THE NEW YEAR.

Kumara Times, Issue 2885, 4 January 1886, Page 2

THE NEW YEAR.

The Kumara Fire Brigade must be complimented for the grand display they made on Thursdsy night last in their celebration of the advent of the New Year, The weather, which during the day had been of a showery and threatening character, gradually cleared up, leaving just sufficient dark clouds as it were to darken the sky and add somewhat to the effect of the display of fireworks. At about 11 o’clock the Brigade which mustered in full force, with the fire engine and lighted torches, and headed by the Brass Band, marched through the principal streets of the town, the Band playing lively airs, and certain members of the Brigade, duly appointed, exhibiting powerful blue lights, emitting also beautiful streamers over the houses to right and left in their march. There must have been six or seven hundred people in the streets, and very few left in their homes. Numberless crackers were hied off by children and the Chinese in all parts of the town, but particularly along the line of route of the procession. Arriving again at the Town Hall, the Band formed a circle in the street in front and played some stirring airs. At 12 midnight the firebell pealed loudly the entry into the New Year, and then commenced such a display of fireworks as had not been before seen in Knmara; there were flower pots, streamers, golden fountains, mines, bine lights, Roman rockets, wheels, tourbillions, sextons, being mostly exhibited by members of the Brigade from the roof and in front of the Brigade Station. After the firebell had done pealing, the Band struck up “ Auld lung syne.” Now Year’s Day, 1886, was a gloriously fine day, and such as few expected to see; but thete were those who expressed their unbounded faith New Year s Day wet ? It cannot be!” We can only repeat a sentiment we made use of last year, that—“ Whether it he in answer to the prayers of the little folks or not, we must acknowledge that a Beneficent Providence seems to smile upon our New Year picnics. A finer day could not be wished for, and it was generally unexpected.” At 11.30 a.m. the children attending Sf. Patrick’s School, bearing many flags, marched in procession down to Seddon street, and up Main street to the Recreation Ground, where sports ; were got up for them, and dining the afternoon refreshments were partaken of. The children attending the State

School also mustered in large force at ihe School and at about 12 o’clock marched through Tui street, down Main street, and along Seddon street to First street, and thence to Messrs Keech and Malloy’s paddock, which bad been kindly lent, as heretofore, for the occasion. Mr R. J. Seddon, M.11.R., as Chairman of the School Committee’ accompanied the children, and, in the absence of the Brass Band, himself played a drum during their marchthrough the town. On arriving at the paddock the children were regaled with sandwiches and bans and tea; after which sports of almost every kind weie got up for the amusement of the children. There wete swings, a swing-boat, capable of holding twelve to fourteen children, and a merry-go-ronnd. Three violinists and a pianiste were engaged for the occasion, and they discoursed music for those who chose to indulge in the meiiy (erpsichorean exercises on the green sward. For y-oung people there were, also games of twos and threes, kiss-in-the-ring, cricket, ami rounders. There were not quite so many people on the ground at one time as last year • nevertheless all appeared to enjoy themselves well. In the evening there was a grand vocal and instrumental concert given a,t the Theatre Royal in aid of the Children’s Picnic Fund, which was laigely attended. Our space precludes the possibility of noticing each song and recitation given. The programme of the concert, as published, was pretty well adhered to, and at its conclusion Mr Hope gave an amusing stump speech. Mrs Williams acted as pianist, with her usual well-known ability, occasionally lelieved, and once accompanied in a duet, by Miss Seddon. Towards its conclusion Mr Seddon, who had acted as conductor, took the opportunity of thanking all ladies and gentlemen who had assisted during the day and evening in ministering to the enjoyment and happiness of the people, and the children in particular. The first clay of the Hew Year of 1886 will doubtless live long in the pleasurable recollection of yoan» and old. 0