MERCHANTS' EMPLOYEES' PICNIC.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1212, 22 January 1878, Page 3

MERCHANTS' EMPLOYEES' PICNIC.

Granted that the charm of a picnic is the complete breaking down of conventionalities which it necessitates, then it must be admitted that the more previous arrangements are upset the greater the success, always provided that those who have the management are capable of making the best of things as they come. Mark Tapley is the beau ideal of a picknicker, but bis capacity for being jolly under creditable circumstances was almost exceeded by the ladies and gentlemen who took part in the Merchants' Employees' Picnic. The time appointed for the rendezvous, at the Post-oiiice, was 9 o'clock sharp, but at that hour the rain was steadily falling, and there were indications in the clouds that in all probability the day would be anything but propitious. A council of war was held by the committee, and after much earnest discussion a resolution was come to that the start should be postponed for an hour or two. At eleven o'clock the weather, instead of being better, was rather worse ; still, as many ladies had already seated themselves in the conveyances, and appeared to be determined not to be deprived of their trip, the committee resolved to proceed to Cashmere, where Sir Cracroft Wilson had kindly placed at their disposal his paddocks and sheds. Accordingly the party, tilling four three-horse omnibusses and several other conveyances, and preceded by Toomer's band, started, and after making a couple of turns through the principal streets of the city, made their way to Cashmere Here were found three tents, in which had been stored provisions, eatable and drinkable, to an unlimited extent. The spacious paddock looked very enticing for those who had anticipated rural sports, the dance on the green, the foot race, &c, but, with the ground already saturated, and the rain falling more heavily than ever, the case was hopeless. Reluctantly it was resolved to retrace steps, and to spend the remainder of the day in the Oddfellows' Hall, North Montreal street After some little refreshment had been partaken of, the vehicles were once more laden with their human freight, and rapidly driven to their destination, which was readied about I o'clock. There in a few minutes the band commenced to play dance music in such a manner that the ladies could not restrain their impatience, but, without waiting for partners of the sterner sex, began to whirl each other round in polka, schottische, &c, and soon all-thought of the disagreeable weather outside was ignored, and the hall presented an appearance of cheerful enjoyment. Many who had not ventured to the picnic proper now came with their little ones, and for these last provision was speedily made, in the shape of toys of all kinds, which were freely distributed. To vary the amusements of the afternoon, several auctions were held. Refreshments were plentifully supplied from time to time, until shortly before 8 o'clock the band gave the signal for departure by playing the National Anthem. Before separating, however, the company gave hearty cheers for Sir Cracroft Wilson, for his lady, and for the committee, who certainly did all they could to make the day thoroughly enjoyable. The following were the committee : —Messrs D. Sutherland (chairman), E. 11. Shirley (secretary), Or. Smith (treasurer), !•'. C. Barrington (marshal), J. Toovey, F. 0. Collier, W. Evans, Ormondy, Howell, M'Nicholl, Sparkes, and M'Farlane.