SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4931, 11 January 1877, Page 3

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

The. Hon. W. Fox, M.H.R., received a most enthusiastic reception from the Rechabites arid Good Templars of the Baugitikei district atCrofton on December 15. A luncheon' was provided iu the Croftou Hall, and afterwards sports were to have been held in a neighboring paddock, but Jupiter Pluvius had it all his own way, and they were not proceeded with. In the evening a tea-meeting- was held, followed by a public meeting, at v/hich there was a large attendance. IVIr, Fox delivered an eloquent address, which was most enthusiastically received. The anniversary proceedings at Christchurch on the 16th December were a great success. The athletic sports were attended by 12,000 persons. During an interval in tbe races the. Hon. John Hall presented a testimonial of plate arid money, value £BOO, to Mr, Rolleston, ex-Superintendent. The presenta- . tion .was made in front of the grand StMid, and was marked by great enthusiasm. Trie sports were all well contested, and everything passed off- well. Numerous excursions and picnics took , place during the day. In the evening the Canterbury Fire Brigades had a torchlight procession, which was very successful. There was' also a great display of fire) works ,at. the Catholic School. ■ _ An entertainment was held at the Karon school iu connection with the breaking up for the holidays. A tea was provided, to which parents and children did justice. The pupils had been examined by the Bev, W. Ballachey, incumbent of S. Mary’s Church, and after tea lie passed a high encomium on the progress Which had been made during the past half year; The prizes were .then .presented, and three handsome vases arid a fiower-stand were' presented by the rev. gentleman, on behalf of the children, as an expression of their attachment to Mr. and Mrs. Marten, the teachers. Mr. Marten; returned thanks, and after some recitations, an hour or two’s dancing brought a very pleasant evening to a close.