THE HOLIDAY.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 220, 10 November 1888, Page 2

THE HOLIDAY.

THE HUSSAR TOURNAMENT. There was a good attendance of spectators at the Hussar Tournament yesterday, and the weather was fine, though at times threatening. The Garrison Baud was on the ground, and played choice selections of musio during the afternoon. Major Porter, the officer commanding the district, was also present. At two o’clock the troop fell in and proceeded to Captain Tucker’s paddock and went through the menage, the exercise being very creditably performed. The next item was rapidity firing by sections (over hurdles). Two sections competed—No 1. Thelwall, Troopers Primrose, Dunlop, and Bourke ; No. 2. Corpl Tucker, Troopers Lysnar, Greene, and Staite. Sergt Thtlwall’s section proved the winner. The Maypole was successfully performed by eight Hussars, aud this feature of the tournament was watched with the greatest interest by the spectators, the effect being both pretty and novel. There was a large number < f for the head and post practice. Tilting at Ring was won by Trumpeter South, took off three rings out of five. Toe event which certainly cau ed most amusement was rescuing wounded comrades and retiring over hurdles. Four started in the first heat, which was won by Lieut Wethered, Trooper Dunlop being second. The latter had obtained a long lead, bub on jumping the last hurdle his horse fell, robing on its rider, who, however, escaped without serious injury. In the second heat Trooper Greene won easily, a splendid race ensuing for second place between Troopers Staite and Lysnar, the latter being beaten. Cutting the lemon was cleverly performed. The trotting race was won by Trooper Tansley’s horse, Waich led from the start, and won easily. This event concluded the programme. The tournament was certainly a success and the performance was very creditable to a corps only in its infancy. Captain Winter deserves a great deal of praise for the way he hat instructed the troop.

LAST NIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT. The Hussar Minstrels gave their first concert last night in McFarlane’s Hall, and it was fairly successful. The opening chorus “The Chimes of Normandy ” from the opera of Cloches de Cornville, was pleasingly rendered, the pianissimo and fortissmo being carefully marked. Mr Morgan next tang “ Don’t be crying, little Girl, ” a ballad quite new and so also was the singer, who has a light, clear tenor voice. Mr Sceats (bones) tickled the audience with his comic song and jokes interpersed. Messrs Ratcliffs, George, and McElwaine acquitted themselves with satisfaction to the audience. Mr George’s song “ Who’s that calling” is sure to be a popular one hereafter. Mr Wetheredj “ Tambo, ” fairly convulsed the audience with his topical song “The Oily Man from Frisco. ” Mr Macdonald’s ballad was correctly sung, after which Mr Sceats gave “Noah Did,” and his happy allusions to harbor affairs were quite apropos and to the point. The finale to the first part was the double song and chorus “The Bachelors’ Club,” being capitally sung and aoted. The seaond part opened with the “ Hueaars’ Polka,” a spirited composition of Professor Harvy’s. Mr Bruce, an amateur new to us, gave a song and dance, which, without exaggeration, would have put to any member of the “ All Star Company.” Messrs Bruce and Ryan danoed a double hornpipe in capital time and received a well deserved encore. Messrs George and McElwaine’s two songs were fairly g.vei, the former, however, omitting to sing the song allotted him on the programme. This caused a delay which was loudly resented by those in the.back seats. The performance concluded with the farce “The Utility Man,” which was a complete failure, the “ Utility Man ” not having a slight conception of the part. Thia is to be regretted, as it spoiled an otherwise good performance. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY’S ANNUAL PICNIC.

The annual invitation picnic of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society took place yesterday, and as in all previous years in which the picnic has been held, it was a great success. The picnic took place at a beautiful spot in Mr Clark’s paddocks at Te Arai—the same place as last year—and there were present between ninety and a hundred members and friends. The majority went out in Mr Stevenson's brake and other conveyances, while a good many wont on horseback. The arrangements were complete in every detail, and nothing better could be wished in regard to the weather, the sky being cloudy and the atmosphere cool, without any threatening appearances. And the one thing essential to the success of any such gathering was the . most prominent feature at this is tbe feeling of sociability and freedom restraint that characterised everything.. Ninetenths of those present were just at that age when life can be best enjoyed, and there was not much need of tuition to show what enjoyment can be rtbiained when so many young people meet together. The gamjs usual on suoh occasions were entered into with great zest, and there was no flagging of spirits during the whole day. When one amusement got tiresome, another was immediately substituted, just as tastes suited, and everyhing went off gaily. The commissariat arrangements were exceptionally good, and the guests expressed themsglves highly pleased with the whole affair, and high compliments were paid to the ladies and others who had the management entrusted to them. The drive out alone added greatly to the general pleasure. Before leaving the grounds hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Clark, for their kindness in allowing the use of the paddooks. The brake arrived in town again shortly before seven, and an exceedingly enjoyable day was wound up by an equally pleasant evening, an adjournment having been made to the Good Templars’ Hall, where a variety of drawing room amusements were indulged in.

HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT. A large number of children assembled in Holy Trinity Church for a short service of praise as a fit introduction to the annual treat which was held yesterday, by Mr Barnard’s kind permission, in pad-look near Te Hapara. A better place cou’d not be found for the purpose and the weather was all that could be desired. The Presbyterian Church Committee kindly lent a “ Merry go Round ” for the occasion, and it was much in demand all day, but in spite of this and other attractions a great many candidates were found to contend for tbe prizes of the long programme of sports which was carried out and indefinitely extended under the energetic superintendence of Mr DaLautour. Many kind friends had contributed liberally to the refreshmsnt tables, and many helpers distribated the provisions with great celerity, almost rivalling the quickness of'the ohiidr<ia in disposing of them, Altegether a most enjoyable day was spent, and tbe Superintendent, Mr Greenwood, and teachers must feel well repaid for all the hard work inseparable from successful gatherings of this kind. It is to be hoped that long before the time for the next treat comes round the children may have met Sunday after Sunday in their new building; and if we may judge by the number present by the flags yesterday, it will not be at all too large, on the scale proposed, for their accommoqatfop.