RONGOTEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9185, Issue 9185, 8 April 1910, Page 5

RONGOTEA.

On Wednesday a most successful garden party, sports, and open-air concert was held at Mr Fred Bottcher's farm, in aid of St. Simon and St. Jude's Vicarage fund. Tho committee had been hard at work for some time past, and were determined to make the event one to be remembered, and with the assistance of beautiful weather they were successful beyond their greatest expectations. The attendance was a record one, and the events keenly contested. Mr \V. Bottcher, got up as a clown, made the fun fast and furious, the young folks greatly enjoying his antics. Afternoon tea was handed round and greatly appreciated. The children's events were numerous and well supported. In the adult events the chief results were as follows: —Ladies throwing cricket ball. Miss Sanson ; blindfold driving competition, 1 Miss Sorenson, 2 Mrs Sutton; cigarette race, Mr Woo Hoy; potato race, 1 Miss Sanson, 2 Miss Costell; men's pillow-fight, W. Foster; ladies' wood chopping, 1 Miss Erhorn, 2 Miss Sanson ; ladies' nail driving, Mrs Anion ; chain stepping, Mr W. H. Foster; lamb guessing, correct weight, 311b, winner Miss Lazcnby. 31flb ; lollie guessing, correct number. 312, winner Mr Arthur Duke 32. Mr J. 11. Whisker acted as starter. In the evening the drive and garden were illuminated with innumerable Chinese lanterns, the whole making a very pretty effect. The concert was held on the verandah (in front of the house), it being supplemented by a platform, and was tastefully decorated. A piece of the garden had been fenced in for the audience, so, in addition to the protection offered by the trees all round, they were well protected from the elements.' A start was made with the concert at 7.30 p.m. Items were contributed as follows:—-Pianoforte eolo, Miss Perry ; song, "Flight of Ages," Mr Brickdalc ; ■ reeita'tion. Miss Ham ; eong, "Dream of * Paradise," Mr A. Gloyn ; duet, "Kissing." Mr and Mrs J. G. Seddon; song, "Violetta," Mr Lutman; duet, "Excelsior," Messrs Burn and Seddon; instrumental selection, Messrs Penney and Hcnson; recitation, Mr G. Gould; song, "Ten Thousand • Miles Away," Rev. Wilson; violin duet, Mr and " Master Seddon; cornet solo, Mr Hcnson; song. "Flour-leaved Clover," Mrs Airey; recitation. Mr W. Bottcher; pianoforte solo, Miss Costall; violin solo, "Home, Sweet Home," Master A. Seddon ; song. Mrs B. S. Penney; tinwhistle solos, Mrs R. Dafter. Mcsdames Brooke and Seddon played the accompaniments. The proceedings were brought to a close by the cutting of a bachelor's pie, made by Mrs B. S. Penney, which caused great amusement. Tho concert went with a good swing from start to finish, Mr W. Bottcher causing endless merriment by his quaint jokes and funny tricks. A hearty vote of thanks was passed, to the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Bottcher. They were most genial and lavish in their endeavours to make the party a great success. The refreshments were very varied and plentiful, tho arrangements being in the capable hands of Mrs Davis, Mrs Moore, Mrs Humphries, and others. The fund will benefit to the extent of £20 to £21. Miss Phoebe Persson left yesterday on a trip to the Old Country. She will stay in London for some time, afterwards visiting relatives in Yorkshire.