MANUKA GULLY PICNIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 71

MANUKA GULLY PICNIC.

By Fekx Tree.

_\_amika Gully picnio is an annual affair v/lrich takes place every Xew Year's Day. Owing to the lapse of time, its oi'igin is somewhat uncertain, as several old inhabitants each claim to have been the chief instigator. But the majority of "Gullyites" (as they have been nicknamed) agree that the first picnic was simply a union of the various family gatherings of the district— gatherings which were becoming too large to be held indoors with comfort. For years the picnic has taken place with monotonous regularity, till it seemed to be a settled institution. Of late, however, the younger generation have grown tired of it, declaring it was a case of all work and' very little fun for the workers. For a time it appeared as if the end had corns, and the Gully picnics"--were to be a thing of the past. But a few energetic spirits refused to allow the annual reunion of friends to cease ; and, in spite of opposition, managed to gain their point, thought not until almost the last minute. The malcontents grumbled somewhat and threatened to have nothing to do with it, but their bark was worse than their bite, and, accepting the inevitable, they determined to do their best to make it a- success. Th© last days of the old year saw the final preparations completed, and only a fine day was needed to ensure a pleasant outing. Imagine the general disappointment on Jfew Year morning when the rain poured steadily down till the groumd was soaking •wet and the water was standing in puddles all round. Fortunately, the spot chosen for the picnic was :;lose to a large barn, so several of th<3 more adventurous decided to risk the weather, and some twenty cr so lunched together. Bui it was not until' the sun. shone out in mid-sft-emoon that' the general public began to arrive. Games were soon the order of the day, and young and old joined heartily in the fen. Some chose rounders, but matters soon, became muddled for lack of a capable leader. A number joined hands for "fill ■fche space," while others preferred "twos-and-threes," both, of which games afforded convenient opportunity for gossiping with seldom seen friends, though it was awkward sometimes to have to break off in the middle of a sentence to chase a swift-footed opponent. Soon, there was a cry of "Change the game." "All right, Bo{> ; what will you have now?" was the response ; and various games were suggested. ** Jolly miller" seemed favourite, so, choosing partners, the boys began to assure the surrounding hills that "There was a jolly miller who lived by himself," and so on. At each "grab," there was a rush and' a scramble for new partners. It was most amusing to notice how some of the girls would dodge away from the boys they ciidn't like, and how they would contrive to get as near as possible to those they did like. ftext came "husbands and -wives," followed by "disappointments," a game which is usually good fun, especially when played in Leap Year style. How bashful even the most independent of maidens becomes as she walks up andfcows hesitatingly to one of the men facing her, and if she guess wrong, how conceitedly the man turns his back on her, evidently appreciating his unusual privilege Small wonder if the girl stalk back to her pla.ee with her nose in the air, vowing inwardly to be even with, him yet, Gullyites believed in ringing all the changes, and one amorous youth, rx>t content with merely talcing- a little stroll with bis partner, wanted a kiss as well. But ■wh&n he tried it on-, ths lady objected vigoiously, and Tie was cruelly rewarded ty the business end of a formidable-looking hatpin with which her ladyship had- secured a coquettish little cap on to her dark curly hair. What a pity someone could not invent a new and interesting gania s-uitable for open air gatherings. The old-time games are almost played out nov/, and some fresh amusement is badly needed. Surely some charitably disposed person \night turn hi, 1 ? attention to this long-felt want. He would certainly earn, the gratitude of innumerable young people. Newcomers continually arriving kept up a constant echo of "Happy New Year" and "The same to you, and many of them." Or.c or two grew weary cf the endless repetition, and 1 varied it occasionally by "Not the same to you,'* hut Gullvites are a litile too Scotch to take a joke well, and the would-be reformers were generally met wiih rather cold looks in response to their new variation. Rar.es were arranged far the children, and the abundance of toys provided was sufficient to supply all the little ones with a pleasant memento of the day. The hours slipped rapidly h\ , and presently the leaders began to think ox refreshments. While the boiler was being persuaded to boil — and it's curious liow long a watched boiler does take to boil, — cakes were being rapidly cut into pieces, till there was a most tempting array of well-filled trays. Soon the company were summoned to ten, and, true to their leputation. vigorously attacked the edibles. __. strong regiment of waiters attended to the wants of all and sundry, till everyone was quite satisfied. After tea was served all round and cups were washed up, games were resumed once more, notwithstanding ihe strong wind, which played havoc with xuany an elaborate coiffure". As evening wore on the old folk and the children departed for home. The young men turned their attention to the barn, which had been cleared for the evening "hop," while the girls pinned l up stray locks and made themselves as trim and tidy as circumstances would permit. With a first-class fiddler and a good floor, it mattered r<ot though the rain came pouring down once more. If the lights were not too brilliant, it was just as well, for it prevented v/allflowers from seeing

too much of the inevitable little by-plays among the dancers. Social evenings are rare in the back blocks, so all present made the most of their opportunity and enjoyed themselves while they might. But Gullyites have lots of extra work to do at holiday-time so, mindful of next day's duties, tbey decided to break up at midnight. After supper the company 'till joined hands and voices in singing '"Auld lang syne," and then, with thiee cheers n<ore, the}* hunted up hats and wraps and departed for home, to sleep the sleep of the just and woke to pleasant memories cf a happy Xew Yeai's Day.