PEARSON'S PRIYATE BAND.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4674, 20 March 1894, Page 3

PEARSON'S PRIYATE BAND.

Annual Picnic,

The first annual pionio under the auspices of Pearson's Private Band, was held in Wrigley's Bush yesterday, and proved a brilliant success, beyond all anticipations. The day turned out cool but fine, and from early morn, when the Band played some sparkling mdsioin town,.orow.'ia of visitors made their way to one of tho prettiest pionij spots'in the district. By two o'clock in the afternoon, considerably over five hundred people were present und they kept on arriving till dusk, all were in ut merry making mood aud seemed prepared to enjoy themselves most heartily. The members of the Baud worked hard all day to keep things going, aod their duties were considerably lightened by an active Mies' committee, who deserve the ut'nost thnnksfor the manner in which they looked after the requirements of tho younger folk. Spor b and games of every description were introduced iu rapid sucoession and the time was passed pleasantly, the Band with excellent music, putiing all and sundry in good spirits. Numerous races und compelitions for valuable prizes oventuated throughout the day, and great amusement was caused by the bahy show and the beßt smile through the horse collar. The former event brought a number of charming infants to the front, and a committee of ladies, after mature deliberation, anarded the first prize to a chubby little eigbteen»months old printer, the decision meeting with the decided approbation of the crowd. The horse collar event was the event of the day, and some dozen competitors came to the post. A committee of gentleman was formed, and the fun began. All the Bcrewed-up faces imaginable were exhibited, and the boy with the most expansive face grinned his utmoßt, hut it it remained lor the last on the list 'o " t >ko the cake," in the perßOn of young Potter, "the only original," who came to tho post, smiled in his natural stylo in the most innocent manner, and was awarded the first prize without any deliberation, Bandmaster Gray, Secretory flinders, and Trea* surer Jeffriea kept the fun gofug in a I wonderful inanuer, and shewed themselves to be experienced bands at amus ing both young and old. After tea the usual mild und frivolous games were indulged 'in, and towards dusk the happy-looking crowd made their way homeward, all being of the same .opinion that the pionio was one of the most successful aifairs of its kind ever held in the Wairarspa, and tbe next annual will be looked forward to by the youngsterß and parents alike. The thanks of the Band and also the visitors are certainly due to the ladies, Misses MaoFarlune, Williams, Jago, Niool, Vales, Mud.mes Russell and Oindorsand others, v.iio waited gg everyone at the titles in such affuldfi and business like manner, a' n( ] the success of the picnic waslargely;d ue to their untiring efforts. A word 0 f praise must also be given to M r Jeffries, who undoubtedly did a largi, share of tbe work, although be wot, very ably assisted by the other members of the Band. We are glad to> hear that as a result of their first effort in this direction the Band will net a" considerable Bum after all expenses are paid. / t T" '*■ ' THEJSOOIAL.

evening the Drill Hail was the'scene of gay festivity, and aa a 'tag finale to the day's enjoyment, the social held in connection with the Band was another brilliant success. All the available space of the large hall was occupied, and there roußt have been close on three hundred people present. Punctually at, 8.30 tbe danoing, began, and was kept up briskly until the small hours of the morning, The floor was in excellent condition, and the large assemblage entered into tbe enjoyment of the first dance of the eeason with evident pleasure. Tbe musio of .the Masterton Orchestra was highly commented upon by the dancers, Mr J, Kearsley, of Wellington, proving a perfect master of the piano, and such excellent time and execulion could not possibly be found fault with. The arduous doties of Ceremony Masters were ably performed by Messrs Cinders, Nicol,and Jeffries, and they had no easy task on their bands. During the evening i Mr Jeffries made a tolling speech of thanks on behalf of the Band, tbe intimation that another social would be held during tbe winter months being received with.applaase. A | programme of over twenty dances , was gone through during the night, and several 'extras were kindly given i ' before tbe .company left tbe building;