NGARUAWAHIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1174, 6 January 1880, Page 2

NGARUAWAHIA.

The Presbyterian Sunday School's annual picaic took place on New Year's Day, and this township, which is supposed by some to have been dropped behind into insignificance, on occasion turned out in a manner befitting the day, which was most gloriously fine. This was the third of these annual picnics, and, though nominally the Presbyterians', they have become, practically, to be a general holiday and day of enjoyment for children and their friends of whatever creed and denomination. All were invited, and all went, and were made welcome. The children, to the number of about 80, assembled at the church by 9 o'clock, where they were appropriately addressed by the Rev. Frank Evans, and then marched off to the Messrs Jakes' farm, under the guidance of their Superintendent (Mr Grilmour) and his staff of teachers. James' farm being within easy walking distance from the town, and being on the banks of the Waipa, an easy pulling distance by boat or canoe, the grounds were by nooa swarming with a gay population numbering over 200, all bent on enjoying themselves, and assisting in giving enjoyment to the little ones. The open grass paddocks were taken possession of by runners and jumpers, jolly millers,kissingringfl, and swings ; while the shady groves and quiet nooks were duly appreciated by the weak and weary, the newly -married, and turtle doves on " spooning " bent. The kissing-ring, sometimes called the "essence of flirtation," seemed to be the predominant game; and all, with the exception of the minister (who i believe was more afraid of Mrs Grundy than of sinning), and a few fathers who had babies to mind, joined in and kept the handkerchief going briskly, and it was noticed as a remarkable fact that the handkerchief seldom descended on any below the age of about 10 or 12; and another noticeable f aot was that most of

the ladies were very unfortunate in their running-— vrhenevor they had outdiatanoed their pursuers as to be out of danger of being caught, they were sure to stumble 1 or meet with some accident that made I them an easy prey, and they were awfully annoyed when suoh accidents happened. Really! But the great event of +he day was the fat women's raoe. To compete in this, three ladies merrily responded to the call; aud to see their noble forms vibrating, and the splendid action of their magnificent legs and knee-joints, as they came high-stepping over the tail grass and docks was a sight worth much more than the handful of lollies awarded to the winner. At the end of thia race it was noticed that a young gentleman, who at other ladies' races was co^picuous for his promptitude in rushing up to the post and kissing the winner, was at this one more conspicuous by his absence. Whether it was from fear of being crushed to a mummy, or the fear of having to kiss his own mother, remains a matter of doubt. His fears, however, were groundless in either ca«e,forall three ladies came to the post without a stumble, to the disappointment of many, and the winner is goodlooking enough to be kissed for many a year yet. At 1 o'clock dinner was served, and at 5, tea ; after which preparation was made for home, and when the "Black Swan and smaller fry of boats and canoes were read 7 tv push off with their fir-^t loud across the river, three cheers were given for Miss James, and then three more for the brothers Tom and David, and then we pushed off and landed safely on the other side, and all made tracks for home, after having spent the most djlightful holiday in this or in any other year. B.J.