CHRISTMAS DAT AT RANGITATA ISLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2301, 5 January 1892, Page 2

CHRISTMAS DAT AT RANGITATA ISLAND.

A correspondent writes : Our little island has been in a state of ferment for some time past, pending the approach of Christmas Day, when our Sunday School held their annual fete in the school grounds. The weather for such an event was all that could be desired, and by mid-afternoon the playgrounds of the school presented a very animated appearance —being filled with old and young people, with smiling faces, having each a common object in being present, that of thoroughly enjoying themselves for one day at least during the year. Games of all kinds were heartily indulged in by everyone present, and in this respect I think the old folks outshone the younger ones by the dash and enthusiasm they threw into the various games, Mr H. Grainger was indefatigable in his efforts to make everyone feel happy, and in his efforts he was ably assisted by the members of his family and a number of young men. The tables were set about half-past four for the children, and about half-an-honr later they were set for the others. On this occasion the young men had a table supplied by themselves, while the other table was in the hands of Mr Grainger’s family. To make any comparison between the two tables would be out of place, but suffice it to say that better things could not be seen at such a gathering as the Rangitata picnic on Friday. As night approached the school was sought for, where a concert was held and addresses given by the Rev. J. Dellow and Messrs Wright, Grainger, and Buxton: The financial statement of the Sunday School was also read by the treasurer, Mr Jos. Buck, and he was heartily applauded when he stated that there was a balance in hand of £8 after paying all expenses. Dialogues were given by the following ladies and *

gentlemen, which considerably added to the evening’s entertainment, viz., Misses Eliza and Emma Grainger and Ada McDuff . and Messrs D. Watt and A. J. McDuff, and T Miss S. Grainger and Messrs F. Watts ; and Herbert Grainger. Both pieces reflected great credit on the performers. The Bov. J. and Mrs Bellow gave a selection from the Christian Choir, which was really the gem of the evening. Mr Bellow then awarded the prizes to the pupils as follows : —Herbert Watts, Charles Hearn, Willie Stevenson, Emma Grainger, \ Emily Snell, Eliza Buck, Mary McDuff, Willie Grainger 1 , Henry Miller, Willie - Hearn, Elsie "Watts, E. Miller, Willie Huich, Rose Hearn, Mabel Mcßoff, Lily Snell, Annie Snell, Cissy Wright, Rachel Miller, George Miller, H. Wright, May Hearn, R. Wright, Annie Huich. The prizes were a really nice collection of books, and it is to be hoped that the management will always be so placed financially as to be able to give so' handsomely to such a deserving object. During the evening a number of Sankey’s hymns were sung, accompanied by Miss Grainger on the organ and Mr Dellow on the organ a,nd the meeting broke up apparently well pleased with the day’s outing. }