NEW YEAR'S DAY IN CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2883, 6 January 1891, Page 2

NEW YEAR'S DAY IN CAMBRIDGE.

The advent of the New \ear did not appear tn cause mucli difference to tlie town of Cambridge, and indeed there, was not half as much stir on New \ ear's evejis there usually is on Saturday evenings. Very few ponplfl troubled to stay up and let the New Year in," and tlmss that did, did so in a very quiet manner. On previous like occasions the bells ot St. Andrew s Church have sent forth a merry peal, but we suppose th". rimrers are on strike, and intended boycotting 18!) 1, for the bells were silent 11s the grave, and the old time-honoured custom was neglected. Several of the ringers are settleis who live at a considerable distance, and we presume, the inclement weather, or the hard times they have experienced during the year mnv past and gone, h id depressed their spirits to such an extent that they hardly felt up to the work. We sincerely trust the present year will prove more prosperous for the farmeis, and for the colony at large than its predecessor has done, and that when the 31st of I>ecumber arrives we sh'\U (ieutn it worth -i requiem, and be prepared to welcome its successor in a much more jubilant manner I than that with which we greeted Antio iJonuni, 1801.

PICNICS. Now Year's Day is "no of joy to " l 0 dren of Cambridge, fur .in tli.it d:«y the. whulo of the Sunday schools usually hold tlieir annual picnics; but mi this occasion tha Anglican Church departed from the rule, and postponed theirs till the 2!) th ot the, inonth. Notwithstanding the wet and boisterous weather, the 1 re.sby tenant, Wesleyans, and the Salvation Army field their festive gatherings, and everything parsed off in a much more .satisfactory manner than could have been expectod. XIIK I'HKSIiYTERI.VXi. The L'resbyterian picnic was held near Mr John M'iliins' house, at Gwynucland.s, on Mr Alfred Buckland's estate. They were particularly fortunate in their choice of ground, wliicli was close to a wide avenue of pine trees, evidently intended to keep off tho sun, but which proved a very welcome shelter from the ram, and the ground being covered with the pines that had fallen from the trees, it furnished a dry and comfortable playground for the children All preparations on the ground were made by Messrs Mullins, Ferguson and Crickett; a tent was pitched, tables were erected, and tires lighted uudor boilers, so that everything was 111 readiness when tnu Cambridge and Pukerimu contingents arrived. Tim numerous friends collected lit Trinity Church ut 10 a.in., and wen; driven to (i wynisalauds in Kpring that had kindly been provided by .Vlessi. s •Tas. Taylor, J. Allwill, t*. Lake and \V. Russell, most of tho wassj.ins making two or more journeys. The first business was dinner, and the inclement weatner had certainly not affected the youngsters' appetites for they attended to this with a guesto that quickly made the mountains of sandwiches, cakes, etc..disappear. Dniiug tha afternoon each child connected with the Church was the recipient of a prize, about 120 being distributed, luilly 100 children were present, but those who f.id not attend the Sunday-school were not eligible for prizes, but were, however, well provided with creature comforts. A skipping contest was held for two dolls, given ny Mr Win. Iviiicaid, and two sisters, Annie and Maggio Hogan, were the victors, the former completing 40.1 skips without a break. After a hearty tea had been partaken of, cheers were Riven for Messrs Buckland, Mullins, Brooks and teachers, and everyone " made tracks for home, having spent a pleasant day, despite the rain and wind. THE AVKSLEYAXS. The Wesleyans hckl their picnic at Hautapu. They intended to have it n: Mr Morgan's grounds, and indeed had goiu so far as to erect tables, etc., wheu they were forced, by stress of weather, to seeli shelter in the school-room. A plentiful supply of provisions had been provided bj numerous friends, and what with eatinf and playing in the school-room when it wa° raining, and out of it when it was fine, th< youngsters managed to put in a happy day At the close, cheers were given for M Thos. Morgan, and for the friends who hue provided the food, etc. THE SAT.VATIOX All MY. The above body had a "real good time' 011 New Year's Day. They had with then their friends from Hamilton, with thei brass band, and marched out to Mr -I. S Bond's paddock, on the Victoria Road ' he having kindly placed it at their disposal ! but linding it 'not so comfortable as thei . barracks, they wisely returned, and lieli I their picnic in the building. I buy luu several out-door meeting during the day and in tin; evening the Oddfellows' Ma. ' was thronged. They all seemed vcr happv, and certainly helped to make th I town"'si little livelier than it otherivis • would have been ; and another beuelit the 1 bestowed on the town was finding smn f amusement—and, we trust, instrnction--1 for the larrikins, wii", if nut attendin ' their meetings, won 11 probaoly havo bee ■ making a none out-ido til..' l'liblic Ihul I * which a conecrt was being held.