WINCHESTER NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2444, 29 December 1892, Page 2

WINCHESTER NOTES.

Influenza htis paid us a visit, with tho result that many have been unable to attend to their daily duties. Most of the sufferers have entirely recovered, and at present there are few cases of this complaint in the district. On Sunday (Christmas Day) a communion service was held at 9 a.m. by the Rev. E. W. Gillam, assisted by the Rev. M. W. Butterfield, when a large number partook of the Holy Sacrament. The morning service was taken by the Rev. M. W. Butterfield and the evening by the Rev. E. W. Gillam. The building was nicely decorated with evergreens and flowers, and great praise is due to the ladies who so tastefully carried out the decorations.

On Boxing Day Winchester presented a quiet appearance, most of the residents having gone to the Temuka Caledonian Sports ; while others spent the day visiting friends living a short distance away. Somewhere about four o'clock Mr Ensor's house was burned dowu. No one seems to know the cause for certain. A strong nor' wester was blowing, which greatly aided the lire, and in less than an hour the building was burued to the ground. Willing hands, who were quickly on the scene, saved most of the furniture. Much sympathy is felt for the family. The place was uninsured. Kind friends have provided shelter for the family for the present.

On Tuesday, 27th instant, a State and ! Sunday School picnic was held at the j " Blue Gums," a favourite spot for these gatherings, kindly lent by Mr Deßenzy. I A westerly wind was blowing, but as the spot is a well sheltered one the wind made no difference. Between 1) and 10 a.m. the children commenced the march to the scane of action, and with fhgs flying, and their faces bright, made a pleasing picture. At half past 11 busy hands commenced praparations for dinner, and an hour later the little ones were enjoying a hearty meal under the shelter of the trees. After dinner, jumping and a few races tiolc plaoo among the children, while the adults enjoyed games of rounders, etc. Between five and six o'clock the inner man was again satiftfied, and then nnmorons races were ran for prizes in the shape of dolls, knives, bats, balls, workbaskets, and similar useful and ornamental articles. Between seven and eight o'clock the Rev. W. E. Gillam distributed the Sunday School prizes. The books were a choice'lot indeed, and were selected by Mr R. Smith, superintendent. A nicer lot of prizes could not be desired, Mv Gillam, in the course of the distribution, remarking that they wore the best he had even given away. When all the prises had been distributed, Mr Gillam called for three cheers for the superintendent and teachers, which wero heartily given. He then called on Mr Smith to respond, who, in the course of a few remarks, thanked them on. bghaJi! of, the t^h^

and himself. He also urged the children to attend as well during the coming year as they had done in the past. He explained that they would compete at the diocesan examination for prizes, and pointed out good attendance was necessary if they wished to be successful. Mr Gillam stated that Mr Deßenzy would give two prizes, of the value of £1 each, for the coming year—one for the most efficient and well-behaved scholar in the head master's room of the State school, and one for the most efficient and well-behaved pupil in the Sunday School; behaviour to mean the scholar's manners both in church and anywhere in the village, u.»d the school committee to report on the same to Messrs Stevon and Smith, who would award marks accordingly. During the day cheers were given for Mr Deßenzy, Mr and Mrs Dunnett (Mr Dunnett being formerly master of the school), Mr Steven, Mr Gillam, School Committee, teachers, and all who assisted at the treat. Messrs R. Smith, J. M. Naughton, Steven, Patrick, and the Rev. Gillam were especially busy during the day, but it would be wrong to single anyone out for special praise, as there were many busy workers who untiringly attended to the wants of the children. Most of the I parents in the district were present, and a social spirit pervaded the whole gathering. The treat was the best one the Winchester folk have ever had, and one that will be long remembered by all who were present to enjoy it. A good rain is wanted just now. The crops on the light lands are suffering from the effects of the long spell of dry weather. On the heavier soils, however, they are looking well. Most of the farmers are of opinion that the harvest this season will be an early one.