TEMPERANCE FETE AT WOOD HEAD HALL. [From the Newcastle Guardian, Saturday June 15th, 1889.]

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 398, 31 August 1889, Page 2

TEMPERANCE FETE AT WOOD HEAD HALL. [From the Newcastle Guardian, Saturday June 15th, 1889.]

Woodhead Hall near Che»dlewas on Monday the scene of a ffito, the occasion being the annual demonstration of the Cheadle branch of the Blue Bibbon Army, This society, through the kindness of its president, Mr W, S, Allen, haa held its annual event within the grounds of the hall uninterruptedly, during thfl last decade, and a more suitable place for al fresco entertainment would be difficult to discover, The hall is situate on an elevated t.i*aot of land, well -pastured anH richly wooded, and commands an extensive view of the surrounding country. The' grounds are now looking at their best, the trees being in full fo'iage and the natural scenery bright with the hues of early summer, and as yet of untainted freshness. The te^ewas held under auspicious circumstance*, and the proceeds are on behalf of the society's funds, of which Mr W- Allen is the treasurer The pates of the Park were opened about two o'clock, and the attendance during th&d»y was good, notwithstanding the unsettled itate of theweather, which fortunately remained sufficiently stable to avoid the threatened ill effects. The number of persons who attended was nearly 3,000 and suitable provision wa9 made for their enjoyment. A large number of leading "Workers in the temperance cause had been invited by Mr 'Allen, and about 300 from the Potteries, Newcastle, Silverdale,and other parts accepted his invitation. Amongst those present were the Mayor of Stafford , (Alderman -Mycock), the "Revsßuckley-Yates (Stafford), a. Fepplewhite, J. E Halford, H. Snell, D. Williams, W. Barratt ([Newcastle), D. Jackson, H. Hopkinson, T. de Vine (Hjinley),- Messrs J. Malkin, A. J. Wilkinson, IJawton (Silverdale), R. Harvey (secrptary), S. Web«ter-Dean, etc. The guests were provided with dinner in a large marquee in the Park, nenr the hall,, where they subsequently partook of tea. Be~ tween and after the meals, the time was spent pleasantly in a variety of ways, and there was no lack of the means of amusement, Croquet on the lawn was indulged in ad libitum by those accustomed — and indeed unaccustomed — to the intricacies involved in this'once highlypopular pastime. Bowline on the green sward was also entered into with zest. Turning from these gentler exercises, the. visitor had the opportunity to " *ry an oar" on the sheet of water within the Park, and with sufficient reoklessness and carelessness might secure the refreshing results of an involuntary battio, gratis and in full costume, in accordance with the example of some who were too venture* some. Neither the animadversions of those who denounced the " brutality of modern football" nor the proximity of the date to Midsummer Day deterred the youthful enthusiasts* from playing their favourite game. Neither did cricket suffer from the competition thus created. Swings, races, and old English, games, received due patronage, as did al«o dancing, the music being supplied by the Blue Bibbon Army Brass Bind, conducted by Mr W. Spooner. Towards evening the guests assembled in the hall and diverted themselves with vocal and instrumental music, or stroled about the gravelled walks, viewing the verdant landscape or listening to the cawing of the rooks in the adjacent, rookery, before settling down to their nightly slumbers. The host was continually on the gui vive, and by his genial bonhomie and urbanity mnde everybody feel pleased with everybody else, and pro* moted the enjoyment of nil. Prior to dispersing, the company accorded a hearty vote of thank" to Mr Allen for his hospitality ,on the motion of Mr Lawton, seconded by Mr A. J. S. Wilkinson, and supported by Mr S.tui>bs. The visitors took their departure mostly about, duak, many having to drive to a distance ; a thoroughly enjoyable^ time having been, spent by all.