PALMERSTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2059, 10 August 1893, Page 23

PALMERSTON.

August B.— Some 200 children of both sexes assembled at the Town Hall on Friday (Arbor Day), and after being placed in order, preceded by the Pahnerston Brass Bind, marched to the school grounds, and then completed the planting of trees and shrubs commenced last year. They afterwards proceeded to the recreation ground, and more planting was done— some 200 trees i in all, consisting of macrocarpa, Finus insignis, &c, being planted under the superintendence of, Mr Gow (chairman of the school committee), Mr Cunningham (mayor), and the members of the committee, teachers, and others. The holes having been dug, and the ground previously pre- | pared, the proceedings went with a swing and the ! planting wassoon completed. Afterwards thecb.ildrenwerepresentedwithoranges, 4c , by the chair- j man, and were then dismissed. The day was proclaimed a public holiday (a mistake I consider— a half holiday would have been sufficient) by the mayor, but it was only partly kept is such. MAHENO. Augusi 5.— A soiree, followedby aserviceof song (" In the Sunshine ") and other musical items, was held in the Public Hall, Maheno, on Wednesday, the 2nd. It was given by the St. Andrew's Church Choir, assisted by lady friends, and was well attended. The tables were under able direction, and with an abundance of everything suited to the most fastidious palate presented a very inviting appearance. St. Andrew's is fortunate in having, what is not always available outside chief towns, a choirmaster of skilled musical ability, and as this gentleman (Mr Knight), the organist (Mr Harry Blathwayt), and the choir co operated heartily and spared neither time nor trouble to ensure the service of song, being properly rendered, the result, as was only to be expected, was eminently successful and to the evident appreciation of the audience. The solos and quartets were carefully rendered by capable vocalists, and the Rev. Wynter Blathwayt, who I presided, read the narrative portion of the service so as to command the sympathetic attention of his hearers. After the interval following the service of song, the best items were the songs of Miss Ada Finlinson and Messrs R. A. Chaffey, Knight, and Harry Blathwayt. These were greatly appreciated. Afewßhort complimentary speeches, an [invitation to the public school scholars to partake on Arbor Day of the edibles remaining from the soiree, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a yei y happy entertainment to a successful conclusion.