Sunday School Festival.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4413, 24 February 1883, Page 2 (Supplement)

Sunday School Festival.

The annual festival given to the scholars of the various Sunday Schoolson the Thames was held on the 29th. The weather was fine, and, as usual on this occasion, there was a large muster of scholars. The Shorfcland schools mostly went to Parawai, the G-rahamstown one 3 proceeding to Tararu. At about 9 o'clock a procession was formed at Butt's Corner, and marched off in the following order : — Baptist School, 230 strong; Shortland Wesleyan, 240; Congregational, 90 ; and Presbyterian, 170. The younger scholars were conveyed out in spring carts. Each school carried its banner, and a number of the children were supplied with flags and streamers, the"effect of the whole being very pretty. The march out was enlivened by the singing of hymns learnt for the occasion. Arrived at the junction of the Ohinemuri and Kauaeranga roads, the Presbyterian School branched off to Griffiths' paddocks, the others keepingon to the Parawai Gardens. Mere swings and other means of amusement were provided, as well as an abuadant supply of provisions, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Grahamstown Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist* Schools, numbering 220 and 120 respectively, marched out in the opposite direction, headed by the Naval Band. The Gardens at Tararu, which were kindly thrown open to the schools by Mr John Wilson, presented a very animated appearance. St. George's Church of England, and the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist Sunday Schools went camped here, and between one and two o'clock there must have been nearly 1000 people within the enclosure. The children were regaled with the customary pic nic fare, and amused themselves with racing, tug of-war, and other games. The teachers appeared to enter into the spirit of the concern as much as their pupils, and all was .proceeding merrily when we left. It was quite refresh ing to stand under a shady tree and watch the inspired streak of romantic perspiration trickle down the nose of the gushing swain, as he hoisted high the charming girl who was at that moment all that was dear to him on earth, in a two-inch rope swing.