Thames

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 14, 8 April 1909, Page 539

Thames

At nine o'clock- yesterday morning (says the Thames titar of March 18) about 300 picnickers left St. Francis' ChuTch bound for Mr. Mitchell's paddock, Puru, which ha<l been kindly lent for the occasion of the annual festival of St. Francis' schools. The gathering was pronounced the most successful held' for -many years. Ideal picnic weather prevailed, not one unwelcome shower falling to dampen the spirits of those present. An army . of enthusiastic workers kept the ball rolling without a moment's cessation, and with sports, races, bathing, etc., a most delightful day was spent. Like all good things, however, the day had to come to an end, and it was with reluctant steps, as the sun was setting, the people 'wended their way to, and filled the brakes ready to proceed homewards. A happy reunion" Avas effected in St. Joseph's Hall in the evening, where a pleasant social- gathering was held. Several instrumental and vocal items were rendered mi finished style,— the demonstrative audience showing their appreciation by pronounced encores, nearly all the performers being thus honored. The following is the "programme : Solos, Misses McEnteer, McPike, Messrs. Kenny

and Pope; recitations, Miss B. Mellett, Fa*lier Carran, and Master Cooney; instrumental duet, Messrs. Mclntyre and Bryant; pianoforte solo, Miss C. Martin; pianoforte duet, Misses R. Dunbar and Roche. Misses Fortune, McEnteer, and Miller played the accompaniments. Father Carran thanked all those who had assisted in any way in making the day the enjoyable one it had been.