NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8667, 2 January 1890, Page 2

NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY.

NEW YEAR'S EVE. The town Avas lively on Tuesday evening — New Year's Eve — for although there were not, perhaps, so many persons about as on Boxing Night, those who Avere abroad seemed determined to welcome in the new year cheerfully. The shops were opened, and by their bright appearance helped to make the streets attractive. Between 8 and 9 o'clock, the Volunteer Band marched through the town and played some inspiring music. The evening was fine, and the moon being at its first quarter, those who Avere assembled in the streets seemed reluctant to go home till midnight, and thus Avelcomed in the coming year. NEW YEAR'S MORN Avas ushered in Avith the usual demonstrations of rejoicing, which, hoAvever, Avere not of a varied or marked character. When, however, the hour of twelve arrived, and the bell of St. Mary's Church began to toll, ringing the Old Year out and the New Year in, those who had assembled for the purpose gave some loud and enthusiastic cheers. Then followed that nonsensical practice of disfiguring the doors and premises of all the shops closed, by chalking on them " 1890." In several of the churches there Avere special services conducted. CHURCH SERVICES. ST. MARY'S CHURCH. There Avere no special services at this church, the ordinary Wednesday night service being held on New Year's Eve. ST. JOSEPH'S OHTJRCH. On New Year's Day, Mass was celebrated by Rev Father McKenna at 8 o'clock ; and there Avas benediction at 7 o'clock in the evening. In the morning at Mass the Rev. Father McKenna preached a sermon on circumcision. WESLEYAN CHURCH. The usual Avatch night service Avas held at 11 o'clock, on New Years Eve Avhen the Rev. Mr Beck preached an appropriate sermon. There was no special music, but the choir sang suitable hymns. NEW YEAR'S DAY. When the day broke the sky had become overcast, and the prospect of a fine day looked very doubtful. A south-westerly gale seemed to be brewing, which about 7 o'clock made those who had been preparing for picnics give up all idea of carrying out their projects. For two or three hours the rain fell heavily, occasionally bloAving very violently. At about eleven, however, there were signs of it clearing up, but squalls at intervals during the day passed over the town , making everything appear cold and cheerless. The chief attraction tor the day Avas THE VOLUNTEER' BAND PICNIC, got up in aid of a fund being raised to enable the Band to visit Dunedin to take part in the contest there, and which was held on the racecourse. Owing to the unsettled state of the weather those who had the getting up of the picnic were uncertain whether they should hold it ; but as it seemed to be clearing up about noon it was decided to do so. At 1 o'clock the band marched to the racecourse through the town, playing some lively airs. The public, finding that the weather had cleared up, soon folloAved in the same direction, and about three o'clock there could not have been less than five hundred persons present. Various sports which had been provided were all gone through with considerable spirit, and we append a list of the successful competitors. The programme of sports during the day was as follows : — Boys Race, under 14 ; 100 yards. — A. Elder 1, G. Paul 2. Potato Race. — EdAvin George 1 ; F. Carrington 2. Hop Step and Jump. — Follett Carrington 1, 38 feet 4 inches ; A. Lealander 37 feet 4 inches 2. Girls. Race under 14. — V. Day 1, A. Clark 2. Umbella and Smoke Race. — D. Rumney, junr 1, Follett Carrington 2. Boys' Race under 10. — H. Waitt 1 , L. Webster 2. Tug of War. — This was a contest between ToAvn v. Flaxmill teams, and was Avon by the latter Avho Avon two out of three pulls. This was the event of the day, great excitement being manifested. Bandmen's Race —W. Birch 1, A. Mooseman 2. Egg and Spoon Race. — Follett Carrington 1, F. Carrington 2. Messrs T. Furlong, jun., G. Browne, G. Cock, with Mr Shnms as starter, superintended the getting off of the programme. Messrs Wainhouse and W. Mitchinson got up games for the small children. The toa, which had been provided by a committee of ladies, was held in the two large rooms of the Grand Stand, and, we are glad to state, was well patronised by the visitors. The tables in the rooms to the right were presided over by Mrs Cottier, Mrs Leedom and Mrs Ambridge, assisted by Misses Emma Cottier, Emily Cottier, and Collis. In the room to the left the tables were presided over by Mrs Newell, Mrs Perry, and Mrs W. Francis, assisted by Misses Perry, Cholwill, Reardon, Lambert, Taylor, Inch, Okey, and Ellis. THE BAND MUSIC. During the afternoon the Band played several selections from operas, some marches and choice music, and thus enlivened the proceedings by their excellent performance The Band played the following programme in the grounds during the afternoon: — March,"" Thirteenth Regiment;" Contest selection, " Ernani ; " polka, " Rocket;" quadrilles, "Cleopatra;" waltzes, "Victor;" waltzes, "Georgie;" march, " Fairy Queen." Altogether the picnic Avas a thorough success, and the day's outing Avas heartily enjoyed by both young and old avlio were present. THE BAND ENTERTAINMENT in the Hall at night was a thorough success, there being scarcely enough sitting room available. The programme was really an excellent one, and one and all of the itema were Avell received. The entertainment opened with the minstrel chair business, Mr Ainsworth being interlocutor, with Mr Newell as Tambo, and Mr Birch as Bones. The song "Climbing up the Golden Stairs" Avas sung with effect by Bones after the overture ; and then Mr Simnis gave the pretty song " White Wings" with taste. Tambo's comic song, " Right before the Missus too" Avas very good. Mr Perry Avas encored for " Kiss Me and I'll go to Sleep," which he sang Avith feeling. The comic song " Airey Ann" had justice done it by " Bones." Mr Churton was encored for " Dear Little Jessie" which he sang well. Tambo scored an encore for the comic song " I OAve ten shillings to O'Grady." The jokes Avere exceptionally good, and the audience appeared " to catch on" to them very readily. The choruses were also exceptionally good. The second part Avas started after the overture by Miss Maggie and Master Bairnsf ather who belong to the talented Scotch family who appear in the Hall to-night. Thoy danced a Highland fling in costume, and fairly brought doAvn the house, an imperative encore being demanded of them. Thoy responded. Mr 'Perry Avas encored for his singing of " The Young Brigade " and deservedly so. Mr Flynn did not escape an encore for his Bong and dance " Caroline " and he responded. The concertina solo by Mr Garry Avas a good item. Mr Simms voice was beard to advantage in the •« White Squall." For a Bailor's hornpipe Mr Keohgan of Bibotu was enoQria jftnd Mepwa Eughand

Flynn received a similar compliment in theirdouble song and dance " Heel and Toe." The receipts from the concert were most satisfactory, and 'will materially swell the funds taken afc the picnic.