THE OTEPOPO, MAHENO, AND KAKANUI PICNIC.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6536, 29 December 1887, Page 3

THE OTEPOPO, MAHENO, AND KAKANUI PICNIC.

(FROM OI3R OWN COBRESPOHBENT.)

Tbe spot chosen tbia year for the combined annual gathering of tbe Sunday schools of tbe three districts was near the month of the Kakaoui river Perhaps no more pleasantly situa«ed or convenient spot could have been selec'ed. Tbat tbia was so was amply manifested by the largeness of tbe gathering which was attracted to the place. Not only were there, three or four hundred children present, but there must have been nearly as many grown up people in attendance. Conveyances from all parts of the district, and from as far back as Inobolme, began to arrive shortly after ten o'clock, aDd by midday the scene wore a most animated aspect, iv.ll manner of amusements were improvised for the children by their teachers and friends, while others made preparations for a repast. In about an hour the whole company were ranged in liere along tbe lace oi a sunny, sloping bank ; but tbe work of demolishing tbe good things prepared by the kindly and liberal handa ot the ladies of tbe three congregations did not begin till a hymn bad been sune by tbe children and a blessing sought by the Rev. Mr Lindaay. The children look forward to their annual treat with the highest expectations oi having a good time, and they with appetites sharpened by exercise seemed (he better to enjoy what bad been prepared for them. Having thus refresced themselves, they went right merrily into the afternoon's amusements, and their elders wiih them acted out the old admonition —

At Carißtmae play, and m*ke good oheor,

For Christmas cornea but onoe a year. There were races for boys and girls, for young men and women, and for married (oiks too. The young people played French tig and roundt>rs, married aod single, and jolly miller. Some boated on tbe river and tbe children paddled in tbe sea. Merry-making all round was tbe order of the day, and the afternoon flew quickly by. About five o'clock the whole company assembled for tea, which was served in tbe same manner aa the first meal, Cheers were givtn for tbe ladies for supplying the good things, for (hose who bad provided the conveyances, and for the teachers and friends who had carried on the sports and provided the prizes. Shortly afterwards tbe roads leading from the rendezvous were occupied by numerous vehicles filled with happy children and others, who seemed to have enjoyed their annual treat to their hearts' content.