PICNIC AT KAKANUI.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2083, 6 January 1879, Page 3

PICNIC AT KAKANUI.

The pupils attending the Sunday and day schools at Kakamii, Maheno, and Otepopo had their annual picnic at Kakanui South, on Thursday last. The Maheno children were driven down by Mr Wylie in a carriage drawn by a splendid team of six horses, while the Otepopo children were conveyed in drays, &c. A very large number of the parents and others accompanied them, so that there was no lack of guardians. On reaching the groxmds a regular stampede took place for thp boats, which Captain Matheson had so kindly and thoughtfully prepared to give the juveniles a sail, a pleasure in which many of the seniors were participators. Several of the boat*mon there very kindly took charge of tho ■■gy.4, but some luckless (or, as it turned very lucky) amateurs embarked without a pilot, and boldly advanced to the breakers, which they endeavored to stem by placing their broadside against them, and but for a friendly hail from Mr Henderson on the end of tho jetty, the consequences might have been serious. After the boating was finished, all proceeded to the grounds again, where it was clearly manifest the ladies had not been idle; numberless tea kettles were ready for discharge, and the tables groaned with the weight of sandwiches, buns, and cakes in endless variety. The children were then feasted to their hearts' content, after which the seniors had their turn. Racing, scrambling for nuts and lollies, and other amusements followed in quick succession (not always "the young contending while the old surveyed"). But u nae man can tether time nor tide ; " the hour approached when preparations must be made for the homeward march, and previous to the start piizes were presented to those Sunday scholars who had shown the greatest proficiency in lessons, the best conduct, and most regular attendance. The Rev. Mr Ryley then made one of his usual telling speeches, and congratulated the district on the harmonious meeting of the members of its three corners, and expressed tho hope that soon the cause of England's greatness, the English Bible, should be restored to our schools. After another service of tea, some singing, and a number of votes of thanks to various worthy recipients, the crowd began to disperse. Both the Maheno and tu,o Otepopo people are under very great obligations to a number of Kakanui people, for their admirable arrangements to make everyone enjoy the day ; and Mr M'Lymont, schoolmaster, and Captain Matheson, harbor-master, especially deserve to carry the palm.