A BIG TEA. PARTY IN A SMALL LOCALITY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 12, 13 January 1872, Page 2

A BIG TEA. PARTY IN A SMALL LOCALITY.

The following account of a tea meeting wbich took place o short time since in the Upper Moutere, has been sent to us by •'Eyewitness," who adds — "If you still eucourage small industries, you will, I feel sure, give n little corner in your valuable paper for this notice, as 'un encouragement pour les autres.' " One of the best gatherings it has been my fortune to witness for a loug time took place the other day on the grounds of Mr. Bensemann, of Upper Moutere, when some 220 adults and upwards of 115 chiMren sat down to a remarkably good tea, supplied by the Moutere patriarch. Three great nations — G-ermauy, England, aDd France — had sent their representatives, Gravelotte wns enacted over again, England this time joining in tbe fun. This was a «arae at football, in which England came off second best, whilst the victor — never mind the nationality — found himself minus one boot, which had to be left on the field, the remainiug one allowing the toes to get easy ventilation. In a race in bags England retrieved her honors, and carried off the two prizes, her competitors reaching the goal, after many

a tumble, just in time to see their rival loaded with the "opimis spoliis." A. race with wheelbarrows, followed by divers other games, was creditably performed; but, in the opiiiion of many, a ball, which lasted till the stars were fairly put to flight by Mr. Phoebus, was the grandest, if not the best, feature. Altogether, a more agreeable meeting it would be difficult to conceive.