The Mayoress's Fete.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2253, 16 December 1886, Page 2

The Mayoress's Fete.

In order fittingly to mark the occasion of her husband's installation, the Mayoress of Hamilton, Mrs W. A. Graham, yesterday entertained the children of the burgesses at spovts, tea and a dance. The day will long be remembered as a red letter day in the lives of the young folk, whose cup of happiness appeared to be full and brimming over. The whole of the arrangements were conceived and carried out in the most generous spirit, but the Mayoress must have felt, when she looked at the radiant faces around her, fully compensated for the great amount of trouble she had taken. At 3 o'clock the children, to the number of over 500, accompanied by many of their crown-up friends, assembled on Sydney Square, where a programme of sports was at once proceeded with, under the able direction of Mr T. (x. Sandes, assisted by the Town Clerk (Mr Gelling), Mr Stevens, and several ether gentlemen. 'We regret that want of space prevents our giving a detailed list of the events. They were ail well contested and some were of the mo^t exciting description. Thero were laces for big boys an** big girl-*, and races for mite- of tour years, skipping rope competitions and, ah a finale to the sports, a grand tug-of-war, Hamilton Kast v. Hamilton We.->t, in the course of which the rope broke so often that neither side could claim a victory. The prizes, a large number, some of considerable value, were then presented by the Mayoress, who addressed a few gracious words to each recipient. The children, having heartily cheered the M lyoress and Mr Sandes, were then formed in cl'imn and marched across the river to the Public Hall, where they were regaled with a sumptuous tea. Subsequently the hall was cleared for the dance, the mu>ic for which was generously s-ijjplied by the Hamilton Bras* Band, who, by the way, have greatly improved since we last heard them. The hall was crowded almost to suffocation, and it is needless to say that dancing was a tisk involving no small risk to ties r.ni shins, but neveitheless the youngsters entered into the spirit of the fun with huge gusto and their smiling faces and animated conversation told how grtat was their enjoyment. The festivites wero kept up for Feveral hours, but the youngest of the visitors were dispatched to their homes about nine. On breaking up loud and hearty cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress, who had acted the part of hosts with such distinction. During the evening Mr John Knox announced on behalf of the council, th it owing to circumstances over which they had no control, the <-ilver cradle could not be presented to the Mayoress on that occasion. It would, however, be ready for presentation either on Christmas Eve or New Year's Day.