IE MATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2906, 28 February 1891, Page 2

IE MATA.

Picnic.—Oil Friday, 20th inst., a picnic of the To Mata settlers took place, to which thoir friends of the neighbouring district were kindly invited, and a large number were present during the day, which, fortunately turned out very fine. After luncheon, winch was partaken of in the school premises. and which consisted of all the delicacies of the season, the school sports and races in connection the Te Mata State school, of which Mr McPherson is the estimable teacher, were held with the following results, viz. :— Boy's Rack, over 12 years.—Tl. McCVacken, scratch, 1 ; W, liillinpt-oii, scratch, 2. Girls' Rack, 9to 12 years.—S. Phillips, (ivll -, 1; A. Billington, scratch, 2. Boy's Rack, under 12 years.—.T. McCr icken, scratch, 1; R. Nicholson, Ciuls' Rack, li to 9 years—L. Mold, oyds., 1; K. liillington, scratch, 2. "Boy's Rack, (i to 9 years.—F. Phillips, 3vds., 1; 11. Vernon, 1) yds., 2. (li.li I'oy's 'Rack. —li. Jerome, 1 ; CI. K irholson, 1. Sitepi.kchasl Kacf.—R. MeCrackeu, .-cratch, 1; \V. Billingtoii, ucruleb, 2. CHiLDRK.v's Rack, under 0 year*.—B. Billington, 1; W. Mold, ". Kangaroo Rack. —\V. Phillips, 1; R. Miller, 2. Hoi\ Sn:e, and Jl'.mi", over 12 years.— It. McCracken, L ; J. McCracken, 2. Si'kkl'l.i-vuask Rack.—W. Billington, 1; R. Nicholson, 2. Cox>or.ATioN Rack. —\V. Vernon, 7yds., I ; 1!. Billington, scratch, 2, All the races were well contested, and the running excellent. After the school sports were concluded, various games were indulged in by the numerous company present, and in (lie evening a ball took place in the school buildings, rims concluding a very pleasant day, at which all present, both young and old, seemed heartily to enjoy themselves.

MR W. S. ALLEN. KXTF.KTA rXKO 11V HIS i;KX'!M M. C( OIMITTEE. [i.\ '1 ::i.;:i;i;,\i*n. — own i-'i|iiik.-|'o:;i)KN i]. Ti: A ii> in a, ] i ist Xight. A -ri-i'Kli was given oil Thursday nvening, .1, tho Palace Motel, to Mr W. S. Allen, by | ho members of his Ontral Committee, do--iron-'to personally welcome him back to New Zealand. Ainu', tliii tv sat down to -upper, whieli was cot in i ill liobt Sniardon's hi~t .style, Mr K. V. Cox occupying the chair, ami Mr .1. A. Cochrane the vice chair. Aftei jus'ice had been done to the L'ood things provided, and after the usual loyal toasts wore duly honoured, the toast ..f tho evening " Our Cuest" was by tho chairman, who drewaltontion to the peculiar circumstances under which Mr Allen had been elected, whilst absent from the colony, and personally unknown to a great many of the electors. It was a unirpv> expei ience in the. history of t tie colony, and lie was satisfied Mr Allen would never forget tho confidence tho people had placed in him. Mr Allen in reply stated that ho felt deeply gratified for tho kindness of thoso who voted for him and returned liini by such a largo majority, and if permitted to remain their member ho would do his best for tho colony and this district in particular. lie, would hive felt it a great honour to bo elected their member if he had been in the colony, but to be elected in his absence was a far greater honour of which he felt very proud. Owing to circumstances needless to mention ha would not inalco a political speech but would reservo it for a future occasion, but ha would now propose the next toast,_ "Tho industries of Agriculture and Mining." Ho considered them identified one with the other. Ho knew something about agriculture having come from a family nf farmers, his grandfather and father having been tenant farmers, therefore farming _ with him was hereditary. He did uot claim to be nn expert in goldiiiining, but understood coalmining as well as anyone present, and ho also nndeistood poldniiniug. Ifo had the honour to represent over I'OOO 'fiiners for many yeais in tl; j lioperi.d .Parliament, and ho know something of the wants of the milling industry. Ho had linn faith in tho future of the colony, or ha would not have come hero with his family to settle. Mr 11. Buttle, in a capital speech, responded 011 behalf of the agricultural industry, and Mcnsrs Ferguson and Hurst replied on behalf of the mining industry. The toasts of the Press nnd Host and Hostess were given and responded to, and the programme being concluded tho meoting was brought to a conclusion. Mr Allen intends visiting tho whole of the polling places in tho district, and personally thanking the electors for having returned him.