The Old Identity Picnic.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 906, 5 January 1881, Page 4

The Old Identity Picnic.

The gathering of all the old residents, their friends and relatives at the Roseland Gardens on New Years Day, resulted in a most enjoyable holiday being spent by all who were privileged to attend. The gardens afforded a magnificent spot for such a meeting, as through the shelter afforded by the trees the picnic parties were enabled to obtain lovely sheltered nooks, where they could display the contents of their hampers to advantage without any fear of the viands being spoiled by the glare and heat of the sun, which occasionally peeped out from a cloudy sky. There were slight showers during the day, but nothing to mar the general pleasure, nor to interfere with the sports which had been arranged for. Nearly all of the population of the Bay, who dated their advent from before the massacre, were in attendance, and it was exceedingly pleasing to watch the hand shakings, and cordial greetings between those t\'ho had shared the dangers of that dreadful time, but who now live in peace and security with their families. The gardens presented a most delightful appearance, shady willows, choice fruit trees, well provided al fresco spreads on the grass, and last, not least, a goodly sprinkling of “ Fair women and Brave men.” A large platform for dancing had been erected, and here, to the music of Mr. Peter Macfarlane’s string band, a number of the younger, and not a few of the older visitors enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Some of the little ones, spent their time in swinging, skipping, racing, having a tug of war, (girls and boys, in which the latter gallantly made place aztx dames,') and many other congenial sports. Nor were their elders much behind them in going in for fun, and they too had races, French tig and other games. Where all did there best to add to the amusement and pleasure of the day it may appear to be invidious to mention names, but to Messrs. Weston, Hall, Westrupp and Poynter, the greatest praise posssible is due.* They were here, there, and everywhere, and left nothing undone to cause general harmony and good feeling. The promoters as well as the committee, must be complimented, the former for conceiving the idea, and the latter for the excellent manner in which the arrangements were carried out. It is to 'be hoped that the Old Identities will, on some future occasion arrange’ for another day’s outing, and will lay their plans that their reunion will not clash with any other sports or games.