MOONLIGHT.

Grey River Argus, Volume LVII, Issue 9865, 31 December 1897, Page 4

MOONLIGHT.

V u ; (A Correspondent). Christmas is around with us again and with it has come its usual festivities, and after all the wet weather we have had during the last three months, the present fine weather seems to be generally enjoyed. A most enjoyable picnic (subscribed for by the diggers of Moonlight) was held at Lower Moonlight on Boxing day in a paddock kindly lent by Mr R Deveraux for the occasion. There was a fairly large gathering of diggers and others from Moonlight, Blackball, Ahaura, and Greymouth districts, and what with adults and juveniles combined there must have been close on 300 people. Races were held during the day for all classes from the youngest children up to the old fogies, and were competed for with great Hpirit. Various games, dancing, jumping, and swings -helped to contribute to the enjoyment of all. Refreshments were provided in a most liberal manner during the day and when evening came I think everyone will agree with me in saying that all present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A dance was held in the evening in Mr Deveraux's barn, credit being due to the ladies for the way they had decorated the barn with evergreens and wild flowers. Dancing was carried on with great spirit till daybreak. Mr J. Lee, junr, ably carrying out his duties as M. C. Music was provided by Mr P Kilkenny and the three brothers Devertiux, not forgetting the excellent playing of young master Garth from Greymouth. Songs were contributed by Mrs R Deveraux, and the' Misses Deveraux, Messrs J Lee, T Smith, D Kydd, T Robertson, J Kilkenny, W Deveraux, and T James. Mr J Lee, senr, contributed a Highland fling, Mr J Trimble, a sword dance, Mr P Kilkenny, an Irish jig, and Mr Bennington, a pedestal hornpipe. Thanks are due to ,Vlrs R and J Deveraux for their liberal catering, everything being in first class style. The proceedings were wound up by the company singing "Auld Lang Syne" at daybreak, one and all agreeing that a most enjoyable evening had been spent. December 28, 1897.