AMUSEMENTS FOR BOXING DAY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 841, 24 December 1878, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS FOR BOXING DAY.

Several means of spending Boxing Day pleasantly arc announced, and though the choice is not perhaps so large as might be desired, we have no doubt that our readers will experience little difficulty in passing in an enjoyable manner one of the chief holidays of the year. Trips into the country will doubtless be the order of the day, for no amusements are to be provided in town. Foremost on the programme for the day are THE KAKANUI P.AC'ES. These events will no doubt attract a large number of people from Oamaru. The capital programme issued by the Committee has had the desired effect of obtaining a large number of entries, and though the acceptances for the two principal events are small, some good sport may be anticipated. The first race is announced to start half-past 11 o'clock, but no arrangement for the running of a train at a suitable hour has been made, and those wishing to travel by railway will have to do so cither by the train leaving Oamaru at 0.50 a.m. or by that taking its departure at 20 minutes past 12 o'clock. Mr. Patcrson, however, announces that a four-horse brake will leave the Empire Hotel at 10 a.m. f!OOD TEMPLAR PICNIC. The annual jjicnic of the Good Templar Lodges of the North Otago District, which is to be held at Papakaio on grounds lent by Mr. John Forrester, should, and no doubt will, be attended by a large number of pleasure-seekers. In addition to the several attractions offered by the promoters of the picnic in the sports, a brass band, and a baby show, the spot selected is one of the most charming in the district, possessing much to interest lovers of Nature. Special arrangements have been made for the conveyance of people to the ground. Trains will leave Oamaru at 10.10 and 11.35 a.m., returning at o o'clock sharp. Return tickets will be issued at Is Gd each. Refreshments, of course of the Good Templar order, will be provided on the ground. THE CALEDONIAN SPORTS AT XOArARA Offer strong inducements to holiday-makers to isay a visit to that portion of the country. A most excellent programme, comparing in many respects-favourably with that put forth by the Oamaru Caledonian Society, is announced, comprising events of almost ever-y description. What is of greater consequence is that very liberal prizes are offered, and for these there should be strong competition. Lovers of athletic struggles may rest assured that some good sport will be provided at Ngapara on Boxing Day. SCHOOL TREATS. Thanks to the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. John Reid, of Elderslie, the children attending the Presbyterian Sunday School will be afforded a special opportunity of spending Boxing Day in a delightful manner, Mr. and Mrs. Reid having invited the children and their teachers to become their guests on that day. A special train, to convey to Elderslie 250 children and 50 teachers and friends, will leave Oamaru at half-past 10 o'clock. The thoughtfubtess and generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Reid in thus placing their beautiful grounds at the disposal of the children, and providing for their full enjoyment of a day's trip into the country, is deserving of commendation, and it is to be hoiked that others may in future be led to follow their example. The children attending the Hampden school will be given their annual Boxing Day's treat near the residence of Mr. Gillies. FORESTERS' BALL. The select ball to be given in connection with Court Pride of Oamaru, A.0.F., in the Volunteer Hall, will be, so far as we are aware, the only public event on Boxing Night, and as the charge for ticket for lady and gentleman is fixed at the moderate sum of 10s 6d, it should be well patronised by those in search of a fitting termination for their day's enjoyment. STEAMER EXCURSION. To those desirous of spending Christmas and Boxing Days in Dunedin, an excellent opportunity of doing so is afforded by the owners of the s.s. Waitaki, which will leave here this evening and return early on Friday morning. The charge for return tickets is only 10s.

TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS. As -will have been noticed by advertisements in the Mail, special arrangements have been made by the Railway Department for the holidays, single fares being charged tor the: return journey on all the lines. A few alterations in the departure of trains from Oamaru on Boxing Day have been made. The afternoon train for Duntroon will leave at 5 p.m., instead of 3.40 p.m. ; the Timaru train will leave at 5 p.m., instead of at 4 p.m. ; the Ngapara train will leave at 6 p.m., instead of at 4.15 p.m. : and the South train usually leaving at 3.50 p.m. -will take its departure at 5.45 p.m. Visitors to Dunedin on Boxing Day will be afforded an op2)ortunity of remaining in the metropolis until a quarter-past five o'clock, when a special train leaves for Oamaru, arriving here at 10.25 p.m. A special train -will I leave Oamaru for Ngapara at 10.30., return- j ing at 3.3 p.m.