PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Mail, 15 February 1900, Page 36

PALMERSTON NORTH.

I,l'rom Our Own Correspondent.) An active canvass is being made by some ot cur leaning citizens to obtain contributions for tlie More Aten Fund. A public meeting was held ir. tlie Theatre Jio.va! on Thursday, which was gratuitousiy given by Messrs Mowlem and Mowit'ii. There was a fair attendance, the Mayor, Air Hayden, being in the chair, ahe canvass now being made is the outcome of the meeting. Several gentlemen gave their names as beiug willing to canvass the town and district. So "in a feudays I shall hope to be able to announce a liberal contribution from this di'slrifcfU The annual picnic of the College-street School was held on Friday in the convenient grounds of Mr J. O. Batchelar, of Fitsherbert, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee. There was a large gathering or pupils and their parents and mends. Sports of all kinds were indulged in and refreshments provided. Special prize* were provided by the townspeople. The prizes were presented by the chairman of tlie committee (Mr Collingwood). Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Batchelar, the donors of tlie prizes, the committee, and the teachers. A very pleasant day was spent, and the weather was most propitious. Quite a stirring scene was witnessed this (Saturday) afternoon at the railway station. It was known that the North Island contingent of rough-riders would arrive by special train about 2 o’clock, and by that time the precincts of th station were thronged by a crowd eager to got a sight of the boys. On arrival of the train they were heartily cheered,- and were met and welcomed by the Mayor.and Councillors. On the platiorm, which was decorated with flags, had been placed>3 long (able, which was laid out for the bey's co partake of luncheon, provided by the Borough- Council. Prior to partaking of luncheon the Mayor welcomed the contingent to Palmerston North; -Be proposed tlie toast of “Tlie Queen. ; Jo which the contingent gave three hearty cheers. Mr Pirani, M.H.R., proposed the toast of "The Third Contingent, t° which Lieutenant-Colonel Soinnierville replied. He expressed his and tlie contingent’s appreciation of tlie kindness thus shown to them by the people of Palmer ston. Hearty cheers were then given the contingent and for Lieutenant-Colonel Sommerville. The proceedings passed on in a most orderly manner. Our volunteers to-day went into their annual encampment on the M* a P" W.C.A. and P. Association’s ground, which is very handy and suitable for the purpos • To-morrow- they attend a church P : ' n * at All Saints’ Anglican Church. At tn invitation of tlie vicar, the Rev .mb Hunt, the Mayor and Councillors a appro mis ed to be present. Tlie occasion P the carrying out of the order of the -r * mate of New Zealand, that Septuagesi ■ Sunday should lie regarded as a oav ot . tercession on behalf of the army in “f* . Africa. Sunday is also being sinum . observed in all parts of tlie Empire. Palmerston North, February lO'-h.