BLACKS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 780, 30 March 1877, Page 3

BLACKS.

(FßOM A CORRESPONDENT.) The Picnic ami Sports to have been held here on St Patrick’s Day, in consequence of the bad weather, it having rained from early morning till late into the afternoon did not come off, naturally therefore many of the young bloods,--aye, even some of the old boys, who had been exercising their muscles and otherwise putting themselves into training to exhibit their powers of strength, endurance and agility, were much disappointed. It was thought at one time that no part of the programme, not even the Ball in the evening, would come offi however, just as the rain cleared away the Alexandra Brass Band put in an appearance, and then it was decided by the Committee that the Ball should take place, and of all the right jolly and enjoyable affairs, it proved to be the best that wo have ever yet had on Blacks, and the only regret heard was that, it being Saturday, the time for enjoyment would be so limited. Shortly after arrival the Band, merely taking time to refresh themselves after their long journey, proceeded to the School-house, which you know is situated on a prominent eminence overlooking the whole of the town, and played a number of Woll-sclectm! pieces of music, after which they paraded the town continuing to play in the meantime. A full Brass Band at Blac.is is not an every day occurrence, the effect therforo was electrical, and soon caused the long lugubrious faces of the morning to wear an entirely different appearance ; in fact, the music with its charms drove away 1 11 semblance of melancholy, and all were nerry as

at a wedding. The Chinese, of whom wo have a largo number in our midst, wore apparently nonplussed as to a man they threw down their tools and joined in tho joyous throng that followed from place to place tho band—to them it appeared a great treat, and for which they exhibited their willingness to pay by the eagerness they purchased tickets to admit them to the Ball-room, tho which, had they been allowed they would have monopolised, but as tho Ball was got up not for their special delectation, they were, by tho exercise' of a little strategy, induced to take outside places. Tho only real drawback to the general enjoyment of one and all was the limited space in tho old School-house for daneing, but by when the anniversary of Old Ireland’s Patron Saint St Patrick comes round again the new school-house will he erected, and there will bo room for all. The Ball commenced at half-past seven o’clock, and in a few moments the room was so crowded that some of the ladies could not procure seats. Dancing was kept up till about twenty minutes to twelve, when one of tho members of Committee returned thanks in a few appropriate words, explaining that but for the bad state of the weather everything was carried out satisfactorily, and in concluding his remarks called for three hearty cheers for Alexandra Brass Band and for the M.C. Mr Robertson, which was given with a will that shook our old school-house. Mr Forrest i churned thanks on behalf of the Band, ami regretted very much that the weather had been so unfavorable, as it was against the interest of the Committee as well as that of the Band. Mr Robertson also returned thanks for the kind manner in which he had been received—l must say Mr Robertson did his duty very creditably. To say who was the “ Belle of the Ball ” is more than 1 can do, as all the ladies were so tastefully dressed and good-looking that I will no longer remain a bachelor, if I can help it, while such beauty is to be found in the district. Several songs were sung by Messrs Robertson, Macintosh, and Hiuldleson, which were loudly applauded ; three hearty cheers were a'so given for the young ladies who had so kindly undertook to sell the tickets. At twelve o’clock the company dispersed and wended their way home thoroughly satisfied with the evening’s amusement. I must conclude by hoping that the weather will be more favorable next St. Patrick’s Day, and that there will be as many smiling faces (ladies’) to gladden the eyes of (not then I hope) A Bachelor. K.B. - I think, what with subscriptions and the sale of tickets, that all expenses are met, which is very satisfactory, and is an inducement for the Committee to look forward to next St. Patrick’s day’s amusement with pleasure-