ST. LUKE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 849, 4 January 1879, Page 2

ST. LUKE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.

! The annual treat of the above Sunday School, which was held at Oakleigh (Mr. Sumpter's) on Thursday last, was a very great success. About 300 children and adult visitors were present. The children met at the old Cricket Ground, the elder ones marching in procession, and vehicles being provided for the little ones. On their arrival, they were marched on to the croquet ground in front of the house, and grace having been sung, refreshments were served. The company then dispersed—the girls to one portion of the grounds, the boys to another—and indulged heartily in suitable amusements. .A,veiy lively scene then presented itßelf, J and shrubs surrounHmg tfil jiSSSfk? ll ™ &c., were then contested for, the valuable prizes, consisting of books, paint boxes, &c., which were eagerly competed for, occasioning agood deal of pleasureable excitement amongthe youngsters. After some time had elapsed the children were taken to the orchard, where they regaled themselves with gooseberries and raspberries. They then marched back to the croquet ground, where the distribution of prizes in connection with past session was made. The prizes, at the request of the Superintendent (Mr. Sumpter), were then handed to those for whom they were intended by the Rev. A. Gifford. Tea having been partaken of, and a few more sportß held, the children were collected to witness the ascent of a fire balloon, which was successfully accomplished, the balloon sailing steadily over Weston township, a little past the neighborhood of which it was believed to have descended, and may l possibly be discovered and found to contain round the car the words " A Happy New Year, St. Luke's Sunday School.' The balloon, as on a previous occasion, was kindly made by the Rev. Mr. Gifford. Three hymns were then sung, namely, "Hark, the herald angels," "Saviour, blessed Saviour," and "Now the day is over." On the motion of . Mr. Gifford three cheers were then given for the superintendent and teachers, which was responded to by Mr. Sumpter on behalf of himself and teachers. Mr. Sump>te» took the opportunity of telling the children that he was pleased to be able to compliment them on their behavior during the day, and it was a great pleasure to Mrs. Sumpter and himself to have seen so many happy faces around them. He now wished them to testify their appreciation of Mr. Gilford's kindness in making the balloon by three hearty cheers. A like compliment having been. paid to Mrs. Gifford, and one more to the balloon, the happy party broke up.