ST. MARY'S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1691, 28 January 1888, Page 2

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The annual parish festival in connection with this church was held in the small park, G-eraldine, on Thursday last. The weather in the morning was all that could be wished, but towards the afternoon a cold wind sprang up from the sou'-west, accompanied by heavy clouds, which made it rather unpleasant for those standing about. The children having assembled a move was made for the grounds, where, in company with their teachers, they arrived shortly after two. Once there the usual outdoor games and pastimes suitable for a picnic were commenced in real earnest. A. large supply of toys, etc., had been provided as prizes, and these were keenly competed for in races of various descriptions and other contests. Twos-and-threes, drop the handkerchief, dusty miller, and a variety of such games were also played. Ample provision had also been made in the way of edibles, much to the satisfaction of both old and young. The children were provided for free, and the adults were accommodated at three large tables erected under the shade and shelter of the trees. Here a really substantial meal was served at the small chargeof Is, and the day having turned cold it was thoroughly appreciated and taken advantage of by the very large number of adults present. The tables were presided over by Mesdames J. W. Pye, [ Fish, Preston, Totton, Clark, and Burridge, assisted by Mesdames Darlow and Clouston, and by the Misses Pish (2), Preston (3), McLean, Waller (2), Fifield, and Tindall. Pruit, hams, milk, toys, cakes, lollies, nuts, etc., were kindly supplied by Mesdames Postlethwaite, Lawson, Dunlop, Clark, J. Pye, Pisher, Brisco, Darlow, and Mr J. Williams. The many friends of the school did their utmost to make the outing enjoyable to all. Among others who took a prominent part in providing amusement were to be noticed Mrs Preston and the Misses Slack, who kept the children well employed. The Incumbent and Messrs Moore (2) were also hosts in themselves in getting up races, etc., for the youngsters. The rain which had threatened all the afternoon came on about 7 p.m. and drove the picnickers home, but not before they had succeeded in thoroughly enjoying them^fiilyw. THE AGENT-GjSsa^l

The N.Z. Herald says:—Political people are beginning to speculate upon the possible successor of Sir Dillon Bell, whose term of office will expire shortly. The Post pursues the scent in the following manner: "Sir Robert Stout is, of course, quite out of the queetion ; and who Mr Eichardson, described as Native Minister, is, we, of course, do not know. Probably the Hon. E. Eichardson, ex-Minister for Public Works, is the person referred to. We do not think that it is likely that the AgencyGeneral will fall to his lot. In fact, we are strongly inclined to believe that if the present Ministry weather next session there will be only one in the running for the appointment, and that is the Premier, Major Atkinson himself. It has long been rumored in well-informed circles here that this is the goal of his ambition, and that he would most willingly abandon his political position here to represent the colony in London. If he survives next session ministerially there will of course be nothing to prevent his appointing himself to the office, nor will such a step be at all without precedent."

The N.Z. Times, speaking on the subject of the reported retirement of Sir Dillon Bell from the AgentGeneralship and the appointment of Sir Robert Stout in his place, says:— " There is no foundation whatever for this report. There is not the faintest probability that the present Government will offer the Agency-General to Sir Robert, and it is considered unlikely that he would accept it even if offered, involving as it would the virtual sacrifice of his profitable legal business." Assuming that the position were offered him, Sir Eobert is not the man to decline the office on the grounds that it would be a " virtual sacrifice of his profitable legal business," but rather on the more exalted and patriotic principle that he can be of greater service to the Colony by watching the current of political events, and, by voice and pen, guiding the drift of public opinion. Sir John Hall is now mentioned as likely to be appointed to the position.