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Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1898, Page 2

The Arch Hill branch of the Epiphany Sunday School held their annual picnic in the Domain yesterday, when, thanks to the beautiful weather,'the untiring efforts of teachers and friends, and the general good behaviour of the young folk, everything passed off splendidly. There were full sixty scholars present, besides a number of parents and others interested in the school, the children being conveyed to and from the Domain in a large and comfortable four-horse waggon. During the day all kinds of games were indulged in with the greatest heartiness, and a long and varied programme of races was gone through to the evident satisfaction of the young competitors. By the time all was over every child found himself or herself in possession of a prize. There was an abundance of refreshments of which the children showed due appreciation. The teachers were assisted by a number of good friends. The Vicar of the Parish, the Rev. W. E. Lush, was present during the earlier part of the day.

A charge preferred against F. N. Jones, well known as the conductor of the totalisator at the Nelson race meetings, of having promoted lotteries for money by means of tickets at Motueka Valley races on January Ist, was before the Nelson Court on Friday. Defendant admitted the offence. Mr Harley, who appeared for him, explained (reports the " Colonist") that the oflen.ce consisted in getting up sweeps on the races. When nine tickets at 2s 6d each were sold, the winner took £1 and defendant 2s 6d. Sometimes only seven tickets were sold, still defendant gave the winner £1, just to keep the game going. Defendant was on the course' at the invitation of the club, who had built a tent for defendant's use. Mr Robinson, S.M., said that sweeps were popularly regarded as innocent, but the Legislature had marked its disapproval of them. The maximum penalty was £200, but no mention was made of a minimum one, thus giving the Court very wide discretion. He inflicted a fine of £5, with 7s costs.

Mrs Chaffie: 'How are you coniin' on at school, Johnnie?' Johnnie: 'The teacher is kicking again. He says you oug-ht to dust my clothes befpreyou send me to school. He had to give up paddling- me this morning. He nearly choked to death from the dust he raised.'