THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VII, Issue 320, 31 December 1875, Page 5

THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

ROBERT BRUCE LODGE,

Each succeeding year illustrates more forcibly the fact that as the Cromwell district grows in days, so does it proportionately increase in the number and measure of those social and sociable institutions which indicate a settled and permanent prosperity And at no season of the year is this more strikingly presented than at Christinas, when labor having for the nonce ceased, relaxation from the ordinary toils of life is sought in harmless mirth, and pleasure is found in contributing to the general gaiety by individual or joint efforts. Time was when a merry Christmas implied deep potations and a severe strain on the human assimilator, and it must be taken as a token of strangely and happily altered times when we find now prevailing so very different a state of things. It is not our intention to indite a homily on this subject, although there is ample room for an observer to discourse on it at almost illimitable length ; but the moral of it all is, that society is now beginning to feel the potent effect of sacrificing; the animal appetite to the higher moral attributes of our nature. Therefore it is we see societies of men and women banding themselves together for the common weal, and it can scarcely be wondered at that their precept and example is taking a firm hold on the masses and quietly but surely fashioning them in a mould widely differing from that which has so long been accepted. Foremost amongst these regenerating influences is that exercised by the Good Templar body, and so far as this district is concerned it is superfluous for us to attempt to point out the good it has accomplished. Its daily increasing strength is incontcstible proof that its aims are in the right direction. But what we more pointedly speak of this Order at present for is to refer to the attractions it holds out —at no little expense and inconvenience—for enjoyment and pleasure unmixed with the dissipation which is so often a leading characteristic of so-called pleasure. Balls, concerts, pic-nics, ' and other means of recreation are initiated and carried out with unvarying success, and yet without the element which was long popularly held to be an essential to such success. The secret of this no doubt lies in the unanimity of the body in striving to attain prosperity ; and also—perhaps to a greater extent—in the fact that money is more plentiful and can be bonier affonkd—a result.

flowing from adhesion to the leading principles of the society. The Cromwell and Bannockbimi branches appear wisely to make these entertainments a special feature in their management, and at the present?season both have gone into the spirit of the times with a will and vigor worthy of commendation. The Bruce Lodge at Bannockburn determined to celebrate its anniversary by a public pio-nic and ball on Boxing-day, and the'event had long been looked forward to with pleasurable anticipations. Unfortunately, however, the Fates were adverse so far as the pic-nic was concerned. Jupiter Pluvius asserted his sovrcignty, and poured down tmpityingly till far on in the forenoon. It was at one time thought advisable to postpone the affair till next day, but the rain ceased and intermittent blinks of sunshine determined the promoters on going on. We much regret that pressure of business owing to elections, &c, kept us from attending, and as a consequence our report of the proceedings must this week be brief. A very considerable number of persons were present on the pleasure-ground during the day, and in the catering Mr Geer fairly surpassed himself. Various games and sports were got up, and altogether the affair was a most pleasing one, notwithstanding the literal "wet blanket" which threatened to envelope it. The Cromwell Brass Band rendered excellent service under the leadership of Mr Whetter, both at the pic-nic and at the ball in the evening, which was a great success and a fitting close to a well-planned j and energetically carried out anniversary. I

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PIC-NIG.

One of those small find yet great events which it gives us pleasure to chronicle took place on Monday last, when the children connected with the Church of England Sunday School, numbering about 50, met fco celebrate their anniversary by a pic-nic. The weather during the morning was unpromising but it was determined that the youngsters should not be disappointed, and about one o'clock a start was made from Mrs Wakefield's residence in Melmore Terrace for " Kidd's hall," kindly placed at their disposal by Mr Starkey. A pleasant sight it was to witness the bright faces brimming over with enjoyment as they marched two and two loaded with baskets, suspicionslooking parcels, boxes of fruit, and small flags innumerable. Arrived in the hall, an immediate attack was made on the eatables and serious damage done in every direction, after which, the weather having cleared up, the whole party were convoyed to Mr Towan's paddock, and with the slight drawback of a shower or two, thoroughly enjoyed themselves at various games till tea was announced at 5 p.m., when the attack was renewed and the last tower (of cake) demolished. A pleasant hour or two was afterwards spent, in foot-racing and kindred sports, and the party returned to town before eight o'clock pleased with their day's amusement, and only in time to escape a downpour of rain. The onerous duties of collector, caterer, and marshall were undertaken by Mrs Wakefield, and with a little male assistance successfully carried out ; in fact, to that lady's untiring efforts from first to last is due the success of a gathering which we do not doubt will long be remembered with pleasure in many a Cromwell home.

THE B A Z A A R. The bazaar in aid of the Catholic Church and School funds was opened on Tuesday evening in the Athenaeum Hall, and has been, as it. deserved, an unqualified success. The tastefully-arranged stalls were presided over by several ladies, who used their utmost powers—and those of no mean orderto induce visitors to exercise their liberality, with a result which no one who entered the hall will require to be informed of. On Wednesday evening the cleaving auction sale took place for the disposal of those goods that remained unsold, and Mr Colclough's efforts as auctioneer resulted in a clearance of the whole stock, which comprised not only a great variety but some valuable goods. We noticed a magnificent wedding-cake as a really elegant adornment to the room, and it was certainly a most generous donation, and we believe brought good value. Live stock was plentiful, while some of the fancy goods provided gave evidence of the hearty support given by the residents throughout the district.

Some idea may he gained of the success of the undertaking when it is stated that it is anticipated not less than £230 will result to the funds.