PENINSULA TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY'S PICNIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4023, 9 January 1875, Page 5 (Supplement)

PENINSULA TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY'S PICNIC.

The Peninsula Total Abstinence Society held its first annual picnic (irritea a correspondent) at Spiingfield, theproperfcy of John Mathisun, Esq., on K"ew Year's D,iy. There were nearly two hundred persons prcseut, the fair sex being well represented. The Committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements and carry out the day's programme, seem to have left no stone unturned to make the picnic a perfect success ; and I have much pleasure in stating that their fondest hopes were fully realised. All being refreshed^with an excellent ci": a tea, the Committee began to early out the day's programme, which consisted of girls' and boys' races, hop-step-and-jump, vaulting, &c. There were also several men's races; but the prizes were not sufficiently tempting to provoke a visit from any of your city professionals. However, ouo gentleman, a perfect stranger in the district, kindly placed four nuggets of gold in the hands of oue of the committee, to be contested for by the ladies. I feel sorry that I know not the name of this gentleman, but I must say he deserves the warmest thanks of. the society. About 5 o'clock tea was again served out, after which a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr and Mrs Mathison, and to the Committee., for their strenuous endeavours to make everyone happy and comfortable. A few Temperance hymns were sung, after which the Eev. A. Greig pronounced the benediction. TJe company now bepan to disperse, all seeming highly pleased" with then- day's enjoyment, and expressing their surprise at the quantity and quality of the good things provided for their entertainment.