PICNIC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 341, 15 January 1881, Page 2

PICNIC.

Yesterday the Church of England held, according to advertisement, a picnic in the Public Park, as a mark of honor and form of welcome to their new pastor, the Rev. Mr Walsh, who has just been settled as incumbent of this parish. The sports did not commence till a late hour in the afternoon. The day—though raining lightly in the but towards noon cleared up—was all that eould be desired. Shortly after three o’clock crowds were to be seen wending their way towards the grounds, followed shortly after by vehicles with their living loads of old and young. Amongst the visitors we noticed several from Timaru, Geraldine, Winchester, and other parts of the district. One pleasing feature of the gathering was the cordial cooperation of ministers and others, who belonged to other religious bodies ; not only were they on the ground, but they gave the Committee a most hearty assistance in getting off the various races and games. It was indeed pleasing to see that although each had their own minister, of whom they are, as far as we know, highly pleased, yet they had no difficulty in joining in a most hearty welcome to the chosen clergyman of their sister church The welcome was most genuine, and in this kindly feeling we cheerfully join, and wish the rev. gentleman many happy days amongst us. This branch of the Christian Church has suffered a good deal through various causes, and it is but what everyone, we hope, desires to see, a good and faithful pastor settled amongst them. At the picnic the children as usual got much attention, as well as much of the good things provided, but others were not neglected. A great deficiency used formerly to present itself in these assemblies in the Park —we mean comfortable seating for the ladies—but on the present occasion ample provision was made by the erection of a large marquee, where a comfortable seat could be obtained sheltered from the scorching sun ; some however preferred remaining in their own private carriages. Whatever faults Temuka imy have, bigotry docs not seem to be one of them, and good i i-, and pleasant too, to sea all professing Christians join so heartily together to strengthen the hands and cement the bond of unity that must always exist between a pastor and his flock, if his labors are to be a success. The late hour at which the spirts were finished prevents us giving a report of the various races and games pi this issue. We cannot conclude this notice, however, without drawing attention to the Temuka Brass Band, who, on this, as on other occasions, are ever ready to give their services when asked for in aid of any good cause.