ST. PATRICK'S SCHOOL ANNUAL PICNIC.

Kumara Times, Issue 2599, 5 January 1885, Page 2

ST. PATRICK'S SCHOOL ANNUAL PICNIC.

The organisers of the annual treat in connection with St. Patrick's School, must be highly gratified at the success which attended their efforts on this occasion of the New Year's Day annual picnic. From the regularity with which each item of the programme was carried out, it was manifest that every preparation was carefully made, and, as nothiug occurred to mar the arrangements, both children and adults enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Even the clerk of the weather, with unusual condescension, wore his most benign aspect, and lent his all-important aid in favour of the great juvenile festival. At 9.30 a.m. the peals of the bell warned the children that the hour of gathering was approaching, and until 10.30 crowds of little ones were to be seen dressed in holiday attire hastening to the Catholic Church grounds, the appointed place of meeting. The pro cession, marshalled by the Rev. Fathers Walshe and Browne, Mr Duggan, head teacher, and the Picnic Committee, beariug banners and flags, and headed by the Brass Band, was then put in motion and with appropriate music marched in the most orderly manner through Tui, Fifth, Seddon, and Main streets, and returned to the ground. Here they were treated to the first meal consisting of sandwiches, buns, and tea, to which, it is needless to add there was done ample justice. After this the sports commenced. The following are the events, with the results : Boys' Races. 100 yards Handicap, for boys from 6 to 8 years.—M. Tobin, 1; W. Wall, 2; J. Hanrahan, 3.

100 yards Handicap, for boys from Bto 10 years.—A. Pfaff, 1 ; T. Wall, 2; T. Phelan 3.

150 yards Handicap, for boys, from 10 to 12 years.—P. Galligan, 1; J. Murphy, 2; J. Lowden, 3.

150 yards Handicap for boys from 12 to 14 years.—T. Hanrahan, 1 ■ P. Wilkiuson, 2; J. O'Connor, 3. 200 yards Handicap, for boys from 14 to 16 years.—W. Morgan 1; F. O'Loughlin, 2; E. Mulvihill 3. The Strangers' Handicap, resulted as follows—J. Browne, 1; T. Conniffe, 2; A. Conniffe, 3. Girls' Races,

Matched according to ages as the boys.

First Haudicap.—C. Mulvihill, 1; M. Wilkinson, 2; L. Berdiner, 3.

Second Handicap.— A. Houlahau, 1; K. Warren, 2; K. Dal ton. Third Handicap:—L. Ryan, 1 ; C. Wilkinson, 2 ; K. Davies, 3. Fourth Handicap.—T. Murphy, 1 ; C. Mnlhearn, 2; B. Moran, 3. The second meal was taken at 3 o'clock, and consisted of buns, cake, sandwiches, and ginger-beer, after which the sports were resumed. Wrestling (Collar and Elbow).—J. Costello, 1 ; J. Quinn and T. Connelly divided second and third prizes. Consolations for all beaten competitors resulted in prizes being awarded to the following : Buy*.—First prizos. D. M'Glonn, Jaa. Lowden, J. Gilbert, J. Phoian,

J. Flanagan. Second prizes. —T. M'Grath, H. O'Flaherty, R. O'Loughlin, T. Dalton, F. Rochford. Third prizes—C. M'Glone, C. Connolly, J. Davies, R. Qainn, P. Monahan. Walking Match.—J. O'Connor, 1; W. Gilbert, 2; W. Caldwell, 3. Girls.—First prizes—E. Ryder, T. Martini. Second prizes—R. Bleamy, L. Bleamy. Third prizes—M. Phelan, M. Galbraith. The third meal was served at 3 o'clock, and consisted of buns, tarts, and tea.

The most interesting contest of the sports concluded the programme. This was the Tug of-War, thirteen at each side, and after a great struggle which lasted for fully fifteen minutes, the following team prevailed :—A.. Plielan, F. O'Loughiin, T.' Com)ollv, T. Hanrahan, D. M'Glone, P. Trepo, P. Monahan, P. Gallig;.n, H. O'Flaherty, W. Caldwell, T. Monahan.

At a quarter to seven the Rev. Father Walshe presented the prizes to the successful competitors. A scrambling for lollies followed, when three hearty cheers were given for the Rev. Fathers Walshe and Browne, for the Band, for the Picnic Committee, and the friends who contributed the funds.

The children returned to their homes exceedingly pleased with the day's amusement.