CHILDREN'S TREAT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1213, 31 May 1895, Page 37

CHILDREN'S TREAT.

For the treat given to the poorer children of Wellington on Friday the weather was glorious, and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Shortly after 10 o'clock they soon assembled in numbers on the Basin Reserve, and though it is stated some of the children were of the poorest class, all were clean, healthy and freshlooking, and though in some instances clothing was scanty, it was yet neat and whole. The heartiness with which the children enjoyed themselves was, in itself, a treat to witness. Very many of them entered for the various races, and as prizes were numerous not many were disappointed; when not running in races they were running for sheer glee, while others skipped with ropes and without ropes, and played a variety of games. They displayed a degree of good temper and kindly consideration for one another which was one of the most pleasing features of the gathering. Towards midday the sports and games were for a time put a stop to, and the most important part of the proceedings commenced. To facilitate the serving of dinner all the girls were seated in front of the pavilion, and the boys were drawn up on the grass inside the fence. Having shown their loyalty by singing "God Save the Queen," the children were each served with a large paper bag- containing two weighty sandwiches, a bun and a piece of cake, and tea was provided without stint. What remained of the eatables was served out later in the day. With sports and games the afternoon was whiled away, and shortly before sundown the children departed for their homes. The members of the committee worked hard to ensure the happiness of those who were for the time being in their , care, ' and they were cheerfully assisted by several of the public who volunteered cheerful assistance in the good cause. The Garrison

Band, who looked well in their new uniforms, played an excellent selection of music during the day, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Herd, and took up a collection in aid of the uniform fund in the afternoon. The Boys' Brigade kept the gates and preserved order on the ground throughout the day, and they deserve great praise for the excellent manner in which they carried out their duties. The committees who carried out the arrangements comprised the following ladies and gentlemen : —General Committee — Lady Sfcout, Mesdames Veitch, Bannister, Chappie, Wright, Murdoch. Luke, Hancox, James, Thompson, Woods, McFarlane, Boxall, Loekie, Dudfield, Myers, Pointon, Danks,E. Fitz Gerald, J. Fulton, Tudor Atkinson, K. Evans, Costall, Slater, Smith, Pettit, Remington (2), Malcolm, Gaudin, Mitchell, Atmore, Beavin, Moir, Campbell, Foster, Farmer and Blanchard ; assisted by Misses Lachman, Lee, Myers (3), Bell (2), Atkinson, Lockie (2), Hopkirk, Foster, Powles, Pinny, Ralph, Hislop (2), A. Brittain, Richmond and Edwin. Sports Committee—Rev C. A. Tisdall, Rev O. FitzGerald ', Messrs Hopkirk, Maguire. FT. F. Davis, Christie, Clater, Kerslow, Benbow, Ross, Barrett, Johnson, Munro, Petherick, H. Wright, Danks, J. G. W. Aitken and Boxall. Provision Committee —Mesdames Luke, Yeitch, Lockie, Boxall, Dudfield, Bannister, Woods, Wright, McFarlane, Thompson, Pointon, Myers and Chappie (hon treasurer;, Misses Myers, ciuiij ;mu Lockie.

Mrs T. W. Hislop and the Rev Mr Evans jointly carried out the duties of hon secretary, and by their energy greatly eonoribuied to the success of the affair. The Mayor (Mr C. M. Luke) was present on the ground during the greater part of the ray. During the afternoon the Mayor made a few remarks from the pavilion. The .idea

of the gathering, he said, originated with Mrs Robert Bannister, and the object was to weld together all classes of the community. The great gathering was sufficient answer to the unfriendly criticism to which they had been subjected, and should prove the first of a series of annual citizens' picnics. The Rev Mr Evans also spoke, remarking that on such occasions they could put aside everything- in the way of class feeling, and recognise only the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor, Mrs Bannister and those who had so successfully carried out the arrangements.

The Rev. J. Paterson seconded the motion, and remarked that though opinions might differ with regard to the methods employed, there could be no difference of opinion as to the desirability of the object sought. The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, and Mr Bannister returned thanks on behalf of his wife. The Trustees of the Benevolent Society, in condemning the movement had, he said, failed to look at the bright side of it, and no one could now question the success achieved in what should henceforth be an annual gathering, though it would probably be better to hold it earlier in the year. After paying all expenses there would be a substantial balance towards next year's gathering, and the committee had decided to send to the Trustees of the Benevolent Society the large quantity of provisions which would remain. His Excellency the Governor had written that but for a prior engagement he would have attended, and expressed his appreciation of what had been done.

At Mr Bannister's invitation three hearty cheers were given for the Governor and three for the Queen, and the band played the National Anthem.