ST. MARY'S PARISH FESTIVAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3535, 27 January 1886, Page 5

ST. MARY'S PARISH FESTIVAL.

There is one annual event at Timaru which is always looked forward to with anxiety and pleasure hy the whole coininunitj', and more especially by tho younger branches who are all expectation. This is, as all our readers must be aware, tho St. Mary's Parish Festival. All tho preTious festivals have been a decided success, and havo reflected tho greatest credit oil thoso who had tho managoment of them. Of course tho weather has a great deal to do with tho success of the festivals, and the weather on Jan. 14th was all that could havo been desired. Long before the hour appointed for starting, the streets m tho vicinity o£ the School Church were thronged by young and old, all wending their way to the church. By eleven o'clock, fully a thousand must have been m waiting, and after listening to a short address by the Yen. Archdeacon Harpor, the children, to the number of about 800, were marshalled into line, and being headed by tho Timaru Garrison Band, m chargo of SergeantMajor Elgen, and under tho leadership of Bandmaster Herd, a start was made for the trysting place. Tho children, as they marched through the streets with banners, bannerettes and flags, and to tho stirring music of the Band, formed a most enchanting sight, and ono not soon to bo forgotten. Tho march to tho ground proved a rather long one to tho younger children, but once there they soon dispersed, and m a very few minutes woro scampering about as happy as possible. Soon after their arrival Mrs Woollcornbo's branch of tho Sunday School came on to tho ground. The ground chosen this year for holding the festival on was acknowledged by all to bo one of the best, if not the best, that could be found around limaru. It is within easy walking distance of town, and what was more enjoyed by all waa tho splendid view of tho harbor and town to the south, tho mountains and downs to the west and tho Ninety Mile Beach stretching as far as the eye could reach to tho north, that was obtained from the ground and many were heard to remark that they did not think there was such line scenery around Timaru. Tho afternoon being a fine one and a half-holiday being observed m town by the shopkeepers a very largo number of townspeople Btrollod out to the grounds, and it was estimated that thero must have been fully 3000 people present. The light tints of tho summer dresses worn by the young ladies looked very ploasing, and their wearers' constant Hitting about added to the youngsters' bright and happy appearance made the scono a most animated ono. Tho first thing to attract the visitor's attention on entering the ground was tho excellent arrangements that had been made to provide for tho comfort and enjoyment of tho many who wero present. Four large marquees had been erected, m one of which was stored away an abundant supply of eatables besides piles of jugs, mugs and cups. It may be of intorest to mention that 100 loaves of bread, 2cwt of ham, and about 7< 'lb of butter wero used to make tho Bandwiches for lunch, and about 5000 buns for tea, whilo m the drinkable lino some 401 b of tea and 150 quarts of milk wero used. The tea was boiled m eight largo boilers. There wero also two large refreshment tents — one where tho teachers, Band and those managing tho Festival were supplied gratis, and the other whero for a small consideration tho public could have a wide choice from the various viands most tastefully laid out before them, together with a delicious cup of tea. This tent was presided over by Mrs Hassel and quite a bevy of ladies, and it is quite xinnecessary to say that it was well patronised. CIO3O to the others, but m a' more conspicuous position, stood the bazaar tent, and on its counters and around its sides wero arranged a most promiscuous assortment' of fancy goods. Mesdainea Cooper, Slubbs, Hkirtcliffe,

Hallimore, Wilson, Perry, Warren, and Miss Lovegrovo presided at this tent, and wero most ably assisted by a number of young ladies, who were most indefatigable m disposing by raffle and otherwise of the various articles on new. Takon altogether a ' very fair business must have been done at the bazaar, if wo may judge by the way it was thronged all day. At this tent were on viewtwo beautifully chased cups and two clocks, presented by i._ \ JIU Archdeacon Harper and the Key. Mr Brittain to the winners of the senior and junior steeplechases and the senior and junior choir boys races, and also a handsome cabinet, presented by Mr Drummond, to be drawn for by the teachers, and which was won by Mr Alfred Haigh. Three double swings had been erected, and as may be imagined they were not allowed to stand idle. But to return to the hungry children. By the time they had had a good run round lunch was waiting for them, and to the number of 1000 they formed an immenso ring and heartily enjoyed the good things provided. When all had assuaged their appetite and thirst a start was made with the various games. An excellent programme had been drawn up, and comprised races, &c, for girls and boys. Mr Kobinß and the Misses Pearson, Qooch and Bamfield had the looking after of the girls' games, while Messrs Geo. Cole, R. Haigh and Craig did similar duty with respect to the boys', and worked most assiduously m getting oil: the various races. The various events were well contested, especially the senior and junior steeplechases, and most of the finishes of tho races wero close ones. Tho Yen. Archdeacon was, as usual, most indefatigablo m his efforts to make all and everyone happy, and to his untiring efforts was to a great extent due the success of the affair. When all the younger folk had become tired with their games, an adjournment was made for tea, to which about 1200 sat down. Every one having refreshed themselves, the games, races, etc., wero continued till about eight o'clock, when the Yen. Archdeacon Harper presented the prizes to the successful winners, and congratulated each one on their success. The procession was then reformed, and, headed by tho Band, a start was made for the church again. Arrived there, the children, after giving three hearty cheers for the Archdeacon, and everyone concerned, dispersed to their respective homes, each one having thoroughly enjoyed his or herself. In conclusion, we must not forget to mention that the Garrison Band played a number of their choicest selections when on the ground, m their well known finished style, and added considerably to the enjoyment of everyone present. Tho following are the results of the games : — Oinis' GAMES. Running, 100 yards (II to 14) — C. Scoringe 1, N. Cameron 2. Walking, 100 yards (10 to 14), schools only, — 15. Kerr 1, M. Brien 2. Running, 100 yards (12 to 16)— M. Curtin 1, M. Harris 2. Walking, 100 yards (6 to 10)— A. Mills 1, Nellie lane 2. Running, 200 yards, Mrs Luxmoore's school — L. Thomson 1, N. Lane 2. 150 Yards (up to 16), school only — E. Kerr 1, J. Ellis 2. Walking, 50 yards (any age) — L. Gurney 1, A. Hegarty 2. Running, 100 yards (up to 14), Waimataitai school — E. Scoringo 1, A. Waugh 2. Running, 200 yards (10 to 16), school only — N. Cameron 1, A. Brien 2. Running, 200 yards, up to 14 (outsiders only) — Jane Adamson 1, A. Harris 2. Walking, 100 yards (Lower school) — M. Martin 1, K. Stirling 2. Running, 150 yards, (up to 12) school only — J. Ellis 1, C. Mailing 2. Walking, 200 yards (up to 18)— S. Hall 1, L. Thomson 2. Infants, 100 yards (Lower school) — G. Watkins 1, E. Dupree 2. Crab Race, backwards, 100 yards (any age) — B. Mayer 1, M. tierce 2. Consolation, 100 yards— E. Harris 1, E. McGill 2. Kunning, 100 yards, special prize presented by Mr Dupree (children up to 9 years) — J. Adamson 1, J. Fuller 2. Running, 100 yards, special prize presented by Mr Dupree (up to 14J — B. Kerr 1, M. Webb 2. Boys' Games. 100 Yards Race (under 10)— D. Fra3er 1, Alex. McKenzie 2. 100 Yards Race (under 12) — L. Wilcox 1, E. Irvrin 2. 100 Yards Race (under 16)— A. Boyes 1, T. Druramond 2. Manx Race, 100 yards (under 11)— J. Butler and J. Bruce 1, E. Shapperc and W. Oborn 2. Vaulting with Pole (under 15) — J. Pcatlio 1, H. E. Philp 2. Special prize presented by Rev. A. Brittain for Boys m St. Mary's Church Choir (treble), 450 yards. Ostler i, G. Stubbs 2. Running High Jump (under 12) — F. Sims 1, Jas. Robertson 2. Special Prize Senior Steeplechase, about ;J mile (under 20)— H. Powell 1, A. Haigh 2. Running Long Jump (under 12) — H. Dupree 1, J. Bagust2. Special Prize, Junior Steeplechase, about t mile— T. Drummond 1, T. Cole 2, H. Dupree 3. Special prize presented by Rev. A. Brittaiu, for Senior Choir Race. 450 yards — G. Colo 1, F. Bourn 2. 450 Yards Race (uuder 1 4) — W. Trilf ord 1, A. Mills 2. 450 Yards Race (over 14) — G. HickeyJ, G. Trilford 2. Walking Race, 450 yards (under 17) — R-. Butcher 1, D. McKenzio 2. Vaulting with Pole (over 15) — W. Dawo 1, E. Trilford 2. Running High Jump (under 17) —A. Austin 1, Jones 2. Novelty Race, 100 yards (under 16) — A. Jones 1, C. Fauvcl 2. Novelty Race, 100 yards (under 16) — W. McAuslin 1, A. Boyes 2. Running High Jump (up to 20) — G. Cole 1, W. Dawo 2. Consolation Race, 100 Yards (for boys not having received a first prize) — E. Shappero 1, A. Mills 2. Consolation Race, 100 yards (for boys not having received a first prize) — J. Thomson 1, 3. Fleming 2. Water Supply tor Seadown. — We learn that Messrs Meason and Marchant have completed the survey of tho Seadown water supply district on which they have been engaged for some weeks past, and that very general satisfaction has been expressed m the district at the manner m which they have laid off the works co that water will be carried into every holding. Could the work have been done six months ago what a boon it would have proved during tho present drought for tho amount of labor necessary to pump even an insufficient supply of water for tho stock just now is very groat some farms having to keep a man doing nothing else. Tho area watered will bo 17,000 or 18,000 acres, and it is confidently oxpected that this acreage will be increased m value by tho water works to the extent of at least dSI per acre. Tim Samoan Emuassy. — In tho course of an interview witli a reporter of tho iVf/o Zealand Times, TJpolo, one of the Samoan delegates, said that there wero more Germans m Samoa than tho English and Americans put together. 'I'he Germans had treated tho natives shamefully — m fact they had hotter have gono to war with thorn than acted as they had done. If a vote was taken all tho natives almost to a man would vote against German annexation. They would bo satisfied with even les3 representation m the Now Zealand Parliament than tho Maoriß now onjo3*ed. In reply to another visitor Upolo stated that a lot of corned beef used to be sent from America to Samoa, but the superior quality of tho New Zealand meat had driven it out of tho market. Tho currency of tho country is Bolivian and Chilian dollars. Before tho dollars were introduced, fine mats, some worth from 100 to 200 dollars, were the currency. He hoped they would not go away with the impression that they (tho representatives) wero not fully empowored to come to New Zealand and arrango the terms for annexation. They hud plenty of rifles— Martini-Henry and Sniders — and could mako short work of any number of man tho Germans might send from one vessel. They were not afraid of; one vessel, but they kuew another, and another, and another, would follow the first. That was what they dreaded. They had llax m Samoa similar to the Now Zoaland ilnx. Sorno portions of tho country wore well adapted for sheop.