ST. MARY’S PARISH FESTIVAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1555, 19 February 1887, Page 2

ST. MARY’S PARISH FESTIVAL.

This annual festival took place , in the Park, Geraldine, oh Thursday afternoon. Towards half-past two, the time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings, the children began to assemble strongly at the rendezvous. About 3 p.ro. they were formed into two large rings on the grass under the trees, the girls in one ring and the boys ia another, and several ladies and gentlemen for about half-an-hour were kept busily employed attending to the wants of the juveniles, who, the boys at any rate, were for some time quite insatiable. The tea, which was of the very best, was prepared by Messrs J. Williams and Son, the well-known caterers, and the buns, cakes, etc., also of the best, were provided by the same firm. When the youngsters had had enough to eat and drink sports were began, under the management of Mr H. W. Moore, who acted as judge and also distributed the prizes. Mr A. Erskine performed the arduous duties of starter, and handicapper in a way that gave every satisfaction. Several other gentlemen also helped to make the day's proceedings the unqualified success they undoubtedly were. The prizes given were very suitable to the occasion, and the winners one and all seemed perfectly satisfied with them. The boys were kept busy till nearly dark with races, jumping, scrambling for nuts, fruit, lollies, etc. One item that caused an immense amount of amusement and fun was a novel one. A gentleman had a great number of small bags of lollies sewn to an old coat, which be put on,and, having been allowed a short start, the boys were sent in pursuit. Being an excellent runner tbs wearer of the coat gave his pursuers a long chase before he was finally grassed and rushed, by, the boys. It is needless to say he was not allowed to rise till completely “plucked ” of the lolly bags. The girls, under the superintendence of Mr J. S. Waite, had their time wholly employed in running races, skipping contests, and other games. The young ladies and gentleman present “put in the time” with rounders, twos and threes, and other lively games. Towards half-past seven the young people began to return homo, tired but happy, and by 9 p.m. everyone had left the Park, One thing which somewhat marred the success of the fdte was the absence of the Volunteer Band. Their capital musiis has an enlivening effect and was greatly missed. Very many inquiries were made as to the reason of their absence. It is to be hoped that next year the Committee of Management will not Overlook this important element of an afternoon’s .enjoyment. During the afternoon and evening: tea was dispensed at- several tables presided over by Mesdames Preston, Pish, Hawke, Pearpoint, and Totton, and by the Mieses Preston (3), Fish (2), Slack (3), Hawke (2), and others. Messrs 11. W. Moore, E. Mabin, C. Poster, F, H. Fish, A. Erskine, and 11. Smith also assisted to wait upon the boys and girls. About 7.30 p.m. dancing was started at the upper end of the Park and was kept up with great spirit for a long time. The attendance at the festival was very large ; during the afternoon there could not have been less than 400 people on the ground including of course the children. One thing that gave an additional pleasure to the afternoon’s enjoyment was the presence at the f4te of the Rev. James Preston, Incumbent of St. Mary’s, Geraldine. The rev. gentleman took an active part in the day’s proceediugs, to the extreme satisfaction of his many friends in the township.