THE GARDEN FETE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 237, 20 December 1888, Page 2

THE GARDEN FETE.

The Garden Fete held yesterday in connection with the Presbyterian Church more than realised the high anticipations which had been held regarding it. The beautiful grounds at Pinetree Bank (Mr Graham’s property), the pleasing suburban aspect and yet the convenient proximity to town, were quite sufficient to make any such, gathering successful But added to the natural beauties, there was a general spiritedness which seemed to pervade the whole scene. The tea tables were arranged under two pretty rows of trees, which shaded off the run and gave shelter from the cool afternoon breeze—a breeze, however, that was'delightful to those who were generally disporting themselves. The Committee is certainly to be commended on the new departure of having a large openair party instead of the customary, though much less healthy, annual indoor meeting. The climate of this part of New Zealand ip so mild and so different to what it is in the Old Land that is surprising afternoon outdoor gatherings do not become much more popular. A tea meeting is all very well in its way, but who can say that a crowded hall, youngsters who cannot control their playful spirits, and often a great deal of speechifying that will not be listened to, can in any way compare with a jolly, healthy outdoor gathering, where the youngsters can play to their hearts’ content, without causing annoyance, and their elders follow out a more cheerful or sedate programme? It is not everyone, certainly, who would care to throw his garden open for the use of so many people in the way that Mr Graham was kind enough to do, and there are few places that would suit so well, but that of course enables the kindness to be better appreciated and the event to be more fully enjoyed. There was a capital tea provided, and though it was “attacked” with good will, there was abundance left for all late comers. The tables were presided over by— Mesdames Graham, Witty, Adair, Beswiok, N icoll, J ohnstone. King, J amieson, Moore, Ratcliffe, Adams, McPhail, and Miss

Morgan. Assisted by Misses King, Johnstone, Cuff, Adams, Dods, Adair (2), E. Spence, Parnell, and Watson. The Christmas Tree and sale of work by Mrs Scott, Misses Evans and Morgan. THE BOAT RACES. The boat races came off punctually to time, the first contest being between Bourn’s crew (Bourn, Evans, Adair, and McKee) and Ratcliffe’s crew (Ratcliffe, Trimmer, Parnell, and Foster). Bourn got off with the lead, but Ratcliffe soon got even with him by making a splendid start off, which spoke well for the way he had coached his young crew. He had also the disadvantage of having been unwell before the race. A grand race took place aa far as the footbridge, Bourn having the best of it, but Ratcliffe rowing iu grand style and making a tremendous push. However, at that point the latter’s fate was sealed, for the cox jambed the boat close into the

piles and one oar was unshipped. From this out Bourn had it much his own way and won rather easily, though his opponents made a game struggle. One heat of the double-sculling contest was rowed, Teat and Morgan having an easy victory over Spurdie and Lunn. The next race was rowed down the river, being between Miller’s crew (Miller, W. Chriep, Dickson, and Colebourne), and Sage’s (Sage, Karaitiana, Hennessy, and Garrett). A fair start was made, though both crews took the water badly. Sage had a slight advantage, but passing the bridge the boats were on a dead level. The race was very keen all through. Miller got his boat in front at the bathing shed, but lower down Sage again pulled up and a very close result was anticipated. Miller then drew ahead and won a hard race by a couple of lengths, The final in the four-oars takes place this evening, “Outrigger” still holding to his former selection of Bourn ; and the second heat of the double-sculls also takes place, between Green and Clayton and-Ratcliffe and Trimmer, Unless Ratcliffe fails in condition “ Outrigger ” selects him to win all through. The final comes off to-morrow, THE CONCERT.

The description of the boat races has almost led us away from the main subject, but as the races were a principal feature they may fairly be dealt with in this column. The concert passed off very successfully, the evening being a bright moonlight one. The performers, all of whom acquitted themselves very creditably, were—Misses Parnell and R, Adftir; Mesdames Matthews and Orr; Messrs' McElwains, Dalrymple, Davis, Parnell, Nock, Witty, and Ratcliffe.

Before the party broke up hearty votes of thanks ware accorded to Mr and Mrs Graham, and all those who assisted to tnMte the affair a success.