BOXING-DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2298, 29 December 1891, Page 2

BOXING-DAY.

TEMUKA.

TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

FOURTH ANNUAL GATHERING. Patron—Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R. President—Mr A. M. Clark. . VicePresidents —Messrs M. Quinn a.nd D. Henry. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer —Mr G. H. Mogridge, Directors— Messrs J. Guild, F. Dignan, M. Quinn, D. Henry, J.M.Naughton, J.McCaskill, G. McMillan, D. McKay, J. Maze, W. McLeod, G. Mason, E. C. Dann, F. Archer, J. Angland', M. Scannell, A. W. Mann, A. Russell, T. Rooney, and W. Ackroyd. Judges—Running, walking, and bicycle, Messrs J. Velvin, J, Maze, A. Bisset, and F. Archer; throwing hammer, putting stone, and wrestling, Messrs D. Henry, W. Mason, W. Ackroyd, E. Lee, and W. McLeod; Scotch dancing and music, Messrs A. M. Clark, D. McLaren, D. McLeod, and J. Skinner; Irish dancing, Messrs T. Connelly, D. Mahoney, and M. Quinn; jumping, hop, step, and jump, etc., Messrs J. [Guild, C. J. Newbury, G. Mason, .J. Angland, and T. Rooney. Handicappers—Running and walking, Mr E. S. Smith; bicycle races, Messrs E. S. Smith and M. J. Shepherd; other events, Messrs J. Velvin, J. Maze, and M. Scannell. Starter—Mr A. W. Mann. Timekeeper—Mr P. Coira.

The Temuka Caledonian Society have again to be congratulated upon the success of their annual gatbu&ing, which, without doubt, has proved itself to be about the best one-day meeting in the colony. Everthing passed off pleasantly, and the day must have proved,' enjoyable to all. The weather was perfect being neither too hot, norjblustering, nor cold. The ground, thanks to assiduous attention, and some welcome showers, was in good 'order, while the manner in which it was fenced gave spectators every opportunity of witnessing the various events with comfort. The raised lawn in front of the pavilion proved a great boon. From it every event could be plainly seen and there was no overcrowding of the pavilion seats as has often happened. The fact of the lawn, and a considerable space around the pavilion, being fenced was also shown to be a step in the right direction as the enclosure ensured easy access to the officials as well as providing comfortable accomodation for those who object to the crowding at the rails. The whole of the track is fenced in a substantial manner, and the public with the exception of a few small boys, never made the least attempt to enproach upon the reserved space. The excurison train from Timaru was largely patronised, and visitors came in from the surrounding district in large numbers. By. the train came the Timaru Garrison band, who played a number of selections during "the day in capital style. Their services however were not in such great request as the bagpipe music, and dancing served to fill up a lot of time. The licensed booth was ably conducted by Mr M. Scanne.ll, who received great credit for the quality of the refreshments he supplied. Mr D. McCaskill had the luncheon aim light refreshment booths, and gave every satisfication. The programmes of the sport i were conveniently printed in book form, and well compiled. The Secretary, Mr G. H. MogridgewaS accomodated with a new office in which he could receive orders, and attend to his important duties without interruption. Needless to say that his by no means enjoyable billet was faithfully filled; under the most trying circumstsnces'he was coutous to all. The officials are to be congratulated upon the manner in which they carried out their duties. In the running events especially was the noticeable, for each was got off promptly to time. Mr J. W. Velvin and Mr J- Maze acted as judges of the running events, the former keeping the records. Mr J. Lawson wrote up the winner's names upon a black board, a convenience the public appreciated. The judges of feats of strength, etc., entered upon their duties zealously and there were no disputes. -Those of music and dancing had a pleasant, if somewhat responsible, time of it, but their decisions were universally approved; Mr E. S. Smith has to be congratulated upon his handicapping, which was excellent, and Mr A. W. Mann was a very efficient starter. Mr P. Coira acted as timekeeper for running events and Mr J. Sim for the Fire Brigade competitions. Although not conspicuous Messrs Bissett and Archer did good service as starters, and stewards, and Messrs Velvin, Maze, Scannell were successful in their handicaps of jumping events. The president, Mr A. M. Clark, was evidently at home in his position; although busily engaged as a judge he made time to extend a courteous welcome to visitors from the other societies, who were numerous, and also to exercise a general supervision over the ground arrangements. He was ably seconded by Messrs Quinn and Henry, the vicepresidents. The latter was a host in himself, and the society has reason to be proud of having such energetic officials. Sports commenced punctually at eleven o'clock with the Maiden Race, and from that time until six, there were no intermissions. For convenience the sports have been classified in our report. KTJNNING- EVENTS, &c. 100 Yards Maiden Race Prizes, £2, £l,los. C. Opie ... 1 C. Goldstoue ... ... 2 H. Rogers ... ... ... ... 3 Won by a yard, the placed men well up..

120 Yards Handicap—Prizes, £2, £l,los.

First Heat.

W. Fenton, 9yds 1 M. McAuliffe, 7yds ... 2 J. H. Gardner, 4yds; J. Bryan, 4yds; R. McLeod, 6yds; C. Opie, 7yds; J. Lynch, Byds, also started. Time, 12min lsec.

-* Second Heat. A. S. Dunford, 4yds 1 W. Moore, 6yds 2 A. E. Thompson, Iyd; J. H. Anderson, 4yds ; J. W. Radford, syds : W. Stevens, Byds, also started. Time, lSniin.

Third Heat. R. J. Lavery, 6yds ... ... ... 1 H. Bryan, 4yds ... ... ... 2 | These were the only starters out of seven handicapped. Time, 13min 4sec.

Final Heat. M. McAuliffe, 7yds ... ... ".ifl W. Fenton, 9yds 2 R. J. Lavery, 6yds ... .... ;,. 3 A. S. Dunford, 4yds; W. Moore, 6yds; H. Bryan, 4yds, also started. A capital race, the winner beating the second man by about a yard. Time, 131-sth sees. , 350 Yards Handicap—Prizes, £2, £l,los. First Heat. H. Rogers, 22yds 1 A. S. Dunford, 12yds ... 2 J. H. Gardner, 10yds ; R. Orton, 15yds ; A. Aitken, 18yds, also started. A capital finish. Time, 41 l-sth sec. Second Heat. G. South, 10yds ... ... ... 1 H. Bryan, 12yds ... .... ... 2 A. E. Thompson, 4yds; R. Logan, 10yds, also started. Time, 44sec. Final Heat. G. South, 10yds 1 A. S. Dunford, 12yds ... 2 H. Rogers, 22yds 3 H. Bryan," 12yds, also started. This was a good race, but little distance separating the placed men. No time was taken. 440 Yards Handicap—Prizes, £S, £ 2,£L. First Heat.

W. Voyce, 27yds ... 1 R. Orton, 15yds ... 2 R. Robinson, 27yds ... ... ... 3 G. South, 10yds; J. H. Gardner, 12yds; W. F. Dawe, 16yds; N. Nichols, 26yds, also started. Won by a yard. Time, 541-sthlsec.

Second Heat. A. Aitken, 23yds ... ... ... 1 D. E. Lewis, 16yds ... 2 L. Padget,Byds ... ... ... 3 D. Fraser, 30ydB, also started. This was very evenly contested, the two placed men finishing very closely.; Time, 54sec. -,.,.'.-■ Final Heat. , D.Lewis, 16yds ... ... ... 1 W. Voyce, 27yds ......... ... 2 R. Orton, 15yds •••...-. . 3 A. Aitken, 23yds, also started. Time, 55 4-sth sec. Boys Race, under 16—Prizes, £l, los, ss. S. Bryan ... ... ... ... 1 B.Cochrane ... ... ... ... 2 F. Lamb ... ... :.. ... 3 Eight started. Won easily. 220 Yards Handicap—Prizes, £2, £l, 10s. JR. Robinson, 16yds ... ... ... 1 C. Opie, 16yds ... 2 J* W. Radford, 11yds; also started. Time, 25sec. Second Heat. H. Bryan, Byds ... ... ... 1 G. South, 4yds ... 2 N. Nichols, 16yds; also started. Time, 26isec. Third Heat. . W. Fenton, 18yds ... ~.. -. ... 1 R. Lavery, 12yds ... ... ... 2 A. S. Dunford, 6yds; H. Rogers, 15yds; also started. Time, 24 3-sth sec. Final Heat. C. Opie, 16yds 1 R. Robinson, 16yds 2 R. Lavery, 12yds ... " 3 H. Bryan, Byds ; G. South, 4yds ; W. Fenton, 18yds ; also started. Time, 25 l-sth sec. 1 Mile Walk, Handicap—Prizes, £3, £1 10s, 10s. R. Austin, 120yds ... ... ... 1 J. Elder, 100yds 2 J. Austin, scr 3 B. Langridge, 100yds, also started. This resulted in a splendid finish between the first and second men, who stuck to one another throughout. No time was

taken. 440 Yards Hurdles—Pimm, £3, £llos, 10s.

W. F. Dawe, 13yds ... ... ... 1 J. H. Gardner, Byds 2 A. Aitken, 27yds ... 3 H. Bryan, 7yds; R. McLeod, 25yds; also started. For about half way the competitors kept well together, but then began to tail off, thr winner finishing comparatively easy. Time, 3mm Usee. 880 Yards Handicap—Prize*, £4, £2, £l. W. Voyce, 50yds ...* ... ... 1 D. E. Lewis, 35yds ... 2 G. King, syds 3 W. Livingstone, scr.; B. T. Evans, 40yds ; J. Anderson, 40yds ; W. F. Dawe, 40yds; A. D. Moore,. 45yds; N. Nichols, 50yds; J. Dockerell, 55yds; also started. This resulted in a good finish between the placed men. Anderson and Moore fell out in the second lap, and the remainder finished fairly well up.' Time, 2min 7|sec. Boys Race, under 12—Prizes, 15s, concertina, ss.

C. Healey ... 1 M.Connolly ... 2 B. Cochrane ... ... ... ... 3 Kine started. 1 Mile Running Handicap First prize presented by A. E. G. Rhodes,. Esq., £5, £2,£l G. King, scr ... ... ... ... 1 W. Livingstone,' scr 2 W. Cartwright, 70yds '. ... 3 W. F. Dawe, GOyds ; J. Dockerell, 100yds; ,also started. This again reflected credit on the liandicapper. The competitors as placed were close up, and thoroughly run out. Time, 4min 44sec, Oddfellows' Race, for members of Teniuka Lodge—Prizes, Cup, 20s. E. S. Smith ... 1 R. McLeod 2 Consolation Race—Prizes, £2, £l, 10b. J. H. Gardner, 3yds ... ... ... 1 R. McLeod, 10yds 2 R. Orton, scratch ... 3 Anderson, 4yds, and Goldstone, Byds; also started. Two Mile Bicycle Race, Local- . Prizes, Trophies value £ 2, £l,los. * G. Hay, 20yds ... 1 Ml P. W. Anderson, 280yds 2l|jfl C. Meredith, 200yds ... ... ... 3;*ijJ F. McCarthy, scr.; J. Findlay, scr. ;"W$ J. Gillespie, 20yds; J. Henry,, 150yds, ; ilso started. Time, 7min 65sec. A good leal of interest Avas evinced in this racQ

each of the competitors having his coterie of friends. A muddle was made of the start, through the men misunderstanding the starter's directions. One shot was to be fired as a signal, another 1 as a start. At the first shot several of the men who were on their machines started, whilst the others were dismounted. A second attempt was nearly being spoiled in the same way, but the ultimate start was a good one. At the seventh" lap Henry fell out, and Findlay, meeting with an accident, also stopped. Hay also came to grief, but quickly remounted, and at the sixth lap had made xip a lot of lost ground. He was riding a pneumatic machine, and its superiority told on such a course. Gillespie was severely handicapped with his bicycle, which travelled heavny, and Meredith's machine was too large for him. McCarthy, who was one who had traversed a lap at the false start, seemed never to recover himself, although he rode pluckily. Hay's win was a popular one. Two Milk Bicycle Race, Open— Prizes, Trophies value £2, £l,los. F. Truman, scratch 1 G. Hay, 100yds 2 W. Burford, 300yds 3 G. Burford, 300yds 4 F. McCarthy, 55yds; J. Gillespie, 150yds; C. Meredith, 250yds, also started. This race was won fairly easily by Truman, a well-known performer. He started under protest, as he rode a pneumatic machine, whereas the handicappers had allotted their distance under the idea that he had an ordinary roadster. The matter will probably be referred to the Cyclists' Alliance. Truman's time was 7min 24sec, G. Hay's 7min 27sec. Three Mile Bicycle Race, Open—

Prizes, Trophies value £3, £2, £1

F. Truman, scratch ... 1 G. Hay, 180yds 2 G. Burford, 480yds ... ..." ... 3 C. Meredith, 400yds 4 J. Gillespie, 225yda, and W. Burford, 480yds, also started. This was the most exciting race of the day, and was capitally contested between the two leading men. When about half the distance had been run, W. Burford lost his pedals and fell out. Hay, who pedalled very evenly, ran into second place at the sixth lap, and was leading after the seventh lap. He and Truman then ran very evenly till the last lap, when Hay made a little spurt. Truman, however, had plenty in hand, and won very comfortably. Q. Burford was about 100 yards behind, with Mereditk well up to him. No official time was taken. WRESTLING, ETC. Maiden Wrestling, Cumberland Style —Prizes, £3, £llos, 10s. This event brought out eight competitors, and an interesting contest took place between them. The winning man eventually turned up in T. Simpson, a pupil of Halls', but a light weight. C. Wright, who took second place, also wrestled gamely. The results were : T.Simpson 1 C. Wright ... 2 Sullivan ... ... ... ••• 3 ' Five others competed. Open Wrestling, Cumberland Style. —Prizes, £6, £3, £l. J. McKinnon ... ••• 1 F.Hall 2 S. Thornley 3 T. Simpson and Wright also competed. Simpson and Hall first competed, the fall being secured by the latter, whe also took the next. McKinnon had no difficulty in disposing of Wright, and showed some pretty play with Thornley, who secured one fall. The most interesting struggle ' was between Hall and McKinnon, the ' men being well men being well matched as to strength and skill. The local man proved the victor, and his win was well received. The introduction of a little foreign element would probably have made the contest more exciting. Throwing 221 b Hammer —Prizes, £2, £l,los. « J. McKinnon, scr (71ft 7in) 1 S. Thornley, 6m (69ft 2in) 2 W. Lindsay, scr (66ft Bin) 3 Neill McKinnon, 12in; also competed and threw 59ft. Running Long Jump, Handicap— Prizes, £1 10s and 15s. H.Bryan, 2ft (20ft) 1 O. Opie,2ft (19ft 10Jin) ... ... 2 J. Collins, scr (19ft 7in) also jumped. Putting 225) Stone, Handicap—Prizes, £2, £l,los. McKinnon, scr (30ft llin) ... ... 1 Thornley, 6in (29ft lOin) ... ... 2 Lindsay, scr (29ft 7in) ... ... 3 Hall, Ift; also competed. Hop, Step, and Jump—First prize presented by Mr J/M. Twomey,£l Is, 10s. H. Bryan 9in (40ft 6£in) 1 C'Opie, 18in (40ft 4in) ... ... 2 ' ■; J. Collins, also jumped, doing 40ft 2in. Running High Jump Handicap— Prizes, £2, £l,los. Lindsay, scratch j ... 1 Chute, scratch J H. Bryan, 4ft llin .-• 2 Two others jumped. MUSIC AND DANCING. The music and dancing were among the principal features of the day, and the judges expressed themselves highly ' pleased with every event except the Sean Triuthais, a dance which does not seem to be appreciated as it might.be. The Sword Dance was capitally danced, and the Reels and Flings were also good, dancing of the lads was admired, and the Bociety might do worse than encourage boys to compete by giving a, little extra prize money. The bagpipe inusic liras very good. For the Irish .dancing and Sailors' Hornpipe there were very numerous entries, and the judges liad by no means an easy task in allotting their awards. Pipe-Majors McDonald and J. Mabin played for the dancers, and displayed the utmost good nature in adapting themselves to tunes and times selected by the several competitors. Bagpipe Music, Pibrochs and Marches —Prizes, £5, £2 10s, £l. J. McDonald, " Clanranald's Salute," "Miss Forbes' Farewell to Banff •;; * R. McTavish, " Mcintosh's Lament,' "Bugle Horn"... ... -2 J. Mabin, " Pibroch o' Donald' Dhu," " Craiog'nar" ••■ 3 J. Murray, "McGregor's Lament," " 79th Highlanders' Farewell '"'"'" to Gibraltar" - 3 Best Dressed Highland Boy—Prizos. £l,los, ss. Adams, 42nd Highlanders 1 .J. McLeod >» 2 D. Henry- ... • ••• ••• ••• %

Highland Reel—Prizes, £2 10s, £llos, 10s. J. Morrison 1 W. Davidson A. Smith • c Highland Fling, Men—Prizes, £2, £l,los. W. Davidson 3 J. Murray 2 J. Morrison ••• 3 Highland Fling, Boys—Prizes, £l, 10s, ss. A. Smith 1 R. McTavish 2 Sword'Dance—Prizes, £2, £l,los. J. Morrison 1 W. Davidson ... ... ... •••; 2 J. Davidson 3 Bagpipe Music, Strathspeys and Reels. —Prizes, £5, £2 10s, £l. J. McDonald, "Lady Madeline Sinclair," " Lads o' Ard'na Marchan" 1 J. Mabin, " Cap a Feidh," " McKinnon's Reel" 2 J. Murray, ."Queen's Welcome to Deeside," " Mountain Goat" 3 R. McTavish, « Lady McKenzic " and " Deil amang the Tailors," also played. Reel o' Tulloch Prizes, £2 10s, £llos, 15s. J. Murray 1 W. Davidson ... ... ... ••• 2 J. Morrison ••• 3 The judges recommended an extra prize to McTavish, who also danced. Sean'Truithais—Prizes, £2, £l, 10s. J. Morrison ' ••• 1 W. Davidson 2 J". Murray ... 3 IRISH DANCING, ETC. Irish Jig—Prizes, £2, £l, 10s. M. Angland ... 1 —#Fitzgerald 2 J. Murray 3 Three others danced. Irlsh Hornpipe—Prizes, £2, £l, 10s. Fitzgerald ... ... ... ••• 1 M. Angland 2 Tobin 3 Three others danced. Sailors' Hornpipe—Prizes, £2, £l,los. Wood ... 1 M. Ryan 2 J. Ryan 3 Five others danced. Fire Brigade Competition

The two events upon the programme for competition by members of fire brigades created a good deal of interest and brought representatives from Rangiora, Timaru, and Geraldine, as well as from the local brigade. The competition was keen, but the contest was carried out with, utmost good nature, and at its conclusion hearty cheers were given for the local men, and returned by them in honour of the visitors. Captain Henry managed to spare a few minutes from his multifarious duties to attend to the interests of his brigade, and was rewarded by seeing members of them successful in one event. Mr J. Sim was a - most efficent timekeeper, and Captain Walton kept records. Fieb Brigade Competition, Manual Engine, 1 man, dry. Conducted under the Fire Brigade Association's rules. Prizes, £3, £llos, 15s. DeMoulines'(Rangiora), 44§sec ... 1 E. Reeves (Rangiora),4ssec 2 Scarf (Timaru), 48 4-sth sec... ... 3 Campbell (53 l-sth sec), Meecham (54sec), Vernal (56sec), Walton (57sec), Shewan (59sec), and Clinch also competed. Baby Rescue, Competitor to bring baby 20 feet from the ground without dropping it. In this event the men competed in couples. Prizes, £3, £llos, 15s. Clinch and Vernal (Temuka), 22 2-sth sec .; 1 Anderson and Henry (Temuka) 22 3-sth sec 2 Harrison and Campbell (Timaru) 24 4-sthsec 3 Scarf and Shewmah (Timaru) 25 l-sth sec, and DeMoulines and Reeves (Rangiora), also competed. At the end of the sports, which were concluded punctually to time, a procession was formed with Mr J. Lawson as standard bearer, and, headed by the pipers and vice-presidents, the members and officials marched to the Volunteer Hall, where three hearty cheers were given for the pipers before dispersing.

CALEDONIAN CONCERT

The annual concert was held in the evening, in the Drill Shed, the only building capacious enough to accommodate a large .audience, but possessed of bad acoustic properties at its best. Such properties as it doe's possess were completely nullified by the patter of the rain, which commenced at about nine o'clock and continued with more or less violence throughout the night. As a consequence the singing of the several performers was almost inaudible except to those in the front row of the reserved seats. The audience, however, were orderly, and when an occasional note was heard highly appreciative, as evinced by the showers of bouquets which the principal lady singers received. As usual the hall was nicely decorated by Mr T. Gunnion, who received able assistance from Mr "Velvin, The seating accommodation was ample and the concert committee, under the indefatigable direction of Mr Mogridge, made every provision for the convenience of the singers The society are entitled to the thanks of the community for their untiring and discriminating efforts to provide the very best of musical talent, and it has undoubtedly done much to elevate musical taste in the town, Upon this particular occasion it is to be regretted that the audience, now probably far more discriminating than in the past, should not have had a fair opportunity of judging the musical treat provided for them. The concert commenced with a bagpipe selection by Pipe Major McDonald, the principal prize-taker at the sports. Among the audience were probably a number of judges of this class of music, and the applause which followed was sufficient to show that the selection was well rendered. His second selection was equally good. An overture by " The Band " followed, "The Caliph of Bagdad." The band comprised Mr F. McCarthy fl-st violin), Master C. Brown (2nd violin), Mr Harrison (cornet), and Miss Quinn (piano). It is no flattery to say that their peformance was quite jsqual to many that claim to have a higher rank jin the musical world, a,nd it was heartily applauded. In the second part they also played, their selection being « Chowljto chj. Bfletoiy'

a taking piece of instrumentalism, which went very well indeed. Mr Reunert, of Dunedin, v/as happy in the selection of his song. He chose " Stranded," a song with a pretty air, and taking words, and he had a very encouraging reception. He was equally successful in the second Dart, when he sang "The Skipper's Flag," and was encored. Miss Spensley* of Christchurch, required no introduction to a Temuka audience, as was evinced by the enthusiasm with which she was greeted. She sang with exceeding taste and execution " The Scottish Blue-bells," and in response to an encore " Robin Adair," which was applauded. A Highland reel followed, which went off capitally, after which Mr Weir, of Christchurch, who possesses a capital voice but has a somewhat tame execution, sang " Jessie, the Flower of Dumblane." He was recalled. Miss Blaney, of Dunedin, has a good stage presence, and a pleasing voice and manner, but on this occasion was somewhat nervous. She sang, howj ever, with touching expression," Kathleen | Mavourneen," and deservedly received hearty applause, and some choice bouquets. The " Sword Dance " followed, after which Miss Cooper, of Dunedin, sang " Waiting," a charming song at any time, and one which received full expression at her hands. In response to an encore she sang " Way down the Swanee River," a simple and favorite melody, which was a pleasant contrast to the more pretentious music which preceded it. In the second part she sang."ODinna cross the Burn, Willie," and was ap- . plauded. Mr D. A. DeMaus, of Dunedin, brought the first part of the programme to a close with a Scotch humorous song written by himself, entitled" Edinb'ro Toon." It humours was unfortunately lost by the noise made by an unusually severe squall. In the second part Miss Spensely sang, "The Dashing White Sergeant," and in response to an encore sang with Mr Weir the duet " The crookit bawbee," Mr Weir then sang "My Queen," after which the sailor's hornpipe was danced in costume. The items previously mentioned by Mr Reunert and Miss Cooper followed, after which Mr M. Angland gave an " Irish Jig.," Miss Blaney's second song was " The land o' the Leal," a pathetic selection that must and does appeal t o all hearts. She did it every justice, as was evinced by the momentary silence which preceded the hearty applause which i followed her song. Mr De Maus again j sang a song of his own composing, entitled "Daft Willie Wimple." The weather at this time was a little more propitious, and in response to an en- i core he sang'" That's English, you know." The last item on the programme, •' God save the Queen," was then sung, after which the president led off with " Auld Lang Syne," in which the audience heartily joined. Mrs Foster played all the accompaniments with her customary taste and execution.

GERALDINE

Last Saturday was kept as a close holiday, the town being almost deserted, many wending their way to witness the Caledonian Sports at Temuka. In the afternoon the children attending the Primitive Methodist Sunday School held their annual picnic in the park, assembling in the church at 1.30 p.m., marching from" thence to their trysting ground, headed by the Salvatiou Army band which played several tunes en route. On arrival at the park several ; games were indulged in by those present, both young and old thoroughly enjoying themselves. The youngsters during the afternoon were regaled with plentiful supplies of tea, cake, and buns to their hearts' content. The company dispersed shortly before dusk, just as rain began to fall. Sunday being the last one of the year special sermons were preached in all the churches, bearing in the solemnil y of the occasion.