The Holidays.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 40, 30 December 1893, Page 12

The Holidays.

The people of the town and district were favoured with fine weather for the Christmas holidays, and enjoyed themselves accordingly. On Saturday night, observed as Christmas Eve, the streets were thronged with sightseers— not a few of whom were purchasers of the good things displayed by our business friends. The Saturday night promenaders were treated to some fine music by the City Guards’ Band from the Rotunda, and on the evening of Christmas Day, after the “ scaling of the kirks,” the members of the Garrison Band played a selection of sacred pieces with good effect. With the fine weather enjoyed a large railway passenger traffic was to be expected. As a matter Of fact, it was unprecedentedly large, and was admirably handled by Manager Whitcombe and his staff. Particulars of some of the holiday happenings are subjoined : CITY BAND PICNIC. There was no lack of choice of outdoor amusement on Boxing Day. It was a fine morning, and the City Guards Band scored heavily in securing about 1500 visitors to Mokotua, the rendezvous this year for their annual picnic. For. nearly an hour before the train started little family groups, with all their hands engaged in carrying baskets, kits, etc., wended their way towards the railway station. Three carriages and about thirty seated trucks were soon filled with excursionists equipped with all the material for a good day’s outing. At 9.30 a.m. a start was made and the ride through the bush was pretty and interesting, especially to those who were making their first trip that way. The growing settlement right along the line and the bush-clearing that had lately been effected were matters of general remark, and proved the energetic character of the settlers. Mokotua, a delightful spot for a picnic, has become a popular resort. Besides the City Guards’ Band, the Salvation Army and Baptist Church and friends proceeded from town by the train on Tuesday. The farmers in the vicinity, as good as their word, were awaiting the arrival of the train, and supplied milk to all and sundry. In less than an hour billies were boiling at every turn, and the good things spread out, to disappear with unusual rapidity. No effort was spared by the bandsmen to make everyone, especially the youngsters, enjoy themselves. Races and games were organised, dancing indulged in to the music of the band, swings suspended from convenient branches of the trees, and one and all seemed happy, while the merry shouts and laughter of the children and the strains of music resounded through the bush. Time sped quickly, and at six o’clock the Beene of the day’s festivity resumed its natural quietude. Half -an - hour’s , ride brought the holiday-makers back to town, all apparently invigorated and well pleased with the trip, the benefits of which are not lost in a day. There was a pleasant termination to the band’s picnic in the shape of a ball in their room in the evening, at which about 40 couples were present. Music was supplied by Messrs J. Mair (piano), Hansen (violin), Glennie (cornet), and King (piccolo), and Mr T. Nisbet made a capital M.C. Messrs Kingsland and Son were the caterers for the refreshment of the guests.

BENNINGTON ATHLETIC SPOBTS. The first gathering of the Kennington Athletic Society was held on {Christmas Day in a large paddock close to the railway station. There was a Tery fair attendance, probably about 500 being on the ground during the afternoon, about half that number arriving by the express from town. With the exception of a heavy downpour cf rain shortly after mid-day, nothing interfered with the afternoon’s amusement, and considerable interest was taken in the various contests. The entries for almost every event were large enough to cause a good deal of speculation as to the respective winners, and the generally close finishes proved that the handicapper (Mr C. Wyeth) was not far out in his judgment. The whole of the office-bearers worked well to keep up the interest, and all the events were run in ample time to allow Invercargill visitors to return by the evening train.

OEETI PLAINS PICNIC. (By Scotch Thistle.) The Oreti Plains folk having taken it into their heads to hold a picnic on Christmas Day, nothing in the heavens above or earth beneath could stop it. Mr Watson kindly gave a paddock and the picnic was held there, and the weather being fine and the people in good trim, the affair was highly successful, over one hundred and fifty couples being present. A very enjoyable day was spent. Miss Watson, Miss Lambert, and Miss Deegan attended to the wants of the inner man by distributing the well-known hospitality of the ladies of the district amongst all present, while Messrs McKeown, Coster, Gray, and Findlay, after expending all the funds they had on hand amongst the youngsters, by diligent “ cadging ” continued to keep things humming amongst old and young. A special prize (a fat lamb, the gift of Mr J. Coster, for the married women’s race) was won by Mrs W. Coster, after a good race; the second prize (a guinea pig, the gift of Miss'-M. Watson) going to Mrs J. Woods. For the young ladies’ race a special prize of the value of five shillings, given by Mr McWilliam, fell to Miss Plunkett. Another special prize (a lady’s riding switch) was won by Miss R-

Butler. (I have been unable to find out the donor of this 'prize.) It is needless to mention the other races-—they were all, eagerly contested, while the football, quoits, and twos and threes were kept merrily going. About seven o’clock the gathering broke up with three hearty cheers for Mr Watson, then each took off their several ways, resolved to meet some other day. Messrs Murchison and Mcßae enlivened the proceedings by playing the reels and strathspeys of Auld Scotia on the national instrument. In the evening a dance was held in the bam of Mr Findlay, who kindly placed it at the disposal of the holiday-makers. Dancing was kept going till the “ wee sma’ hours ayont the twal,” when having once more partaken of the hospitality of the ladies and given there cheers for Mr Findlay, the young people paired off and homeward hied.

HOLIDAY-MAKING AT WINTON. The anticipations of one and all concerned in the success of the Caledonian sports (which took place on Boxing Day) were more than realised. Despite various counterattractions, not only locally but also in the different centres, the attendance must have been close on 1000. The programme was started about noon, and was carried through without a hitch—probably there was a murmur or two among the unsuccessful competitors. A few of the events were closely contested, whilst in others the close sharing racket was conspicuous by its absence. Notwithstanding this, in justice to the handioappers, it should be stated that the winners in the cases stated, had not established any previous record. The entries this year were in excess of those of last—at the same time they were not in proportion to the prizes given. A. Ballantync being the first in each of the Caledonian handicaps, becomes the possessor of the five guinea cup during the next year. In the log-sawing, Messrs Sheehan and Giles, our local tree-killers, with 5 seconds, secured first honours. The chopping was won by Jno. Randall —certainly he can wield the axe. The local brass band was in attendance and discoursed appropriate selections during the day, under the conductorship of Mr A, L. Wyllie. Mr T. Lamperb was the proprietor and dispenser of the usual well-assorted wines, &c. He also supplied first-class eatables. Taken as a whole, the Caledonian Society have very good reason.to be proud of the success they have achieved. The concert in the evening was wellattended, and was also financially a success. Previous to the opening the brass band gave a few selections in front of the hall. No fewer than 22 items were gone through. Although the chairman (Mr W. Keith) appealed to the audience in consequence of tbe lengthy programme not to insist on encores, in one or two cases this rule was rescinded. After the String Band had opened, the following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the enjoyment of the audience:—Miss Hishon, Mr G. McCormick, Mr J. Wilson, Mr J. Hagerty, Miss M. Gilchrist, Mr W. Hartley, Mr W. Grant, MfSs Reid (Dunedin), Mr Hurst, Mr Coop, and Mr J. McWilliam. A ball followed, in which about 40 couples took part. The music was played by the String Band, and Messrs J. Campbell and J. Wilson made admirable M.C.s’, while Mrs White catered in a very creditable manner. Tbe Good Templar’s picnic was held last Wednesday in one of Mr A. Smith’s paddocks, than which a more suitable spot could scarcely be selected. Fully 303 were present. A number of youngsters races were got up, and attended to during the day by Mr M. Daly. The prizes, though not expensive, were numerously and keenly contested. Mr J. Gilmour, before dispersing, requested all present to form into a ring (a big one it was) and sing “Auld Lang Syne.” The brass band, which was in attendance during tbe day, played the accompaniment, after which three cheers were called and given for Mr Smith for the use of his paddock. The band also got three cheers, and others having been responded to, . all returned homeward bound by stbe train (which was neatly and artistically decorated with flowers and evergreens), congratulating each other on a great success. So now it remains for me to wish the Good Templars of Winton a very happy and prosperous new year.

EVENTS TO COME

To-night the Garrison Band play in the Hospital grounds, and on Sunday night they will give a selection of sacred music from the Rotunda, beginning in each case at 10.30. The City Guards’ Band will also be in evidence, playing from the Rotunda this evening, beginning at eight. On Monday everybody will turn their faces towards the Park Reserve, where the great athletic carnival of the year the games of the Southland Caledonian Society will be held. Under energetic management, they give promise of affording a splendid day’s sport for one and all. In the evening “ the Heart of Midlothian ” will be given by the Caledonian Dramatic Society, who are sure of a crowded house. A full-dress rehearsal was held last evening, when the performance was gone through without a hitch. On Monday also the annual show of the Horticultural Society will be opened in the Temperance Hall. Tuesday has apparently been reserved for the Bluff, where the regatta, with the addition of swimming feats by Mr E. Cavill, the champion water cleaver of Australia, will furnish the day’s bill of fare.