MORRINSVILLE SCHOOL TREAT.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 436, 11 January 1890, Page 2

MORRINSVILLE SCHOOL TREAT.

The annual treat in connection with Mon’insville school, came off on Wednesday last. As already reported in these columns, Mr W. S. Allen (of Woodhead Hall, England, who lately arrived with a portion of bis family, to take up tbeir residence for a time on Mr Allen’s property, Annandale, Piako), with that kindness and liberality for which he is so well and widely known at Horae, very considerately offered to make all provisions and arrangements for the treat this year, and requested that it be held at Annandale, which offer was gladly accepted. Tuesday was very wet, and considerable doubt was felt as to whether the treat could be held on the Bth inst., the date fixed, and it was arranged in the event of the rain continuing that the treat be postponed till Thursday. By Wednesday morning, however, the weather had so greatly improved, that it was decided to carry out the arrangements as first made, and Mr Allen sent messengers all round the district at an early hour to notify everyone accordingly; hearty invitations to the treat having been previously sent in all directions. Ti»e company began to assemble shortly after eleven o’clock, Mr Allen having one and Mr Turnbull two waggons on the road conveying people to and from Annan—dale all day, in fact with respect to Morrinsville township, it was practically left to take care of itself for the day. Numbers also came from Waitoa, Te Arolia, and all thesurrcundingdistncts, and by 2 p.m., fully two hundred persons must have been present. Some thirty natives also put in an appearance, and received the same kindness and attention as the rest. During the earlier part of theday laige numbers took part in cricket anil other out door games, ample arrangements for which had been made. Luncheon was laid out both on the lawn and also in the large dining room, and was of a most liberal description, bo.h ns regards quality and quantity, including all kinds of confectionery, etc., etc., and was done full justice to; the wants of the guests being most carefully attended to by a staff of willing assistants under the able supervision of Miss Wilis (Mr Allen’s governess) ; Air Alien himself being indefatigable throughout the day in looking after the comfort of the visitors. The programme of spoitscommenced shortly filter three o’clock, and included twelve foot races, the first and second in each being awarded a prize. Mr Allen was appointed judge ; Mr F J. Marshall, starter ; and Mr F, Horrell, handicapper ; and large numbers took pait in these contests.

Great interest was evinced in the School Committee men's race, of fifty yards. For this eventthefollowing mem • bers of Committee started Messrs J. Horrell, H. Buttle, and J. Turnbull. Messrs Allen and A. Bremner by special permission being also allowed to compete. The race proved an easy win for Mr Horrell, who, although the eldest of the contestants eviuced he still retained much cf the sprightliness of his youth, and fairly handicapped would prove a very formidable opponent in a foot race yet. One event we regret to state fell through, owing to no entries being received. This was a flat race confined to unmarried young ladies over thirty years of age. Although the fullest publicity was given all round the grounds of the event (the bell man in fact breaking the handle of his bell in his frantic efforts to secure entries) no one came forward to claim the prize, even by means of a walk over. The fact that in so large a gathering in New Zealand, not one young lady over thirty years of age bad been left unmatched must surely have made a lasting impression on Mr Allen’s mind, just arrived as he has from the Old Country. (Advance New Zealand 1) The event of the day 7 that which occasioned the greatest amusement, was a Tug of War between five pakeha ladies (Mesdames Turnbull, Monckman, Keogh, Pickett, and Miss Horrell), and five Maori ladies. That the contest had been entered upon by both sides with a dogged determination to win was patent from the’ start. Victory inclined first to one side, then the other for a considerable time, the strength of the contestants being.very evenly balanced, but at length the grit and pluck of the Britishers proved victorious, and they fairly dragged their opponents along the green sward amidst cheer after cheer from the assembled crowds. A general adjournment was made for tea at 5 p.m. and concluded about 6, after which the School Committee, through their Chairman, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Allen for all his kindness in connection with the treat, etc. ; 'which was duly seconded and carried with acclamation. In replying Mr Allen stated he (or his son) would endeavour -to arrange for an annual picnic.—Hearty votes of thanks were next acco.ded (1) the School Committee, and (2) all the assistants. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Allen and family, after which the company dispersed about, seven

o’clock, having spent a most enjoyable day, and most favourably impressed with the thoughtFul kindness, liberality, courtesy and affability of the owner of Annandale. Would that there were more like him resident in New Zealand.