ANNIVERSAY DAY IN GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1279, 18 December 1884, Page 3

ANNIVERSAY DAY IN GERALDINE.

The anniversary of the Province of Canterbury was, in accordance with established custom, observed as a public holiday in Geraldine. The sky in the morning was overcast and gloomy, with indications of rain, but later on a stiff nor'wester sprang up, clearing the sky of clouds, but filling the air with dust. The sun shone out very strongly, and only for being tempered by the breeze the heat would hav« been almost unbearable. A great many picnic parties came to Geraldine from a distance, the bush being the centre of attraction, affording as it does everything that can be wished for as a scene for a day's outing, especially to those who have not the pleasant advantage of living near such a spot. Several townspeople went to Timaru to attend the races, but the chief attention of the day was the United Presbyterian Sabbath School picnic, held in the domain. About one o'clock the children met at the old Wesleyaa Church, and after boinsr briefly addressed by the Rev." Geo. Barclay, and singing two hymns, they were formed iuto a procession, and under the charge of Messrs Dunlop, Safcterthwaite, - the Superintendents of the two Sabbath Schools, assisted by the teachers, the children marched up the main street of the town to the trysting ground. The procession was headed by the Geraldine Band, which at intervals throughout the march played several pieces. On arrival on the ground preparations were made to give the children their tea, and it was estimated that upwards of four hundred sat down to partake of the sumptuous repast set before them. The cricket pavilion was utilised to keep the provisions in, and at the rear of it a large tent was erected where refreshments were supplied to the grown up people. The refreshment tent was presided over by Mrs Dunlop, assisted by several lady friends. The refreshments were supplied by Messrs Williams and Gecrgeson,'and were of first-class quality. After the children had had their tea, races were carried out for them by the teachers, the successful competitors being awarded suitable prizes. The youthful portion of the assembly indulged in various games of amusement, while the elders were content to watch the others enjoying themselves. During the day the who occupied the upper portion of the pavilion, played a number of excellent selections, and their playing was much praised and added greatly to the day's pleasure. A m_o6t interesting side show was an art exhibition got up by, and under the managership of, Mr Penny, which was visited by a great many, drawn by the attractive catalogue posted up of the curios to be seen in the Bhow. About half-past six the Rev. Geo. Barclay ascended the steps of the pavilion and gave a short address to the parents and children, and he also specially commented on the excellent services the band had rendered during the day. Mr Dunlop followed, and proposed a hearty vote of thanks to those who had assisted in getting up the treat, and he also proposed a vote of thanks to the band for their gratuitous services. The votes were carried by cheering from the children. Mr Mundell also proposed a yota of thanks to the Sunday School teachers, which was carried in a similar manner. The children were then dispersed. Numbers of young people stayed on the ground till a late hour enjoying themselves in the cool of the evening. Though there were not quite so many people on the ground as in former years was the decided opinion of everyone present that the treat was one of the most pleasant and successful held under the auspices of the J Presbyterian Sunday School. Had the dust not been so {unpleasant in the forenoon, no doubt a great many more people would have been present. Those who did attend, however, thoroughly enjoyed themselves.