TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2260, 4 January 1887, Page 2

TE AROHA.

(FROM our own correspondent.) Tk Aroha, Monday. The New Year was ushered in here withi theciiitomary joyous and noisy demonstrations. A.t the stroke of twelve, announcing; the expiry of its predecessor, a cheer rang; out from the persons assembled in the' streets, and at the same instant the Bras* Band struck up the familiar strains o£ Auld Lang Syne. Other sounds iess plea-.-ing also broke the stillness of the air, and, for a short time night was made hideous by the barbarous din from hr.lf a score of tint kettles, but the youthful performers upon these received a prompt caution from the oolice. The Palace and Hot Springs Hotelswere gaily lit up outside with Chinese lanterns, and at the first-named establishment there was a display of fireworks. Soonthe noise subsided, and before an hour had elapsed tho drowsy inhabitants whose rest had .been disturbed were again allowed to resume slumbers. At the Wesltiyan Chapel the.usual watchnight service was h--Id, and a fair congregation assembled to take part in the devotions, which was led by the Rev. Mr Joughin, resident minister. On New Year's Eve a miscellaneous amateur entertainment, comprising musical selections, recitations, and a series of tableaux vivants, came off in the Public Hall. The varied programme, together with the object for which the entertainment, was got up, attracted a large audience, who. testified to their enjoyment by loud and! frequent plaudits. The tableaux, which were new to a large number of those present, were greatly appreciated. Among those who took part in the performance were several visitors to the baths, and to their exertions and assistance in getting up the entertainment much of its success was due. The proceeds, amounting to some £15, from which, however, a portion will have to be deducted for expenses, will be devoted to the purchase of a bell for the new Anglican Church. The annual picnic for the children attending the various Sunday and day schools was held on New Year's Day in a paddock kindly lent for the occasion by | Mr Block, stationmaster. Early in the forenoon the little folks assembled in nuinbers at the district school-house, and from there inarched in procession to the. scene of the day's festivities, preceded by the Aroha Band. Throughout the day there was a large turn-out of grown up. people, and all, both young and old,, seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselvesEverything was done to make the occasion a happy one for the children, and in the matter of edibles, a perfect feast had been provided fur them. Chief among those who exerted themselves to cater for their amusement were Messrs Vause, Lavery, Devey, and Marsden, and Mesdatnes Blencowe and Judkins, assisted by other ladies. The sports and fun were kept up until sundown, when the march back to the town took place with the band playing and colours flying. On arriving at the school grounds hearty cheers were given, by the little ones for all those who had contributed to their enjoyment during the day, after which there was a general dispersal, the breaking up being enlivened by the strains of "Home, Sweet Home " and "God save the Queen," played by the band.