SCHOOL PICNICS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2089, 24 January 1896, Page 2

SCHOOL PICNICS.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH. The annual picnic in connection with the Sunday School of abovenamed Church, was held on Tuesday, the rendezvous—namely Beach Bay—being the same as last year. In view of the prevalence of such boisterous and changeable weather, misgivings were felt as to what the day would turn out, more especially as the evening previous was very windy and cold, almost to freezing. However, all this had passed away next morning —the weather was magnificent, not a ripple on the blue waters of the lake and an Italian sky in the heavens; and yet one could bask in the sun without any feeling of oppressiveness. Under such circumstances, and with a highly ozonic state of the atmosphere, it was no wonder that the steamer Mountain* eer left the public wharf with a full passen* ger list—about 150 for the Bay, besidts a score or two of visitors for the Head. Shortly after reaching Beach Bay preparations were made for refreshments, which were laid out on the lawn in front of Mr A. M'Kenzie's homestead. Ample justice having been done by young and old in this department, which had been well supplied by kind friends, diversions of another kind were the order of the day. Various parties during the afternoon availed themselves of the privilege of pulling about in Mr M'Kenzie's large boat, while others went riding on the horses belonging to that settler and Mr Vontunzelmann, or had a game at cricket. The children and great majority of adults, however, adjourned to an adjoining paddock, where sundry races and other sports were got off for toys and trophies, the gifts of parents and other friends, and a right lively time was spent. A further adjournment was made to the refreshment table a little before 5 o'clock, and at about half-past the steamer hove in sight, and shortly afterwards all were once more homeward bound, reaching Queenstown at 7 o'clock, after a most enjoyable outing. Amongst those who kindly lent active assistance were the following:—Mesdames Donne, Wing, Cotes, Middleton and Halliwell, the Sunday School teachers, and Messrs R. Turton, A. Mayne, J. Robinson, and last, but not least, Capt. Wing, the Superintendent, who was a host in himself. Capt. J. Simmers and his crew also deserve hearty thanks for their courtesy and obliging manners throughout the voyage. * ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH. The annual Picnic of the Presbyterian Sunday School was held on Wednesday last, 22nd inst. The place selected was Bob's Cove, and the steamer, Mountaineer, was specially chartered to convey the company to that attraotive spot. In the early morning the weather was rather unpromising, and several friends from a distance, who had intended to accompany the party, changed their minds and did not go. Notwithstand* ing their absence a considerable company assembled, and the Mountaineer started at 1C a.m., with both sitting and standing rosm fairly well occupied. The weather turned out better than was expected. Although the wind was high and the lake ' rough on the outward trip, everyone seemed to enjoy the sail. Bob's Cove was reached soon after 11 o'clock, and a day of thorough enjoyment was spent by both young and old. The superintendent of the school, Mr Geisow, and his assistants were indefatigable in their efforts to amuse the young people. The usual games, races, etc., were indulged in, and both lunch and tea were kindly provided by the parents and other friends iu such abundance that, after the day's outing, sufficient was left to give the children another treat in the church yesterday afternoon. The following are the names of those who took an active part in the proceedings : —Mesdames Keay, A. Fraser, G. F. Giob, I Jones, Walker, and Geisow ; Misses Reid, Joss, M. Keay, K. Geisow, Boyne andStait; Messrs Geisow, J. Hatton, C. Keay and D. Williams. Those who did not compete for prizes in the games, had no difficulty iu finding modes of enjoyment Buited to their tastes. A party of adventurous young ladies climbed to the summit of a neighbouring limestone hill and were rewarded with a magnificent view, while others explored the beautiful walks and woods by the side of the lake. The homeward voyage was calm and pleasant and on arriving at Queenstown all were agreed that a very happy day had been spent and a most snccessful and managed picnic had been enjoyed. ARTHUR'S POINT SCHOOL. The annual picnic in connection with the Arthurs Point School held on Wednesday last, the 22nd inst, and proved a very enjoyable one indeed, several visitors from both Queenstown and Arrow being present. The various amusements, viz Children's and adult's races, etc were well contested and, having ample prizes, the competitors were well satisfied. The eatables, which were kindly supplied by the local parents in abundance were evidently much appreciated—this department being under the able control of Mrs Smith. The management of the affair was ably taken in hand by Messrs M'Lean and F. H. Daniel. After the picnic the adult portion adjourn ed to the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co.'s wool-shed, and wound up the affair by a very pleasant dance. Mr G. Smith acted as M.C. and the music (violin) was supplied by Mr G. M'Lean.