ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2439, 17 December 1892, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

GERALDINE,

Anniversary Day was celebrated at Geraldine by a close holiday, all places oL business being closed and everyone putting on the best holiday appearance. A few hours before noon the weather was so wet and muggy that it certainly seemed as though 1 the day was spoiled for holidaykeeping, but at about 11 o'clock it gradually cleared up into bright, beautiful weather, and picnics, which it was thought would have to be postponed, were gone on with. Nine trap-loads and Mr Mundell's big dragtook away a large number of children and adults to the Geraldine Presbyterian Sunday School picnic, which was held this year at the Kakahti waterfalls. The traps had a very lively appearance as they went through the town with flags and banners flying above, and the children, with their mugs hitched to their sides, and yelling and making as much noise as their lungs would allow. During the day a number of traps arrived from Timaru and elsewhere bringing private parties for picnics in the Geraldine Bush.

Geraldine Volunteeu Bazaar. A monster bazaar to hely in clearing off the debt on the Geraldine Volunteer Hall was opened at Geraldine yesterday by Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R., when owing to a large number of people being at picnics out of town, there was not the attendance ax, the opening that there would otherwise have been have been. The building was thrown open shortly after noon and the volunteers, who were present in uniform, gave a general salute as Mr Rhodes and his wife entered the door in company with, Major Moore, Captain Jackson (Timaru) Captain R. H. Pearpoint, Lieutenant McKenzie,and Mr A. White. On mounting the platform Mr Rhodes said that it gave him and Mrs Rhodes very much pleasure when they were asked to be present and open the Bazaar that day. Fortunately the authorities had chosen a public holiday for holding the bazaar on, and he hoped their foresight would be rewarded. Being the first part of the Christmas holidays people's hearts would be generously inclined, and they would no doubt leave some money behind them. It seemed to him a very great shame that volunteers had to resort to means such as the present in getting money for their _ halls and other things. He thought it a great pity the Government could not see their way clear to help volunteerss a little more than they do. He knew there had been a great many calls on the Government in the past but when men gave their time and put themselves to a considerable amount of personal sacifice, pecuniary and otherwise, to fit themselves to become volunteers, trained to defend their countiy in time of war, it was a pity they should have to ask the public for necessary funds,—and funds were necessary to fit their hall out as they had done. He thought it would be an even greater pity if he Government carried out what they proposed—viz., to spend all tbe money on local forces round the coast, and leave the country corps. He hoped the Government would not reduce the money of the country corps. It they had war they would be absolutely dependent on their volunteers, and if the men were well trained in the use of the rifle, they would do. justice to their country if called upon. What they ought to do was to arm their men with the latest rifles, and he hoped the Government, now that they had a new commandment, would supply the corps with the best He considered that the corps should feel itself very much indebted to the ladies, and he had no doubt but that when the two days bazaar was over it would be found that the public had shown gratitude, and that a large sum of money would be lodged in the bank to pay for the lining, etc., of their building. (Applause). Major Moore, on behalf of the local corps, gave thanks to Mr and Mrs Rhodes for their presence. He regretted that there was such a small attendance at the opening, but he was certain there would be a large number present later on. He thought they would all agree with him that whenever Mr Rhodes had been asked to perform any ceremony in this district he never failed to be present if he possibly could. (Applause.) On behalf of the volunteers, he again thanked Mr and Mrs Rhodes.

The volunteers, under Lieutenant Macdonald, gave another general salute, and the Geraldine Brass Band struck up ".God Save the Queen," after which Mr Rhodes declared the bazaar open. The band then played a number of airs outside the building to draw the people about the bazaar.

The hall was splendidly decorated with tree ferns, flags, fancy lights, and every, thing that could please the eye. < The stalls were arranged two on each side of the hall, and a large refreshment stall at the upper end of the building. The stalls were presided over as follows:—No. 1, Mis Angus Macdonald, and Misses Macdonald, Turnbull, and Boswell; Iso. 2, Mesdames Orbell, Dunlop, Hawkins, Taylor, and Craig, and Miss Orbell; Xo. 3, Mesdames W. Moore, Turton, and Miss Preston; No. 1, Mesdames J. W. Pye, and Boughton, and Miss Stonehouse; Refreshment stall— Mesdames Fish, Wilson Smith, Winstone, and Misses Fish (2), Wilson Smith, Winstone, and Taylor. The stalls were prettily done up with a numerous selection of fancy articles, most of which were made by ladies in the district, and presented to the bazaar. The refreshment stall was all that could be desired, and was laden with everything than an epicure could wish for. Besides the stalls, there was a large Christmas tree erected in the centre of the hall, and a shooting gallery and a post office at the main entrance. The fortune teller d}d good business, as did alsp thg electric boy and electrip basin. Other sights to be seen were the side shows, the dwarf, and top decapitated man. The drop curtain was lowered on the platform, and the latter did service for a small theatre, where two very laughable farces were gone through. Taking it all round the b,azaar was a decided success yesterday, and a good many stranger 3 being in town a substantial sum was taken in door money, sales, rattles, etc. The bazaar is open agaui this evening- when those who have not yet bad an opportunity of seeing it shpuld not fail to be present.

OttIOKET. The cricket match Geraldinc Ist v. Colonials Ist, drew a good crowd of people, and Mr and Mrs Rhodes graced the domain with their presence during the afternoon. In their first innings the Geraldine team made II.'!. At -|.<!u the Colonials had lost 1 wjekete far- eleven runs, (ijiiULuiNE IU plus. The Ceraldine Kiriesinthe morning iired for Mr Ward's Cup, and money prizes, but ah the wring was not finished yesterday, ami others have yet to fire, it is not known who will tfiko the prizes. Up to the present Lance-Corporal Stonchouse is leading. •n-wtt-'KA. .\tr.u versa ry Day---the holiday most eagerly looked forward to by children of all' the holidays in the yea].'—broke gloriously fine, but at about 8 o'clock the skv was" overcast, and a smart shower caused many an expectant face to become clouded with apprehensions. Those in charge of the various school treats had an anxious hour, but by about 10 o'clock it was evident that once more the youngsters were to be favored, and a start was made from the various churches and schools, and for a while the streets were b>:,ay with waggons, coaches, trr>,cti;m-tmgiues and trucks convoyir.S'ottering children to the ■'rounds selected for their outing. _ There were numerous private picnic parties, and the river, in addition to an unusual nuuii ber qf visiting anglers, was also patronised | by the wemhers of the local Aoglers'

Society competing for the challenge cups, lu the park a oricket match, Temuka v. Tirnaru, was played, but only attracted a small attendance of visitors.

Ckicket. The return match Temuka v. Timaru, played at Temuka yesterday, resulted in a win for the visitors by 1;S runs. Timaru made 174, and Temuka 131. For Timaru Terry made 36, Jefferson 32. Dr Cayley, for Temuka, made r>3, and Brosnahan 20. Towards the afternoon there were a number of spectators, and the match was much enjoyed.

St. Saviour's Sunday School. The scholars attending the above school assembled at the school shortly before nine o'clock, but owing to the wet it was a little after ten before a start could be made for their destination—The Gums, Winchester, kindly placed at their disposal by Mr W. Deßenzy. They were conveyed thither in waggons kindly lent by Messrs Aspinall & Co., Walker, and Benbow, the provisions, etc., being sent up in separate conveyances. At • the grounds no time was lost by the teachers and friends in getting refreshments served out, after which the usual sports and games were indulged in. In the course of the day visitors arrived from Winchester, and were made heartily welcome. Prior to leaving hearty cheers were given for Mr Deßenzy, and the superintendent, Mr R. Pinckney, desires to heartily thank all who assisted with provisions, the loan of conveyances, etc.

Presbyterian Sabbath School

The scholars, teachers, and friends of this school, together with a contingent from Milford, after the clouds of the morning rolled past, left the church for the place of rendezvous, at Mr Hay's, Kakahu. The young children were kindly taken up by Mr Douglas with his traction engine, which was followed by two expresses, joined by the Waitohi contingent, and accompanied by several private vehicles. A very pleasant day was spent, both young and old appearing to thoroughly enjoy themselves. After cheers for Mr Hay, Mr Douglas, Mr Smith, the teachers, and Mr Dickson, all separated!, some going round by Winchester for the drive, and some going home direct, everyone much pleased with the day's outing.

Temuka Wesleyan Church Sunday '< n School. This school held their annual picnic at Mr D. Lewis's, Geraldine Road. On account of the wet morning they were a little late in getting away, but at 10.30, a start was made and before 2 o'clock there were 20 conveyances at the picnic. There with horsemen and those on foot, made up the largest excursion they have had, in spite of the wet morning. The place being such a popular and suitable one, may account for such a large gathering, and hearty thanks are due to Mr Lewis for his kindness, in placing the site at disposal of the church. The prizes have not been given to the children, as asocial has been partly promised early in January on behalf of the Sunday School, when the prizes will be presented.

St. Joseph's School Entertainment. The annual musical and dramatic entertainment by the pupils attending St. •loseph's School took place in the Volunteer Hall last evening. As usual, the hall was crowded, and the lengtbjy programme of musical and vocal selections, recitations darmas, etc., was gone through without a hitch. The applause was frequent and hearty, and the sisters who conduct the scchool and train the children should be well pleased with the result of the entertainment. A full report will appear in our next issue.

ST. ANDREWS SPORTS. These sports, under the auspices of the St. Andrews' Caledonian Society, were held yesterday, and were a great success. The following are the results of the various events up to the time our reporter left:— .100 yards, A. Thomas 1, J. Mackerass 2; •140 yards fiat, J. Mackerass 1, A Henderson 2, J. Young 3 ; half mile, H. G. Smith J, C. Hansen 2, J. T. Cullan 3 ; 110 yards hurdles, A. Thomas 1, C. Courtney ti, H. G. Smith 3 ; running high jump, R.Chute and H. Bryan equal (sft 6jin) ; hop, step, and jump, H. Bryan 1; running, long jump, N. Austin 1, H. Bryan 2 ; 1 mile bicycle race, F. Truman 1, C. E. F. Hall 2, A. Donn 3 ; o mile bicycle race, F. Truman 1, J. Haywood 2, D. Byrns 3 ; 5 mile bicycle race, F. Truman 1, J. Haywood 2. D. Byrns 3.