PICNICS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7630, 23 January 1903, Page 2

PICNICS.

The children of the Broad-street and Cuba-street Methodist Sunday Schools went to Ashhurst by train and held their picnic in the Domain yesterday. There were about 500 children and adults present and a most enjoyable day was spent. Messrs Bennett (superintendent of the Broad-street Sunday School) and Billens (superintendent of the Cubastreet school) were in charge of the arrangements, assisted by teachers and friends Everything passed off satis* factorily ; except that a boy who had lost his railway ticket and got into a funk, started to walk from Ashhurst to Palmerston, was reported lost, and the picnicers had to constitute themselves into a search party. He managed to get a lift into town, but a party of anxious searchers were out till a late hour trying to find him. The Ashhurst Domain ia becoming a very popular place of resort, and yesterday large parties were distributed all over the pretty bush glades in the neighbourhood. The ferryman at Ashhurst was kept very busy yesterday in carryiog crowds of juveni c passengers to and fro onjtha river. It was a novel and delightful experience for the little ones. . A most successful picnic was held in oonneotion with the local Baptist Church yesterday at Mr Milson's farm, off the Rangitikei line. About 150 parents and children were conveyed to the spot by vehicles of all descriptions, while a number cycled out. Excellent refreshments were supplied liberally, and were much enjoyed. Tne children were entertained at Eimple sports and games, which were enterod into with great zest. A short service was conducted by the Rev. E. P.ichards. Before leaving foe home hearty cheers were given tor Mr Milson, who has placed his fields at the disposal of the Sunday School for a number of years. The children of All Saints', St. Peter's, All Saints' Western Branch (Kairanga), and Fitzherbert East Sunday Schools spent a very happy day on Mr J. Nathan's property at Titzherbert East yesterday. A large number of children and adults were conveyed by Mr Stevenson's drivers in six dregs, making two journeys eich way. Food, t< a and everything that could minister to the pleasure of the picnicers was in abundance. There was only one sad incident. Mrs J. Relf, of Rangitikei Line. lost a valuable mare. The horse, which was a great pet, was grazing with other horses, when it was discovered that its leg was broken, evidently from a kick. It had to be shot. Except this nothing could have exceed-d the enjoyment of the outing, the weather and place being all that could be desired. The last load of children, who gave three cheers for Mr aud Mrs Nathan, left for home at 7 o'clock. The young members of Sc Andrew's Church thoroughly enjoyed themselves yesterday. They journeyed in a num. ber of drags lo Jackeytown, andpicniced m a SDral retreat, .The Rev. Mr Jolly accompanied the party.