THE ANNIVERSARY PIC-NIC.

Evening Star, Issue 3150, 25 March 1873, Page 2

THE ANNIVERSARY PIC-NIC.

There was a large attendance of both old and young people at the Old Identity pic-nic yesterday. The gathering was in the paddock of Mr Wm, Barr, Kaikorai. The party began to assemble about 12 o’clock, and at three there would be 250 to 300 people on the ground. Amongst those present we noticed Messrs John Cargill, W. H. Cu'.teu and family, James Marshall, J. Kilgour, Geo. Hepburn, Alex. Dickson, Furi Bush ; Richd. Runciman, John Barr, Geo. Duncan, John Andrew, George Matthews, Jas. Adam, Tokomairiro, Beavers, Clutha, Donald Reid, J. T. Thomson, and a large number of others whose faces are very familiar, but whose names are unknown to us. The engagements of the day were those which generally take up the time and constitute the amusements of a pic-nic party. The principal event was a game of shinty, played by eighteen Old Identities, most of them over sixty years of age. Sides were chosen by Messrs A. J. Burns and John Andrew, the former having on his side Messrs Souivss, Geo. Hepburn, Jas, Marshall, Baxter, Chapman, Dickson, Hichd. Runciman, Findlater, and D, M. Stuart, D.D. On the other side, under the leadership of Mr Andrew, wore Messrs 11. M‘kay, A. Craig, Kilgour, Matthews, Anderson, Healey, Geo, Duncan, and Bowers. Four games were played; all won by Mr Andrew. The earnestness and vigour with which this good old game was entered into by the real Old Identities, showed that there is considerable vitality left amongst them still, notwithstanding thestrugglos of old times, and the warmth of the vigorous competition of these latter days. Before the gathering dispersed, a few remarks expressive of the pleasure derived from the reunion of old friends, and the reviving and renewing of old associations, and also as to the purposes of the proposed association, were made by Messrs George Duncan, Andrew Mercer, and the Rev. Dr Stuart. Mr Robert Maekay moved a vote of thanks to Mr Barr for the use of the paddock, and to Mr John Findlay for the supply of drays for the conveyance of the young folks from town, which were given with three hearty cheers, and the first reunion of the Otago Old Identities terminated by the band, which, under the leadership of Mr Martin, had added much to the enjoyment of the day, playing “Auld Lang Syne.” It is to be hoped that the arrangements at the future gatherings of the Association will be better considered and more complete than they wore yesterday. Notwithstanding the defective arrangements, those present seemed to enjoy themselves well, and it only wanted a little more sunshine to make it a decided success.