NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2145, 3 January 1891, Page 2

NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES.

NEW YEAR’S EVE. GERALDINE. Despite the heavy rain which fell at Geraldine >a New Tear’s Eve, the torchlight procession and display of fireworks by the Geraldine Eire Brigade duly took place. The procession formed up at the brigade station about ton o’clock, the volunteer brass band, mounted on the engine, which was drawn by two horses, leading th|T way. Next t 6 the engine came the brigade with torches, the members of the Darktown Fire Brigade, with their appliances* By the aid of burnt cork and a number of many colored and outrageous looking dresses the members formed a most grotesque show, their absurd antics causing much laughter. Their engine was composed of one or two packing cases fitted up with considerable ingenuity, painted red, with the name of the brigade duly marked on it in black. The engine was mounted on, four terrible wheels, each one of which seemed determined to go off on a separate trip on its own account at each revolution. The glare of the torches, the roman candles, and the colored fire, made up quite an imposing display as the procession passed down the street, and then back again, and past the. Geraldine Hotel to the large park. The great attraction of the procession was the dusky brigade and their fooling. At the park everything was in readiness for letting off the fireworks, Ap was falling heavily the pavilion was soon packed,' I but even those’who ivere compelled to stand outside seemed almost to enjoy getting wet through, therain being so welcome; Most of the fireworks were let off in front of the pavilion, but Capt, "Walton had arranged e fqr the larger rockets and some bombs ; to be let off on the bill at the other side of the flat, so as to run no risk of the public getting in the way of and being hurt by them. The Daratown Brigade were also to the fore. Some calico bad been stretched over a framework so as to represent a cottage. Bad fire was burnt inside this structure, and the smoke issuing from all quarters gave it the appearance of , being on fire. An alarm was rung on the bell and the brigade created much fun by their antics. The lynch pins had been taken out of the axles, and on the engine being run out the wheels came off and the whole thing came to the ground with a crash. The brigade then got out their gear, which was stowed in the , engine. It was found to consist of a hetergenious collection of articles, the hauling out of which caused a great amount of laughter. Altogether, those who attended enjoyed a bit of good fun, and the fire brigade are to be congratulated on the success of their maiden effort at making a display. In spite of the precautions taken by Captain Walten, a lad named Fred. Chapman, about 18 years of age, was severely burnt about the neck and on the bauds through getting in front of a lighted roman candle. He was attended by Dr. Fish, and is now progressing as well as can he expected.

NEW YEAR’S DAY.

GOOD TEMPLARS’ PICNIC,

On New Year’s morning rain was falling very heavily, and it looked as if anything m the shape of a picnic was one of the question. The picnic committee of the Good Templar Lodge, however, showed that they were not afraid of cold water either inside or outside. They held a meeting, and, realising that it was a case of “ now or never,” decided to hold the gathering in the drill shed. The picnic was accordingly held, and the committee are to be congratulated upon the success which rewarded the pluck and enterprise they displayed in holding the picnic in the face of such great drawbacks. There was a large attendance at the hall, where a variety of indoor games were indulged in with great zest, the splendid rain which was falling seeming to raise rather than damp the spirits of the pleasure seekers. During the afternoon the weather moderated, and most of those present adjourned to to the park, where racing and a number of athletic games, rounders, drop the handkerchief, and other amusements were soon in full swing. Both in the hall

and at the park the "Volunteer Band’ under Bandmaster T. Sherratt, added greatly to the enjoyment by playing a variety of tunes in their enjoyable manner. An accordian was also obtained, and lovers of dancing had a gay time of it at the hall, The committee worked splendidly, and it was doubtless owing to their well-directed efforts that the gathering proved the complete success (taking all _thing?

into consideration; it was. Hi very - thing was kept moving with great spirit, and those who attended seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. It is extremely satisfactory to learn that the committee hare managed to make the income meet the expenses, so that in addition to keeping faith with the public under very adverse circumstances they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have financed

the gathering without incurring a direct loss. It ie to be hoped that such spirited enterprise will receive its due reward on some future occasion. The majority of those present dispersed as the evening advanced, bat a few of the younger ones remained and enjoyed a little dancing till about ten o’clock.