CARDRONA NOTES.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2294, 12 January 1900, Page 5

CARDRONA NOTES.

FROM OVR OWS CORRESPONDENT. Cardrona, 3rd January. Being my first notes for 1900, I beg to wish all the readers of the Lake \\ akatii' M\iii A Happy New Year and many returns. . , . , For many years past it has been the custom here to have picnic on New \ eai s dav It was supposed to be a picnic for the school children, but really it was one for everybody. The old folks from far and near put in an appearance and enjoyed themselves looking on at the childrens sports or, in solid conversation anent the manv changes which had taken place during the past year. Last year from lack of interest in the matter and on account of no one coming to the front to give a start to the proceedings there was no picnic and it seemed this year that last year's state of affairs would be repeated. But 1 am glad to say that such was not the case as the young men (old school boys) came to the front. All credit is due

Jd Albert Lafranchi and William Austin for reviving the custom of having a picnic ou New Years Day. At which old and young alike always enjoy themselves. A few days before the end of the year Mr P. Galvin informed Messrs Lafranchi and Austin that if they would get up a picnic he would be happy to supply the music for a dance at night. The consequence was that those two gentlemen started the next day on a begging expedition and were very successful obtaining promises to supply all the requisites for a really good picnic and also a sum of money towards prizes for the children's sports. The day was all that could be desired, and a good crowd putting in an appearance about 2 o'clock, several races eventuated, after which tea was served by the young ladies and everybody was as happy as the proverbial sand boy. The sports were then recommenced and kept up till 7 p.m. when the company dispersed all well pleased with the day's outing especially the children each one of whom took home a well earned prize. About 9 p.m. the young people met in the hall, when Mr Galvin was preparing to fulfil his part of the bargain. The violin being timed the lively music therefrom was soon echoing through the hall and the young people commenced to trip the light fantastic under the guidance of Mr Alf. Lafranchi, who acted as M.C. Thus was spent in a valley amongst the mountains, the first day of the year 1900, and all credit is due to Messrs Galvin, Lafranchi and Austin for re-starting the New Year's day picnics which but for their energy would have become a thing of the past, as the promoters of such things in past years are beginning to get the worse of the wear, the young will have to take their places and long may they be able and willing to do so.