CHILDREN'S PICNIC ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1016, 2 January 1880, Page 2

CHILDREN'S PICNIC ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Many and anxious were the glances cast at the sky early yesterday morning by the rising generation, and many the predictions mide as to the probabilities of the weather continuing favorable for the great annual event of this district, the children's—or, more properly speakirg, the people's picnic. Shortly before eleven o'clock the children of the various schools mustered in Tui street street and, headed by the Dillman's Town Brass Band proceeded, to Messrs Keech and Molloy's paddock, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the Picnic Committee by the owners. Here games of v all descriptions, racing, wrestling, swinging, and also riding in the " Merry-go-round," were soon heartly indulged in, under the supervision of the various members of the Committee appointed to superintend the respective amusements. About one o'clock, dinner, in the shape of sandwiches, buns, tarts, with tea, ad libertum, was served out to the children who, seated in the form of an extensive oval on tbe grass, formed with the variegated colors of their sashes and dresses, one of the most pretty and pleasing pictures imaginable. During the afreruoon crowds of people came from all directions, the various coaches coming to the grounds being crowded witli passengers. The uumber of children on the ground exceeded 800 and there was over 1000 'of the general public present. The Dillman's Band, : uuder the leakership of Mr Baas, by their spirited and able playing throughout the day, contributed greatly to the general enjoyment, advantage being taken of their services by many to indulge in dancing on the greensward. Looking at the picnic of yesterday as compared with those of previous years, there is little doubt it was the greatest success of any ever held in Kumara, the attendance being larger and the wather more propitious than usual. Although we cannot particularise every member of the Committee who assisted in promoting the enjoyment of the children, the names of the Rev. E. A. Scott, Messrs Seddon, Blake. Pollock, Duggan, Bain, and Campbell are especially deserving of mention, as those gentlemen, more particularly the two first-named, worked most energetically throughout the day, their efforts being most ably assisted by a number of ladies, conspicuous ainon»st whom were Mrs Horneman and Mrs Williams.

We wei'c glad to observe that the much vexed question of the refresh-niHnt-hooth caused uo permanent annoyance to oar temperance friends, as they mustered strongly on the ground, and evidently enjoyed the day as well as everyone else who was present.