EASTER MONDAY.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5063, 7 April 1885, Page 2

EASTER MONDAY.

The holidays ensuing on the festival juat past were very quietly taken advantage of in the district, the greater part of those around us, on pleasure bent, indulging in picnics and excursions. Sports and race meetings were conspicuous by their absence. A number of Nimrodians infested the country for miles around, but with poor results in most cases. v The vicinities of Otunui, Matatoke, Puriri, and Piako were almost besieged by duck and pigeon- hunters, and owing to the Government not letting the local authorities know of the opening of the season; many sportsmen rendered themselves liable to penalties which they did not dream of when starting on their expedition of intended slaughter. Few full bags were brought home.

The p.B. Te Aroha made an excursion to the Puke. The trip was not largely patronised, but the, delightful .weather enabled those who were present to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Tararu Gardens were largely patronised, a number of picnic parties assembling there, amongst which was a contingent from the Salvation Army, the games of which caused considerable wonderment to these witnessing them. Many private picnic parties were held in various spots, more especially along the banks of the Kauaeranga river, and, taking the holiday generally, the celebra. tion may be said to have borne a very domestic nature.

In the eveniug the Shortland Fire Brigade member*, with their wiv»i

and families," held a social gathering at their hall in Pollen street, when a merry evening was enjoyubly spent. During the celebration, Supt. West presented Captain McLachlan and Fireman Redwood with the silver medals granted by the Assoaiation for long service, and complimented the recipients on the distinction well and honorably earned by them. The Pioneer Lodge 1.0. G.T. hejd their thirteenth anniversary meeting in the Good^ Templar Hall, where tea was provided, and games afterwards indulged in. _ Addresses by Messrs French, Speight, and other brethren, were delivered, and several songa, readings, and recitations given by 'members of the Order enlivened the proceedings.,, A ball was held in tho Academy of Music, but it was not largely attended.