MOSGIEL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1731, 24 January 1885, Page 12

MOSGIEL.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

January 19. Scuooii Picnic. — The annual gathering of the scholar-) ot the Mosgiel Sabbath and day schools was he'd in Mr S Young's paddock, adjoining the Mos^iel Presbyterian Church, on Saturday last. ' 1c was originally intended tint the picnic should be held in Mr James Brown's paddock, but owing to the unpropltious state of the weather it wna thought advit-able to bold it as above. The bohool children, numberiug close upon 400, were mar. shalleii into the church, when the Hundredth Psalm was sung by the children. They were then marched to the adjoining paddock, where bags of pastry aocß buns were served out, and where three copper boilers were in active operttion for the providing of tea. Prizes were to be awarded in various competitions, and the first event was the judging ot the dolls. Mr M'i.eod, the teacher, gave a prize for the best-dressed doll in school coatume, to be dressed by the exhibitor, work and material to be a special feature. After some very keen competition the first prise was finally awarded to Mies Jane Dey, the second to Miss Bella Attken, and the third to Mi«s Mabet Miller. This was for girls over 10 years ot age. For girls under 10, Misa Jessie Aitkett succeeded in carrying away tha first prlza. with Miss Lillie West Second. A special prize was also given ior tho bestdreased doll on the ground, which was carried off by Miss Janet M'Leod. A novelty was the kite-flying contest., This brought out a field of 18 or 20— the kited boing of all sorts and all sizes, and some of them being flown to a great height. The first prize for boys under 10 years of age finally fell to Muster xi. Burns, with Alexander Sinclair second. For over 10 years, Master H. Fairley succeeded in carrying off the palm, with David Mackie second. Ltunning, jumping, and dancing were also indulged in. Special notioe was taken of the walking contest for girfa under 10 years. This was carried off by Miss Susan Pateraon, who walked heel-and-toe In regular professional style. The proceedings * ere enlivened throughout by tha strains of Messrs I Jtquhart and Hendry's bagpipes. The teachers and Messrs Dryden and MacLeod were indetatigable in their efforts to promote amusement, for tbe children. • The weather, although threatening, kept up all day, and the children went home about, 7 o'clock, thoroughly satisfied with their day's, outing. ,