ANNIVERSARY DAY AT GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Standard, Volume II, Issue 56, 25 January 1868, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY DAY AT GREYTOWN

The Wesleyan body in this district desiring to have a married minister residing amongst them, and as their present pastor Mr Rishworth has rendered himself deservedly popular, they took the opportunity on last anniversary day of having sports at Kurutawhiti, and a tea meeting in the evening for the double purpose of allowing those who desired to enjoy themselves to do so, and at the same time raise funds towards erecting a suitable residence for their pastor. The day was fine, and although there were not many present in the morning, yet in the afternoon settlers from all parts came to testify their support of the good cause. A band under the superintendence of Mr Linn was on the ground, and played some spirited and enlivening airs.

The first event was a foot ; race which was won by R. Hall. Mr C. Ticehurst was the successful competitor in the vaulting with pole at 8 feet, closely matched by J. Sheet, who with a little practice bids fair to be an excellent hand at it. T. Ticehurst was the winner of the running high leap, his adversary being Mr J. Sheet. The three-legged race for which several entries were made caused considerable mirth. The running of L. Hobman and R, Hall was capital, and almost distanced their competitors. C. Ticehurst won the men’s race, and W.Udy throwing the heavy hammer. We must not, however, here omit to mention the Ladies’ Cricket Match, for the style in which several of the ladies handled the “Willow” showed that they were scarcely amateurs at it. The jingling match was won by Mr T. Hawke. The sports concluded with the now favorite amusement in this district—tilting, which was won by Mr Irons who kept his horse at a good hand gallop, and took eight rings, Mr T. Cotter being second with seven.

the tea meeting. Upwards of 100 sat down to a well provided tea in the Wesleyan Chapel, and every credit is due to the ladies who provided trays on this occasion, viz.:—Mrs Hall, Mrs Petherick, Mrs Petherick, Mrs Hobman, Mrs J. Ticehurst, Mrs Hawke, and others. After tea, a public meeting was held, the Rev W. Kirk, of Wellington, in the chair. He thanked those present for the deep interest they had taken in the gocd work in which they wcre'engaged but he regretted the absence of many of those who had promised to attend-especially ofMessrs Ronaldson and Ross, the former of whom he knew in times past when wrecked at Wanganui, and who at the risk of his own life had donehis utmost to help and assist them. The latter he knew as one who had done his best to adiance the true interests and cause of religion. He urged in the most fervent and eloquent language the necessity of the people to support their minister, and was glad to state that although the}' would not obtain asisstance at the meeting lately held at Auckland —in Wellington they had been successful, for the committee there had Without a murmur gladly lent them £IOO at 8 per cent. But he warned them not to go too deep in debt, and concluded by expressing his satisfaction at the support they had given Mr Rishworth—a support which showed the interest they took in the good cause they had in hand. The Rev Mr W. Morley, (of the Hutt), and Messas B. Perry, R. Poole, and H. Udy then addressed the meeting, urging on the assemblage to do all in their power to assist them. The choir during the evening under the leadership of Mr Fisher, sung some fine sacred pieces. The following are the receipts of the day:— Taken on the field £5 11 4 Tea meeting...... 6 5 6 Collection.. 2 13 6 £l4 10 4