LONG BUSH.

Southland Times, Issue 1534, 6 February 1872, Page 3

LONG BUSH.

(fbom otjb own cobbespondent.) With a slight variation, the words of the old song — " Old King Sol was a jolly old soul, And a jolly old soul was he," are literally applicable to the conduct of his majesty on Friday last. On that auspicious occasion — the annual fete of the Sabbath Schools of Long Bush and Woodlands — he behaved right royally, and showed that while he is a "jolly old soul " himself, he can condescend to appreciate and promote rational mirth and jollity in the souls of others — and so he showed his jolly round face for a whole day (a rare occurrence of late) and shone out with a splendor that forcibly reminded us of " the days when we went gipseying a long time ago." For a week or two back, active preparations were being made by the Sabbath School teachers of both places, and every method was adopted which human ingenuity could devise to ensure success and promote the enjoyment of all concerned, especially of the young, for whom the treat is primarily intended. At Long Bush, the principle of the division of labor waa adopted, and in accordance with it, Mr Ross was nominated Master of Sports, Mr Reidie, Chief of the Commissariat, the lady teachers — Misses Gillanders, Shirley, and Smith — had each their special departments, and Mr Smith was entrusted with the general supervision of the whole arrangements. At Woodlands, similar arrangements were made by the Sabbath School teachers there. In a short time — with the valuable and opportune assistance and cooperation of Mr Day — a liberal sum was placed at the disposal of the committees, and donations of every kind, sufficient to stock an ordinary grocer's, confectioner's, and dairy store, poured in from every quarter and crowded the premises allotted to the commissariat so uncomfortably, that serious thoughts were at one time entertained of making an addition to the building. Long before the hour of assembly — 12 o'clock — the children showed their smiling faces and " their braw new Sunday dresses" at the Long Bush school. The Band of Hope were speedily arrayed in the simple insignia of their order, buns, &c. , were freely distributed, a hymn sung, and the girls and boys were marshalled in order under their respective flags and their respected teachers, and marched off to the inspiring strains — not of an instrumental performance — but of the music played on the quivering chords of the heart by the hand of Heaven itself. Their place of rendezvous was a large field about a mile distant — which had been kindly granted for the purpose by Mr Swale, to whose liberality I feel indebted for one of the happiest days I have spent in Southland. Shortly after their arrival on the ground, the procession from Woodlands made its appearance, with banners fluttering in the breeze, and were received with a joyous and brotherly hurra of welcome. In no long time, all were busily engaged in their favorite pastimes, and the arrival of parents, strangers, and others from the neigh» boring settlements swelled the number to several hundreds. The fun and frolic grew fast and furious, and reached its height about 4 o'clock, when the field presented a most animated appearance. In one part, a violin with its inspiring strains — in another, the dulcet notes of the concertina — invited the votaries of Terpsichore to trip it on the " light fantastic toe," and soon elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen were threading on the velvet sward the mazes of the dance with all the grace of a Westi end drawing-room. At the head of the

field, and under the shade of some noble trees, might be found seated numerous coteries of " gash auld wives," enjoying their " clatter and cup of scalding water," as well as the scene around them. Cricket, hand-ball, rope-skipping, the swing, and other sports Ijhad each and all their votaries. Several times during the afternoon, the children were assembled and partook of the ample supply of the good things provided for them. Shortly after 7 o'clock, the children of the Long Bush school were mustered and concluded the sports of the day by singing the National Anthem, under the able leadership of Mr M'Kellar. Three cheers were enthusiastically given for "Mr Swale, Mrs Swale, and all the young Swales," and the procession moved off the ground, followed in a short time by the Woodlands scholars. On their arrival at the school-room, three cheera were i accorded to their Superintendent, Mr | Smith, as well as for their respected j male and female teachers, and thereafter I the youugsters dispersed to their several homes. It is but right to add that all the managers of both schools discharged their duties to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. No spirit of narrowminded rivalry existed, and each and all showed that they were ranged on the same side in the promotion of a good cause, and that they were " Brethren in arms and rivals in renown." When all is pleasing, I regret that I have to report an accident, the result of an effort to add to the enjoyment of others. Mr Hamilton, of Roselle, who, with Mrs Hamilton and family, was present nearly the whole day, by some untoward circumstance fell and dislocated his shoulder-joint. A telegram was speedily despatched for Dr Monckton, who, on his arrival, put all to rights, and in a very few days this worthy gentleman will be himself again.