RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2336, 30 June 1887, Page 2

RAGLAN.

♦ Jubilee Celebrations.

0© Sunday evening last a Jubilee service was held in the Wesleyan Church here, and were of a very interesting character, a good number of persons assembled, but not nearly so many as would have been, had the weather been better. The Rev. G. Stephenson and Messrs Pegler, Billington, and Dando gave short addresses appropriate to the occasion, some of them dwelling upon the blessings we have enjoyed, and the progress Christianity has made during the Queen's reign, missionary efforts having spread almost over the whole earth, in every land and clime. Hymns from SankeyJ and the " Christian Choir," and the Jubilee Hymn from Wesley's collection were heartly joined in by both choir and congregation. Raglan District School Celebrations. The children attending this school assembled at the residence of their respected teacher, Mr Horsey, who, with his excellent wife, seemed determined that the young folks under his charge should to their utmost enjoy the Jubilee of their Queen, and right heartily did the juveniles enter into the spirit of the general enthusiasm. In the room in which the children and guests met were beautiful mottoes in white letters on a red ground, "God bless our noble Queen," " Welcome to our Jubilee." After partaking of tea, liberally provided by Mrs Horsey and eating the Jubilee cake, games and other amusements were enjoyed. The bonfire was lit, and amidst the shouts of glee from the youngsters the sparks flew upwards into the dark night. Fireworks were let off, squibs, crackers, wheels, Roman candles and sky rockets, to the infinite delight of the lads and lasses met to celebrate their Queen's Jubilee. On the proposition of Mr Sutton, a member of the committee, a hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr and Mrs Horsey for their Jubilee entertainment. After receiving three hearty cheers, Mr Horsey responded in a feeling manner, expressing on behalf of his wife and himself the pleasure the visitors had given them by their presence that evening. Three hearty cheers were given for the Queen, and the youngsters departed to their homes never to be present again under such circumstances. General Celebration. During the last fortnight the committee of the Raglan Jubilee have been actively engaged in arranging for the celebration. Invitations have been sent out to settlers all over the district, and every effort put forth to make the occasion second to none that has ever taken place here, and as it is not in man always to command success in his desire for fine weather, which alone seemed to be wanting, heavy showers fell down most of the day, thus keeping many from attending the jubilee, to thengreat disappointment. MrL.D. Nathan most kindly.gave the use of the premises known as Powell's, free of charge, for the celebration, and the thanks of the committee and those present are heartily given to him for his kindness. The committee consisted of the following gentlemen : —Messrs D. Grut, J. Phillips, W. Moon, E. JTrissel, A. L. Pegler, J. Galvan, and L. Sutton. Mr Jerome acted as M.C. in a very efficent manner. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens from the bush, and at the end of the room stood out mottoes fitting for the occasion, " God bless our noble Queen." " Welcome to our Jubilee." The company consisted of nearly one hundred settlers, from all parts of the district. In one of the rooms chess, draughts, and &c., were provided. A programme of dances, and songs, &c., was gone through to the satisfaction of all present. An excellent supper was provided, and was thoroughly appreciated. Never in Raglan was a more beautiful display of the good things which tempt the appetite and cheer the inner man provided. Twice were the tables surrounded before the company had finished the repast. Dancing was kept up by those not in the supper room. Tho toast of the " Queen" was proposed by a (gentleman present, who stated that we could not separate without doing this honour to Her Majesty, whose Jubilee iwe had met to celebrate, and during her long reign of fifty years so much progress had taken place in all parts of her dominions. In'all parts of the world were the people met to celebrate her Jubilee, but in no place did her people desire to do her more honour than in Raglan, for as maiden, mother, widow and Queen, she had shown, as in all the relations of her life, a noble>xample to her people and they could a&y in the words before them " ; God bfess our Queen." All rising, the National Anthem was sung, and throe ringing chsers wore given. Thanks to the ladies and to Mrs Johnstone for so kindly presiding at the piano were given, and with thanks, proposed by Mr Austin, to the committee for their excellent entertainment, the gathering ended.—(Own Correspondent, Raglan, 22nd June, 1887.)