MILTON. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2260, 24 June 1897, Page 5

MILTON. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

! Milton, June 22. A little rain fell in the morning, but by noon the weather was all that could be desired. The day's festivities started at 8 a.m., when the Milton Brass Baud played the Bruce Rifles to the atftt'on. At 12 o'clock the procession started from the Post Office in the following order :— Milton Brass Band, Army and Navy veterans, Ex-voluntesre, Tokomairiro District High School Cadets, the schools, Foresters, ' Milton' Football Club, trades and public. On arrival at tbe Recreation ground Mr W. Moore, marshal of the proee&sion, apologised for the absence of the mayor (Mr D. Reid), and briefly addressed the crowd. Mr R. Murray (Bruce j County Council) and Mr Mark Scott (a veteran of the Crimea aud Indian Mutins) also spoke.

Trees wer6,then planted by the Mayoress '(Mrs Reid), borough councillors, and other*, and the children sang " God save the Qaeen" and gave three cheers, the band concluding by repeating the National Anthem. , At the Record Reign sports Robins won the Record Heign Handicajj, with Hynes second and Archer third. J. Burn won the 1000 yds Handicap' and Macgregor the Bicycle Ruce. About 800 people were present. Four teams entered for the football tournament (seven men a-side), the C team of the Milton Club winning. The town is tastefully illuminated, and a great number of flags are flying from the houses and shops. The children were all presented with flags, souvenir medals, and packets of sweetmeats, and thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. To-night there will be a great display of fireworks, and a number of bonfires will be lighted on all the highest peaks. A grand entertainment will also be held in the Rink, at whioh the united choirs will assist, and all the prize-winners in the competitions for school children and adults held in the afternoon. There will also be an exhibition of fancy work, painting, &c, in St. John's Schoolroom. The day will be brought to a close by a social. The whole day's programme was drawn up under the auspices of the Milton Football Club.