ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FESTIVAL, KIRWEE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7225, 26 April 1884, Page 5

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FESTIVAL, KIRWEE.

On St George's Day last year the Kirwee Church was first opened for Divine service, and the occasion was celebrated by a festival, but on a smaller scale than that of Wednesday. For some years previous to the erection of the church, service was held in the Road Board office, and from all accounts was but poorly attended, and very little encouragement was given when the matter of the erection of a church was first mooted. It was, however, taken earnestly in hand, and since its erection, twelve months ago, the church has been filled to overflowing every Sabbath. The wilderness has been transformed into a vineyard, and now the church must be enlarged, hence the necessity of holding the festival, which began with Divine service in the church, by the Ven Archdeacon Harris, who took for his text I. John, v. 4, and was listened to by a large congregation. The Kevs H. Collins, A. E. D. Tosswill, and W. Dunkley assisted. After the service an adjournment was made to the school ground, where the bazaar and athletic sports were carried out. On the ground close to the stalls a large tent was erected and placed in charge of Mr Anson. Inside was displayed a large collection of Indian, Chinese, Egyptian, and other curiosities, lent for the occasion by Colonel Brett, General Davidson, Messrs Anson and Frere. The collection was certainly good, and was well worth the shilling that was charged for admission. Mr Griffiths did a considerable amount of business with two Aunt Sally's. During the day a programme of races was carried out, under the management of Captain Toss will, Messrs Davies and Turner. Thirty-two events were run for by the boys and girls attending the various schools within the of Courtenay. The champion race o? 150yds was won by Master Gillanders, who thus secured the silver cup, presented by Mr J. R. Proctor, jeweller, Christdmrch; and in the girls' race K. Gillanders won the silver cup presented by Mr Math:ao. The tug of war caused some excitement amongst the boys. The first prize, a set; of cricket materials, was won by the Courtenay boys, and the second prize, a I'ootball, by the Kirwee boys. The sports wove kop-s m full swing till five o'clock. At one o'clock lunch was served in the schoolroom. At halfpast five o'clock the schoolroom was again filled, the ladies running up and down serving the hungry and thirsty ones with tea. After tea came the feature of the day, a musical and theatrical performance, which was held in the Temperance Hall. Tho hall was crowded, many not being able to obtain seats, or tvon standing room. In " "Who Killed Cook Kobin," the characters were sustained by Messrs Williams, Cotton, Mrs Allan Seott and Miss Wainman, of Christcluireh, who kindly gave their services for the occasion. The musical portion was well received, aud several items were loudly applauded. The day's proceedings were brought to a close by a ball, which was held in a large grain shed, tastefully decorated for the occasion, and dancing was kept up till well on to daylight. The Committee, the Rev W. Dunkley (curate of the parochial district of Courtenay), Messrs Frere, Anderson, Wilson, Taylor, Griffiths and Davits, with tho honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mr R. Tosswill, deserve the success attained for the energy displayed. The Burnhaw Band was in attendance during the day and enlived the scene considerably.