. The party broke tip about one o’clock in the I morning, after giving three cheers for the I Brass Band.