ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1442, 17 December 1885, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Yesterday being the Anniversary, of the Province of Canterbury was observed as a holiday by all whose avocations permitted of it. Sports and amusements were general, and the beautiful weather tended greatly to their success. In our own district the principal events were the gathering in the Temuka Park of the children attending St. Saviour’s Sunday School, the picnic at Geraldine of the children attending the Temuka Wesleyan Sunday School, the picnic at Geraldine Flat of the children attending the Presbyterian Sabbath Schools in the Geraldine district, and the picnic at Winchester in connection with the Catholic School at Timaru. Picnics also took place at the beach, and the Salvationists had a most successful gathering in the Temuka Park. In Timaru the Races and the Flower Show were the attractions, but the former was very sparsely attended. The latter was, however, crowded. Following will be found reference to the principal events.

ST, SAVIOUR'S SUNDAY SCHOOL, The annual school treat in connection with St- Saviour’s Sunday School was held yesterday in the Temuka Park. At 10.30 a.m. the children in large .number assembled in the Church, and after the singing of a hymn they were addressed by the Rev Mr Hamilton on the subject of temper. He spoke to them in reference to maintaining good temper during the day, and asked them to be indulgent of each others’ faults. He also told them several anecdotes illustrative of the subject. After the address the children were formed in procession in front of the Church by the Superintendent, Mr E. W. Gurr, and the teachers, and headed by a banner bearing the motto “Onwards and Upwards” marched down the street to the Park. The children were neatly attired, and with a bannerette in the hand of each presented a very pleasing appearance. On arriving at the Park all sorts of juvenile games were indulged in. At noon the children were regaled with ginger beer— the kind gift of Mr Binley—and sandwiches, et hoc genus omne— and teachers and friends were kept busily employed for some time by nearly 200 hungry and thirsty juveniles. After lunch games of rounders and cricket and tirzah were actively engaged in. During the afternoon races for toys afforded considerable amusement. Owing to the splendid management of the children by Mr Gnrr and Mr Gaze, assisted by several adult members of the congregation (notably Mr Hart, who seemed to be in his element amongst the boys), nearly every child secured a prize of some sort. The->aces ended, tea was announced by the Incumbent; and a large number of the parents were gladly made wolcom''. Grace being sung, several hundreds of buns, with cake, etc., ad libi, quickly disappeared. After tea each child received a small packet of lollies. Mr and Mrs Austin’s kind superintendence of the boiling of water, etc., deserves the thanks of the teachers. Such warm work on a hot summer day is certainly not a sinecure.

At 4.30 the procession refomv d, headed by the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, and marched back to the Church, the childien singing as they marched —“ Onward Christian Soldiers.” Arrived at the Church, the Incumbent announced that the prizes would be awarded by Mrs Hamilton ; but before asking her to perform this task he would call attention to the fact that the Superintendent, Mr Gurr, had spent his lart day with them. He was convinced that alb would regret Mr Gun’s departure and consequent severance from the Sunday School; and personally he desired to thank Mr Gurr for the very efficient management of the school under the new system of Standards, He added that tbejteachers wished Mr Gurr to accept a

copy of the revised Bible as a mark of esteem.

Mr Gurr, in accepting the gift, responded in feeling terms, regretting his departure, and trusting that he should have as pleasant associations in Church work in his new home as he was now leaving in Temuka.

The Incumbent then referred to the examination of the Standards held on Dec. 14. 69 children presented themselves for examination, and papers were set to the upper Standards on the Bible, Prayer Book, Catechism, etc., whilst the lower Standards and Infants were examined orally. Only nine succeeded in passing, but this was probably owing to children having been classed too high at the beginning of the year when the system of Standards, compiled by the Incumbent, was initiated, Next year he hoped to see a large percentage of pa»sea in each Standard.

The following headed their respective Standards and were awarded special priz-s, the first-named gaining the special prz* presented by Mr A. W. Gaza for the highest percentage of marks in any stmdard ; Standard TI., Eva Rowe Standard Y., Jane Ackroyd ; Standard IV., Ellen Henderson; Standard HI., Harriet Ackroyd; Standard 11., Flora Lee ; Standard 1., Bliss Hamilton ; Infants (boys), Fred. Mehrtens ; Infants (girls), Mabel Wills. Mrs Hamilton then presented the class prizes as under : standard vi. Girls Tescher, Mrs Hamilton Harriet Sweet, Amelia Lee and Mary Wills (equal), 1 ; Finetta Guy, 2 ; Eliza Pilbrow, 3; Eva Rowe, 4.—The first prize in this class was a special one presented by the teacher, but as the three first were equal extra prizes were presented by Mr C. J. Raynor and a lady member of the congregation. STANDARD V. Girls—Teacher, Miss Ladbrooke —Jane Calmer, 1 ; Jane Ackroyd, 2; Ada Erwood, 3 ; Nellie Wills, 4. Boys —Teacher, Mr Bolton— Fred. Langridge, 1 ; George Clinch, 2 ; Andrew Boulter, 3 ; John T. Austin, 4; Samuel Boltou, 6. STANDARD IV. Girls—Teacher, Miss Pilbrow —Elizabeth Palmer, 1; Nellie Radford, 2; Annie Yoyce, 3 ; Emma Qoodeve, 4. Boys—Teacher, Miss Neville—Tracy Wills, 1 ; Thomas Radford, 2; Rufus Lee, 3 ; Roland Morris, 4. STANDARD 111. Girls,—Teacher, Mrs Yoyce—Harriet Ackroyd, 1; Georgina Harrop, 2 ; Nellie Rowe, 3 ; Ellen Bateman, 4. Boys—Teacher, Mr C. Horsman— Arthur Langridge, 1 ; Ernest Morris, 2; John Gibson, 3 ; John Palmer, 4. STANDARD 11. Girls—Teacher, Mrs Davey—Flora Lee, 1; Lilian Mcßratney, 2. Boys—Teacher, Mr L. T. Rayner— Thonias Edwards, 1; George Hobbs, 2 ; Walter Robinson, 3. STANDARD I. Girls—Teacher, Miss B. Pilbrow— Louisa Radford, 1; Mary Beeby, 2 ; Rosa Mackay, 3 ; Sarah Latimer, 4. % Boys—Teacher, Miss A. Guy—Fred. Radford, 1; Richard Lloyd, 2 ; Wm. Uprichard, 3 ; Thomgs Gibson, 4. INFANTS, Girls—Teacher, Miss Gilliatt—Mabel Wills, 1; Annie Mcßratney, 2 ; Tottie Ardell, 3; Ada Oldfield, 4; Minnie Nicholas,'s ; Maria Boulter, 6. Boys—A. Division ; Teacher, Miss Patching—John Yoyce, 1; John Beeby, 2; Willie Boulter, 3. Boys—B, Division: Teacher, Mr G. Hay—Ernest Boulter, 1 ; Herbert Robinson, 2; Harry Hobbs, 3; Frederick Mehrtens. BAND OP HOPE, RTC. The Band of Hope Prizes were also awarded as- under First prize, Nellie Radford ; Second prize, Ada Erwood ; third prize, George Clinch. Cards were then distributed to those children who bad not won prizes, as an encouragement and incentive to renewed exertion in the coming year. CONCLUSION. The singing of a hymn " Now the day is over," and a short prayer concluded a very happy and most enjoyable day. Outside the Church rousing cheers were given by the children for the Incumbent, Teachers, and all who had contributed to their enjoyment.

THE WESLEYAN PICNIC. The annual picnic in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School took place yerterday, and was well attended. Those who took part in it left Temuka early in tho day in traps, and repaired to the Geraldine bush, where the picnic was held. They went provided with all the necessary articles for ministering to their wants, and were not long on the ground when they had prepared for themselves an excellent repast. Cricket and other amusements were indulged in, while others investigated the bush, and after having enjoyed themselves returned to their homes well pleased with tho day’s outing, ST. JOSEPH’S CONTENT SCHOOL CONCERT. The concert in aid cf the Temuka Convent School took place in the Volunteer Hall last night, and was a great success. The Hall was crowded to excess, and the entertainment passed off splendidly, A full report will appear in our next issue. GERALDINE. What may bo termed as the opening day of our mid-summer holiday season — the 16th December—the Anniversary or Biithday of the Province, was celebrated in a befitting manner by the residents of Geraldine and district. In spite of the depression and cries of hard times everyone seemed determined to throw off their cares for the time being and enter into a day’s thorough enjoyment, renovating their spirits for another season of toil till the Christmas festal season would compel them to again take a rest. The Clerk of the Weather must have been in a pleasant mood also, and treated every,me to a genuine New Zealand summer’s day, a kind of day associated in one’s mind with picnic parties in the welcome shades of onr pretty bush. This was evidently the feeling and intention of many, for during the forenoon numbers of young and old from Timaru, Temuka, and numerous other places could be seen wending their way to theßaukapuka Bush, bent on passing the day in picnicking. Among the larger patties was the Wesleyan Sunday Schooi picnic from Temuka, The township was, of course, quite de-

scrt-’d during the day, the chief centres of attraction being the treat of the Presbyten-'ti Sn--':iy School, held at the Geraldine l'’...t, .md the Roman Catholic picnic at Winchester. Large numbers of people left Geraldine in all kinds of conveyances for the scene of the latter gathering, it having been looked forward to by many. Taken altogether the Anniversary Day of 1885 was spent in a very enjoyable manner by all who made a holiday of it, and it will long be pleasantly associated in their minds. PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.

The annual treat of the Sabbath school* connected with the Presbyterian Church in Geraldine was held in the grounds of Geraldine Flat School yesterday. The management with no doubt the best intentions, determined to give tha children a change by holding the treat there instead of in the Domain as formerly. For various reasons, however, counter attractions, and the distance from the township, —though provision waa made by engaging conveyances to alleviate the latter Inconvenience—the gathering cannot be *aid to have been as successful as previous ones. The attendance was not nearly so large, but against this, however, may be set the pleasant manner in which most seemed to be enjoying themselves—the children especially. If a change is thought necessary next year, ( wo hope we will not be intruding if wa venture to suggest,' if suitable weather is promising, that the treat be held in the shape of a picnic in the bush. The townspeople with their children will then be able to’ avail themselyp* of it as formerly. To go back to the commencement of the day’s proceedings : First of all the children of the two Sunday schools assembled at the old Wesleyan Church at eleven o’clock, where they were met by the. Rev. Geo. Barclay, who delivered a short address to them. A move was then made for the trygting ground. Several members of the Church kindly sent their conveyances which, with others provided, took the children down to the ground. The Sabbath School teachers and numerous friends were assiduous in their endeavors to amuse the children by getting up all kinds of sports and games, for which liberal prizes were given. The little ones seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and many of their elders shared in their bright and cheerful spirits. A plentiful repast was laid out in the schoolroom for adults, the tables being kindly presided over by ladies‘of the congregation, At four o’clock the children were gathered together and given their tea, which they heartily enjoyed, with appetites sharpened by the amusements they had been indulging in. After all had been supplied another round cf games wbb commenced which were kepi up with spirit until the time for leaving forborne,. ROMAN CATHOLIC PICNIC. A picnic in connection with the Roman Catholic Schools, Timaru, was held yesterday in Mr Deßenzie’s paddock, Winchester. The weather was very warm. The children assembled at 7.80 a.m, in the Roman Catholic Church, Timaru, and, after hearing Mass, marched, headed by the Hibernian Band, in procession to the railway station. Here a special train, the engine of which was literally smothered in floral decorations, awaited them. In all there were about 350 children and 300 adults in the train, and after it reached Temuka they were joined by a good many others. On arriving at Winchester they marched in procession to the scene of the picnic. Here arrangements had been made for their reception. The Ground Committee had come out by the first train, and had erected a large marqud and made tea, so that refreshments were ready the moment the children arrived on the ground. During the day large numbers arrived on the ground from Temuka, Geraldine, and all the intervening districts, so that the attendance became very large in the afternoon. The Hibernian Band during the day discoursed some excellent music. A long programme of sports were carried out, of which the following were the principal events 150 Yards Boys’ Race, under 12 years. Ist prize, schoolbag; second, knife— J. Kennedy, 1; D. Ryan, 2. 150 Yards Boys’ Race, under 16 years. Ist prize, pairbootg; 2nd, drinking horn —W. Fenton, 1 ; W. Bradley, 2. 100 Yards Girls’ Race. Ist prize, large doll; 2nd, skipping rope—L. Collias, 1; E. Earl, 2.

Bandsmen’s Race. Ist price, £1 Is. —J. Gerity 1. 150 Yards Mamed Women’s Race. Ist prize, clock—Mrs Murphy, 1; Mrs Manning, 2. 150 Yards Single Women’s Race. Ist prize, silver bracelet; 2nd, morocco reticule—Miss Austin, 1; Mias Earl, 3.

300 Yards Dramatic Club Race. Ist prize, gold breastpin ; 2nd, albert chain— T, Kenny, 1; J. McQuinness, 2. 100 Yards Three-legged Race. Ist prize, two cricket bats ; 2nd, two knives —-Griffin and Golston, 1 ; Kennedy and Earl, 2. Irish Jig. Ist prize, £1 Is ; 2nd, 10* 6d—W t Angland, 1; R. Scollard, 2. 1 Mile Race. Ist prize, silver oup— D. Shine, 1 ; J. Whelan, 2, 300 Yards Hibernian Society’s Race. Ist prize, £1 is —P, Kane, 1 ; J. Allen, 2. Walking Match for Boys under 16 years—J. Kennedy, 1; D. Murphy, 2. Half-Mile Open Handicap, Ist prize, Silver Watch—R. Lavery. 1; D. Shine, 2. Sack Race—Qolstooe, 1; Leary, 2. Wrestling M-nch, boys uodei 16—if. Cogan, 1 ; R Fenton, 2. At 5.30 Mr T. Farrell proposed a vole of thanks to Mr Deßenzie and called for three cheers for him wli)&h wore heartily given. The proceedings immediately after oarne to a close, and nil returned to their homes highly elated with the day’s amusement.

TiMABD RACES. The Titnaru Racing Club’s Bummer Meeting took place yesterday on the racecourse. Tha weather was splendid, but the attendance was, however, only small. HTJEDLK RACK. Mr Jones’Coryphee, Set 3.01 b ... ... 1 Mr Wilkinson's Prince, Bst 101 b ... ... 2 Mr Mahoney’s Unit, Bst 101 b ... ... 3 Silver King was scratched, Totalisator dividend, £3 10s. NOTRI BAGS. Mr Hunt’s Jackal!... ... ... ... 1 Mes»rs Hobbs’ Hinerua ... ... ... 2 Mr Bvnsnahan’s Nelly ... ... ... 3 Totalisator dividend—£6 17s.