THE ROBINSON'S BAY SCHOOL PICNIC.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 49, 5 January 1877, Page 2

THE ROBINSON'S BAY SCHOOL PICNIC.

The Robinson's Bay picnic took place on New Year's Day, in Mr Saxton's paddock," kindly lent by that gentleman for the occasion. The weather was all that could be desired, although it looked rather threatening towards night. The first item on the programme was a lottery for the children', consisting of 100 prizes. About ninety were drawn, that being the number of children present. The remainder were run for. The company, after partaking of lunch, devoted themselves to aunt sally, provided by Mr Sager, who deserves an appointment under government as sculptor or Queen's " Limner," so beautifully did he improvise that relative. The racing was particularly good, especially the race for young ladies. Miss Sager and Miss Kotlowskie running a dead heat twice for first place. The old ladies' race was, after a great deal of amusement, Avon by Miss Shuckle, Mrs. Hunter taking a good second place. Every one went in heartily for the fun, and seemed to enjoy themselves most thoroughly. At four o'clock tea was provided, the table being presided over by Mrs Macmillan. Ater partaking of a most inviting repast, a rather novel competition took place in the shape of a baby show. The judges—three unmarried men—had great difficulty in deciding, all the competitors being splendid specimens of soldiers in prospective, all being boys. However, Mrs Tizstard's baby, gained the first prize, and Mrs Noonan's second, they being the two heaviest, taking " weight forage." On Mr Miicinillan announcing the decision, the judges had to run for their lives. Kiss-in-the-ring and other games followed ad libitum, and as soon as it was sufficiently dark a grand display of fireworks took place—Mr llobert Billens officiating in his usual able manner. At the conclusion of which, "God Save the Queen," roused the echoes in the surrounding hills, and after three hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Macmillan for the indefatigable manner in which they had organised the picnic, the party separated.

The school prizes were distributed on Friday, the 22nd ultimo, by Mr Macmillan! Twenty very handsome books were provided through the kindness of Mr Montgomery. A few extra prizes were also given by the teacher, Mr Macmillan.