Colyton School Picnic.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 155, 2 January 1897, Page 2

Colyton School Picnic.

\ The Colytod school picnic was held . yesterday in Mr John Stewart's paddock, and was an immense success. About 400 people were on the ground, making it the largest gathering ever held at Colyton, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The children up to Standard II were each presented with a useful present, and both boys and girls competed in running, walking, jumping, tug-of-war, &c, for money prizes, while the usual games were indulged in by grown-up people. In the early part of the day the committee, assisted by other gentlemen, prepared the ground by erecting booths, seats tor the ladies, &c. Refreshments were provided by the committee ; and Mr and Mrs Stewart, to whose indefatigable exertions the success of the picnic is principally due, spared no pains in preparing the food, cutting up sandwiches and cakes, &a, and plenty willing hands distributed it. During the afternoon the chairman, on behalf of the committee, presented Miss Shortall, the late assistant-teacher, who has been promoted to another school, with the following testimonial: — "Colyton, 23rd December, 1896. " We, the undersigned members of the Colyton School Committee, desire to express our high appreciation of the services rendered to our school by Miss Shortall, first as cadet and afterwards as assistant-teacher, extending over a period of 10 years. During the whole of that time Miss Shortall has been greatly esteemed by the parents and beloved by the children ; and on several occasions after the examinations by. the Board's Inspector the committee (in office at the time) passed a resolution to record their approval of the excellent work performed by her as assistant teacher controlling the intant classes and Standards I and 11. While regretting her departure the com* mittee cannot but feel pleased that she has secured well-earned promotion, and hope she will be as successful in her new school as she has been at Colyton. And, also, that she may long be spared to enjoy both a useful and a happy life. — Owen Pleasants, chairman; Samuel Kirk, James Rnssell, .Robert Lankshear, John Stewart, Goo. Ash worth, Wm. Mitchell." Games were kept going until dusk when those remaining were invited to tea by Mr and Mrs Stewart and afterwards to a dance in Mr Stewart's barn, the dance being a most enjoyable one, the room was decorated with festoons, Chiuese lanterns, etc. About 30 couples graced the floor and danced to excellent music supplied by Mr and Miss Janet Stewart The dance was kept up until midnight when three c'ueers were given to Mr and 'Mrs Stewart, and "Auld Lang Syne" brought a most enjoyable day to a close..