AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6931, 4 February 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMUSEMENTS.

On January 9 the Union S.S. Company gave their annual excursion to the chfldreu of the various charitablc institutions, in the steamer Penguiu. Altogether there was a total of some 500 children on board, and it was estimated that the Penguin lia'l fully 900 people on board, all told. Before returning Moasignor Fynes thanked, on behalf of all, Messrs. Reid Bros, for their kindness and attention, and called upon all to give three cheers to the gentlemen named. The ladies at Alexandra gave a ball on Thursday night, the 17th Jauuary, to the bachelors, which came off in the Public Hall. Miss Finch was generally admitted to be the belle. About sixty couples were present, and dancing was kept up till daylight. At the invitation of Messrs. McCausland and Co., a large number of Europeans and Maoris met on the 22nd January at Rotoiti to celebrate the opening of the Rotoiti Steam Sawmill in the Ohincmutu district. The engine was started, when the customary christening by breaking a bottle of wine was performed by Miss Douglasj. The proprietors entertained the party tj luncheon, Mr. King being Chairmau. The usual toastdrinking was gone through in wishing success to the enterprising proprictois. The annual treat in connection with St. Thomas's Sunday-school took place on Jan. 29 at the Surrey Hills. About 250 children attended, and thoroughly enjjyed the numerous recreations provided for thein. The anniversary of the Loyal United Friends' Benefit Society was celebrated 011 Jan. 29 by a tea and ball at the Lome-street Hall. There was a very, large attendance. The ball was very successful, The Mount Albert Wcsleyan Sunday-school festival was held at "Ferndale " on Regatta Day, when the Superintendent and teachers exerted themselves to the utmost to please the scholars. At the conclusion of out-door gatneß, Mr. Garlick, who lias been Superintendent of the school for fourteen years, invited the whole company to his residence, where a very pleasant evening was spent, each scholar receiving a handsomely bound and instructive book. The Hobson's Company's picnic, which was held at Motutapu on Jan. 29, was one of the most successful affairs which this flourishing corps has had for many years. The steamer Anne Milbank, with about 200 on board, left tho Queen-street Wharf shortly before ten o'clock a.m., and on arrival at the island sports of various kinds were entered into with zeßt, both young and old enjoying themselves thoroughly. The Thames Sunday-school children's annual festival was held on Tuesday, the 29bh of January, and was a complete success. It is estimated that ISOO attended. The Waikato and Charles Bruce Lodges of the Independent Order of Oddfellows held a numerously attended demonstration at the Academy of Music, consisting of soiree ani concert, and dauce. Brother Bagnall presided, and explained that both lodges were in a flourishing condition. The first annual soiree in connection with the Sailor's Rest aud Home was held at Dilworth's Rooms, Customs-street, on tho 30th of January. His Lordship Bishop Cowie presided. There train large, attendance. Bishop Cowie in his address stated that £100 had. been given by Captain Rough for the benefit of the institution, and when Mr. Costley's bequest was available the funds of the institution would be in a satisfactory condition. During the i-evening addresses were delivered by Professor Aldis and others, and a rery pleasant evening w*b spent.

The Wellesley-streetßaptißt Sunday-school teachers held their usual picnic on Jan. 29 at Henderson. They left with their friends by the half-past eight a.m. train, returning in the evening, after spending a very pleasant day. The annual feast of St. Matthew's Sundayschool was held on Jan. 20, and was alike successful and enjoyable.