Thames Sunday School Union.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3773, 31 January 1881, Page 2

Thames Sunday School Union.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

This much looked forward to and longwished for event took place to-day. The fine weather we have had for the past week had raised the hopes of the children attending the Sunday Schools that it would prove a fine day, and the sky becoming cloudy and overcast yesterday and this morning caused many a scholar to enquire, " Do you think it will rain ?" "Is it going to be fine?" &c. Their hopes, however, were not disappointed, for though the daybreak disclosed a cloudy sky, no rain fell. At an early hour this morning children might be seen dressed in holiday attire mustering from all quarters of the town, and hurrying to their respective schools ; some in anxiety not to be late, being at the schools as early as hall past seven. At about half-past nine, the different schools marched to Shortland, where a halt was called and a hymn sung. They then formed in column, and, with banners and flags flying in the cool breeze, marched to the Parawai Gardens in the following order and numbers : — Baptist, 250; Shortland Wesleyan, 3CO; Presbyterian, 200 ; Primitive Methodist, 150; Grahamstown Wesleyan, 260; Congregational, 80, so that the total number of teachers and scholars in round numbers would be 1240. The procession was headed by the fine brass band of the Thames Scottish, which played several tunes on the way ©ut. Swings have been erected by the various schools and other means of enjoyment provided, and, with these and a plentiful supply of good things in the shape of eatables, we have no doubt all will thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Episcopalian, Tararu Wesleyan, Eureka Wesleyan, and Tararu Presbyterian Schools marched to Tararu to spend the day.

The St. George's Sunday School, numbering 450, under the Superintendent (Mr Gerrinp), Mr Lush, and an efficient staff of teachers, mustered punctually this morning at ten o'clock, formed incolumo, and set off for Tararu. Halts were made and hymns sung opposite the Hospital, and the Bank of New Zealand. A number of tracks were ready at Grahamstown, and conveyed the whole party to Tararu, where a very pleasant day was spent, the usual pastimes being indulged in. Thanks are due to Mrs Marshall for a large case of peaches, and to Mrs Fraser for a supply of milk.