THE PIC-NIC.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1167, 14 April 1874, Page 2

THE PIC-NIC.

Daybreak yesterday morning looked ] dull and cloudy, and up till nearly noon < ominous clouds and occasional sytnp- ] touis of rain seemed to forbode that j tbe long anticipated holiday would not ] bo without its drawbacks. But undaunted by cloud or threatening drizzle, , the young folks and the old folks mustered in strong force, and punctually at nine tbe youngsters, headed by the Westport Brass Band, marched from Bright Street up Palmerston Street to the Wakefield Street wharf, and fast gathering numbers by tho way made a lengthy procession. At tho wharf they embarked with their elder friends on board tho punt and cargo boat, which craft were gaily decked with flags for the occasion, and after a little delay pulled cbeerily up stream, the baud playing, the lads huzzaing, and all bent on merriment. Landing at the track leading up to Mr Game's accomodation home, at the junction of the Addison's road the holiday seekers found ample preparations for their enjoyment. In the paddock a commodious tent had been erected, swings placed in position, targets fixed for archery practice, ground cleared for pitching the wickets for cricket, and a host of little arrangements made all tending to one purpose, the amusement and pleasure of all-comers. At the grounds the Westport contingent wa? met by the Addison's visitors, who came trooping by scores to the tryating place, and during the-day boatload after boatload of people came up the river to swell the crowd and join in the pleasure of friendly greeting. Just about mid-d;\y the clouds dispersed, the snn shone out brightly, and true holiday weather prevailed, adding much to the enjoyment of all present. The arrangements made by the Com- , mittee were excellent, and from the • youngest to the oldest visitor on the ... ground none had need to lack amusement i Dancing on the green, and other festive 1 out-door games were kept up with uiiflag- ; ging zeal. The youngsters amused thein--5 selves as only youngsters can, aud the scene was as merry a holiday-making . as any witnessed in the district for a • long time past. The trip home in the dusk of the

evening was thoroughly enjoyed, and happily not the slightest accident or mischance occurred to mar pleasurable recollections. The only mishap was with the balloon, which the youngsters had viewed all day with wondering eyes and longed to see float away among the clouds. But the wind was rough, and the flimsy structure became unmanageable. After sundry ineffectual attempts at inflation a sudden gust blew the flame of the spirits of wine, burning underneath, against the balloon, and with a puff of flame and a blue curl of smoke it vanished. However, the youngsters were compensated, for in coining down stream their old acquaintance, John Chinaman, who lives on the river side, made an effective display of fireworks, ending with a grand fusilade of crackers, which amused them mightily, and cheer after cheer was given John in response to his complimentary greeting. It was quite dark before the last party of excursionists reached Westport, but nothing tired by the pleasurable toils of the day, a great many of the adult visitors a few hours later wound up the festivities by a dance at the Masonic Hall, footing it merrily until an early hour this morning.