MARTIN'S BAY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1053, 31 January 1878, Page 2

MARTIN'S BAY.

rmon on ©w» commimtowdimt. 6th January. Since my last communication nothing of imKrtance has taken place. The crops are all >king well and every person enjoys good health. I am requested by the people here to ask yon to be kind enough to give publicity to the following account of their pic-nic:—The 22nd ult. was observed here as a general holiday, and the weather was fine. The Big Bay men came over in their new gig," Queen of the South." lately finished by Mr Dahuel, and I must confess she would be no disgrace to your own beautiful Lake, either as regards her construction or finish. All the settlers of Jamestown were ready and started at 8 a.m. After sailing across the lake and taking in Mr Martin and family (who reside opposite to Jamestown) the oars were manned in true man-of-war style, and with St. George's ensign floating over the stern, we proceeded down the Lake and River taking in every person on the passage till we arrived abreast of Birch Hall on the lower Holliford, when a short halt was made. We then proceeded to the south spit and had a splendid view of the entrance, which was calm and clear, the late heavy floods having cleared the channel for a quarter of a mile wide straight to seawards with nothing less than three fathoms of water to the inner anchorage. Some of those present reflected on the determined neglect shown by many of Otago's leading men in allowing such a place to be so shamefully served; but every unpleasant feeling was" soon drowned by the young ladies and children singing sweetly together some of our best known sentimental songs as we pulled slowly up the river.till abreast of Mr Webb's place, where it was intended to have the sports. After landing ana having lunch the races commenced, ana ended with the following result :—Miss Alice M'Kenrie and Miss Ada Dalzeil took Ist and 2nd prises for the 50yds. race. Miss Florence Martin and Annie JQaueil Ist and 2nd for the 100 yds. race. Miss Jane Dalriel and Miss Nellie M'Kenrie Ist and 2nd for the 150 yds. race.—The next were the boys' races—Master Claude Martin and Jerry Balzol taking Ist and 2nd prizes for the 100 yds ; and Masters Dan M'Kenrie and James Dalriel Ist and 2nd for the 150 yds race. The next event was the hop, step and jump, Messrf Webb and O'Dea taking Ist and second prises. The Ist and 2nd prizes for the 250 yds. race fell to Messrs Martin and Dalzeil Mr M'Kenrie took the prize for the running jump. Mrs D. M'Kenrie and Mrs Gaudin took Ist and 2nd prizes for the married womens' race of 200 yds. Miss Gaudin and Miss Nellie M'Kenrie took Ist and 2nd prizes for the running high leap. The next event was a backwards, race for bachelors, and the prise a splendid young heifer, kindly presented by Mr John Roberts, of Birch-tree Hi|Lgk The race was keenly contested by Georgeson and Taylor, the former winning amidst great applause. This finished the sports. , After treating the young ones, the prizes were presented to the respective winners by Mr Taylor, secretary and umpire. An adjournment was then made to a well-spread awning, from each corner of which was waving to a gentle breeze, magnificent flags, the devices on which were well designed, and neatly executed by Miss Amelia Gaudin and Miss Nellie M'Kenrie especially for the occasion. The tables were well supplied with every delicacy that could be desired, and the young ladies were in attendance to the delight of all the bachelors present. After enjoying the repast as well as the sea breeze, all hands mustered and joined in the National Athem, then three ringing cheers, which echoed far and wide, were given for the Hon. James Macandrew and Henry Menders. Some one proposed three groans for Donald Reid, but no one seemed to pay any attention to it We then made a start and sailed up the river and lake with a finebreeze,which freshened before reaching Jamestown, fully proving the sailing abilities of the "Queen of the South." All parties were safely landed at their respecplaces and were well satisfied with their day's pleasure.