ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2294, 17 December 1891, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

GERALDINE. j Holiday seekers were undoubtedly in the best of spirits yesterday, for the beautiful weather afforded them every advantage for fun and frolic. Perhaps the greatest attraction at Geraldine was the Presbyterian Sunday School and Choir annual picnic, which was held in a paddock about three miles beyond Woodbury, kindly lent by Mr Tripp. . Over twenty trap loads of children and friends and a number riding on horses left Geraldine at 9.30 a.m. for this picnic, further particulars of which will appear in at future issue. The Salvation Army held a grand field day in the domain by the Geraldine Bush, where they spent a very enjoyable time of it. A few traps arrived in Geraldine with excursionists from Timaru and elsewhere, who spent the day rambling and gathering ferns in the Geraldine Bush. The plans of business were all closed and Geraldine seemed empty of its inhabitants. TBMUKA. Yesterday being the forty-first anniversary of the Province of Canterbury was generally observed as a public holiday, most of the stores and other places of business being closed. The day was beautifully fine, and holiday makers ought to have thoroughly en-

joyed themselves. The principal events in the district were the annual picnics in connection with the various churches, and the sports at Winchester, reports of which are appended. A number betook themselves to the Milford beach, which bore

quite an animated appearance. In the evening the annual concert in connection with St. Joseph’s School took place. ST. saviour’s SUNDAY SCHOOL. Thanks to the liberality of their parents and many friends, the children attending the Church of England Sunday School were yesterday enabled to hold their annual picnic, and will also have a good sum of money in hand towards defraying the cost of the prizes won during the year, which will be distributed during the

course of the next two or three weeks. Lists were prepared and sent out, the collectors worked hard, and, as before mentioned, their efforts were very successful. The children were timed to assemble at the Sunday School at 9 o’clock, and it need hardly be said that none were seen arriving after that hour. A short service having been held, the children and their teachers filed out, and soon disposed of themselves in the five wagons, each drawn by five horses, kindly lent, one each by Messrs Walker:-and Benbow and two by Messrs Aspiuall aiid Co., and to them, and to Messrs Comer & Larcombe and Mr Geo. Smith for lending their traps for conveying the provisions, etc., the hearty-thanks of the Sunday School are accorded. The fifth wagon was provided by Mr Hopkinson. The calvacade soon arrived at its destination, the “ Blue Gums,”. kindly placed at the disposal of the Sunday Schdol again by Mr Deßenzy, who also gave a bountiful supply of milk. Mr R. Smith, of Winchester, had. thoughtfully erected swings, and not much time was lost before they were all occupied, others amusing themselves paddling in the river, playing rounders, etc. A bountiful supply was served out at about twelve and four o’clock, and races were indulged in during - the afternoon, at which Messrs Whitehead, E. Chapman and A. Nicholas gave great assistance. Mrs R. Smith and Mrs A. L. Barker also kindly gave milk. Mr Coira lent a flag, and Mr Boulter, as usual, kindly superintended the tea making. A start for home was , made at about half past five, and on arriving at the

school room, hearty cheers were given for the owners and drivers of the waggons, Mr and Mrs Hamilton, the Superintendent, and teachers and Mr Deßenzy. The children then dispersed to their homes, have evidently spent a most enjoyable day. We omitted to mention that special prizes were given for the races by Mrs R. Smith and Mrs Oliver. TEMUKA WESLEYAN CHURCH SUNDAY

SCHOOL PICNIC, Long before nine o’clock a number of children were seen at the Social Hall, waiting. Punctually at nine o’clock four expresses drove up in front of the hall, and it was soon clearly seen that another vehicle would be required, which the teachers were not long in getting, and at 9.30 they made a start, the Church of England Sunday School following, making quite a long procession of eleven conveyances. On arriving at Mr Lewis’s, Geraldine road (whose place was thrown open to the Sunday School) just before eleven, it was not long before all made themselves at home. What with the shady trees, and the nice fresh creek, the general expression was, “ What a nice place this is for a picnic,” and not the least noticeable was the kindness and generosity displayed by Mr and Mrs Lewis and family. During the afternoon it was quite a sight to see the number of persons in conveyances, which totalled 20, besides horsemen, taking a view of the games, which were numerous. Some of the games were old, and carried the elderly people back to the days when they were young. The only thing that seemed to trouble the people was that the time was going too fast for them, and at 7 o’clock the Superintendent found it no easy matter to get those in charge of their horses to make preparations for home ; indeed, the gentler sex raised great objections to them falling out of the different games. At last a start was made, and all drawn up in front of Mr Lewis’s, when the children sang a hymn, and one and all gave three cheers for Mr and Mrs Lewis and family and bid them adieu. Arriving back at Temuka about 8 o’clock, when the children had a final distribution of lollies and cake before going home, after spending a most enjoyable day both to parents and children alike. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. The annual picnic in connection with this school was he.ld in the Victoria Park. The procession left the church at 10 o’clock, headed by the Arowhenua Brass Band the senior girls carrying the Sabbath School banners. After arriving at the park the usual games were engaged in, superintended by Mr Bennett, assisted by the teachers. In the meantime others prepared the first meal. A very enjoyable day was spent, and everything passed off most satisfactorily. At about half past four was dispensed, about 300 parents

and children partaking of it. During the day hee band, under the leadership of Mr D. Bryant played musical selections. At about 7 o’clock the children were called together, and the Rev. Mr Watters spoke a few kindly words to the children and called upon them to give three hearty cheers to the. teachers, to the band, and to those who so liberally subscribed towards the picnic. These were heartily given, and brought a very enjoyable day to a close. ' ' " “ "

si. Joseph’s school concert.

The annual entertainment in connection with St. Joseph’s School took place last evening in the Volunteer Hall, and -as usual the building was crowded to excess. A lengthy programme of musical selections, readings, dialogues, and dramas, was gone through in first, class style, and’ elicited great applause. A full report will appear in our next issue.

WINCHESTER ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Judges of|Running, Messrs H.E. Smith, and Robt. Smith; Wrestling, Mr H. Mappison; Handicappers Messrs D. E. Lewis, and F. W. Shallard; and Messrs H. E. Smith and Wm. Stewart,for local.Waihi football race; starter, Mr T. L. ; Hart; ground committee,' Messrs T. Twigg, A. Shallard, Robt. Smith, and Wm. Stewart. The splendid weather yesterday helped to secure a fairly good attendance at the sports held at Winchester 'under the auspices of the Winchester Athletic Club. The track was in good. Order,' and anice cool breeze blowing across' the ground kept away a good deal of the scorching heat of the sun. Mr J. Patrick of Winchester, had a booth'" on the ground, and appeared to be doing good business. The committee, judge, and secretary / (Mr Stewart), are deserving of praise for the excellent way in which everything was conducted. A punctual start was made at one o’clock. 100 Yards Handicap, Footrace—lst prize, £1 10s;' 2nd prize, 15sG. South, (scratch) 1; J. W. Radford (3yds), 2; H. Mappison (3yds), 3rd. Mappison lead from the start, but South came away with a'bound at the last 30 yards winning ■by about a yard. ) Mappison came in a good third. H. Opie (Iyd), W. Moore (2yds), C. Opie (4yds);,A. Beattie (syds), E. Shaw (Byds), ’also started. Running High Jump— lst prize, £1; 2nd prize, 7s 6d :-rrW. Mppre, ,(4ft llin), 1; J. W. Radford (4ft 9in), 2. There was no handicapping in this event, and B. T. Evans and another who. also competed were nowhere. 7 , 440 Yards Handicap, : (Winchester Cup)—rlst prize, £2 2s ; > 2nd, £1: G. South (scratch), 1; E. Shaw (12yds), 2nd. H. Opie (scr), A. Shallard 1 (6yds), H. Patrick (12yds), also started The limit men kept their lead till half way round, when South, wlm/was going well, took up the lead .and'finished easily by about 20 yards,"'"'" 1 1 ~' ■ 200 Race (under 15 years, local) —Ist prize, 15s; 2nd, 5s : j. . Hart, 1; F. Donnithorne, 2.

200 Yards Hurdle Handicap —lst prize, £1 10s ; ; 2nd, 10s : A. Shallard, (scr.), 1; W.Moore (12yds), 2. Moore took the lead from the start, ,and held it well till the second last hurdle was reached, when Shallard got abreast with him, and finished the last hurdle before him. The third man, A. Moore (14yds), gave up at half way. 100 Yards Girls’ Handicap (under 15 years, local) —Ist prize, cake; 2nd, tomato sauce: Maggie Mclntosh, 1; Ethel Patrick, 2. Running Hop, Step, and Jump—--Ist prize, £1 ; 2nd, 7s 6d : ,A. Shallard (38ft llin), 1; C. Opie (38ft IJd). 2. W. Moore, J. W. Radford, and C. Tacon also competed. 150 Yards Handicap (for members of the Waihi F.C.) —Ist prize, £1 10a ; 2nd, 15s: G. South (scratch), ! ; E; Lewis (2yds), 2. H. Opie (4yds), A. Moore (6yds), W. Moore (4yds), C. Opie (Byds), E. Wagstaft* (Byds), and T. Hart (12yds) also ran. This was a fast race. All the men got away in a bunch, but, at within 20 yards off the tape increased speed, and passed the judge first. Wheelbarrow Race — Ist prize, 15s : J. Hart, 1. There were only two entries for this race, which was a very amusing one, the men being blindfolded. 880 Yards Handicap— lst prize, £2; 2nd, £1; A. Moore (26yds), 1; B. T. Evans (scr.), 2. Moore and Henderson took up the lead and maintained it for the first lap, when Henderson fell back and gave way to Evans, who was gradually gaining on him. Evans then made a plucky attempt to catch the first man, but was too heavily handicapped, and Moore crossed the line with his handicap to spare. 200 Yards Handicap £1 10s; 2nd, 15s: G. South (scr.), 1; H. Happison (syds), 2. South bolted away from the start, and came in an easy winner with a few yards to spare. H. Opie (2yds) and E. Shaw (12yds) were the other starters.

Girl«’ Race—lst prize, a pair of vases ; 2nd prize, a bracelet; A. Hart, 1; S. Rutherford, 2. Maiden W resi ling, under list 71b—--Ist prize £ l, 2nd 10s ;E. O’Neill,! ; D. Dnnn 2. The other competitors were S. Harding, E. Parkes, W. Cartwright, J. Kyne, and C.Tacon. Tilting in the Ring— lst prize, £1 10s, 2nd prize 10a ; T. Hart (13) 1; W. Coppiu (10), 2 ; E. Wagstaff (9) 2 ; The other competitors were C. Harding. R. Webster, W. Hawke, C. Opie, A. Hart, A. Watson, D. Lewis and J. Lewis.

120 Yards Consolation Handicap—--Ist prize, £1; 2nd, 7s 6d : H. Mappison (sci*.), 1; 0. Opie (4yds), 2; E. Shaw (6yds), 3. This was a very close race from first to last.

Married Men’s Race Prize, 10 gallons of beer; J. Collins, 1; E. Smith, 2.

This concluded the day’s sport at 5.30 p.m.