Warepa Picnic.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 129, 29 December 1876, Page 3

Warepa Picnic.

' ' '•' The Warepa annual picnic was held this year as usual in Mr Dabinet's bush, ad-^ joining the boundary of Mr Peter Ayspn's 4 ' property. On the previous day, the wea-ther-was wet ■ and ..boisterpus,,,. and it was feared the success of the picnic would, be much marred*. _■ Such, h6weve'r, *wa's hot .the case, as although Monday hiorning T broke : rather suspiciously > and although the, weather throughout the,, forenoon looked thr'eateiiing; pleas'ure'-seelrer's were not-itnereby- deterred-f rom /making a start for the coirimon rendezvous, and were;^ warded'rwith •a - delightful afternoon.,. By midday a large crowd had assemble^, but visitor-.' cbntinue&ltb ' .arrive? th6'*-#eroQon,_.until there miist have b66n nearly 'persons on the ground. It

would be difficult to conceive of a more delightful sport for a picnic, and no labour had beeh spared to ' accommodate its natural advantages to the object of the gathering. TKe " dancing saloon," as -one compartment was called, as a circle, 75 yards in circumference, regularly walled in by bush , entertwined with various classes of vines , upon which the white blossoms were just commencing to make their appearance. Hustle seats were placed halfway round the circle, and small recesses occurred a. short distances-, in which one could enjoy a smoke _or a " quiet crack" with an old crony undisturbed by the amusements of the crowd. At the entrance to the saloon was erected a beautiful floral arch springing out 'of two cabbage-tree pillars. In a recess at the opposite side of the circle from the entrance was placed ths Christmas tree — a symmetrical ihapu-'— to the branches of which were, attached 220 prizes, to be drawn by the juvenile portion of the assemblage. This tree was artistically fenced in with vines interlaced with ferns. In this saloon dancing and various games .were kept up with the greatest spirit from an early part of the forenoon till late at night. /The music ,was alternately the bagpipes and violins.- Ml" John Mosley acted as M.C., and performed the' duties in a very energetic, courteous, and efficient manner. Another cleared spot close by was. named the " dining-room" Here an open table was kept from ll o'clock till 2 o'clock, and visitors were attentively waited upon and abundantly supplied with tea and' edibles free of charge. At 5 o'clock the attention of the young girls was attracted, and these all collected and marched several times round the ring, then passed into a recess behind the Christmas-tree, drawing a ticket as they passed. They then returned, each presenting her ticket and receiving her prize as she passed into the saloon. The same routine was followed with the boys, and when all had been supplied, the tree was almost stripped of its artificial ornamentation. The few remaining prizes were drawn for fun by some of the adults. At 6 o'clock tea was served, and the great proportion of visitors from a distance retired.

During the afternoon numerous boys' and girls' races were contested in an adjoining paddock. Here Mr Christie was in his element as director of the spoils.

Before the company broke up, the Rev. Mr Waters, in a few congratulatory remarks, proposed three cheers for' the strangers. Mr J. M'Neil responded, and the compliment was returned with interest - Cheers were also given for Mrs Ayson and Mrs Cabinet and families for their hospitality, the musicians, etc. , etc.

Throughout the day the utmost order was preserved, and the greatest cordiality and good feeling was everywhere manifested. Many new friendships were formed, while old friends and acquaintances found ample grounds for mutual congratulations. Altogether, we have never witnessed a more enjoyable arid successful picnic in this or any other country, and we have no doitbt that for the future Christmas day will be set apart by the inhabitants of the Olutha generally to be enjoyed at the Warepa annual picnic.