WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3966, 24 June 1887, Page 3

WAIMATE.

Contrary to expectation the clerk of the weather favoured the people of Waimate with an acceptable change m the elements on Wednesday, the day fixed to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee. The morning broke beautifully fine, and except the muddy state of the roads, was everything that could be desired. Long ero the time arranged for the commencement of the day's proceedings, juveniles could be seen congregating m little crowds with mugs and pannakins m iiand, and countenances expressing satisfaction of the probablo good thing 3a3 yet m store for them. About 11 a.m., the time arranged for the procesaioD, fully 500 school children were put m marching order by the teachers, and on the arrival of the members belonging to the Foreßters' Lodge, little time was wasted m completing the necessary arrangements. The procession (marshalled by Mr H. Watts) was headed by the band and Volunteers, Captain Studholme and Lieutenants Capstick and Shaw being m attendance, and started from the Fire Brigade station, accompanied by school children, members of the Foresters, Oddfellows, Fire Brigade, and Borough Council, with two or three buggies m one of which the mayoress was seated, bringing up the rear. The line of procession wasaa follows : — From the Fire Brigade station to High street, then along Queen street to the Hospital reserve (now " Victoria Park,") the place m which the ceremony of the day's proceedings was performed. Prior to planting the oak, the Mayor (Mr Sinclair), m few wellselected words, addressed the large crowd assembled to witness tho ceremony, and m doing so spoke of the progress made m New Zealand during Her Majesty's reign. At the conclusion of the address, the Rev. Lloyd Keating offered up a prayer, after which Mr Sinclair called upon the Mayoress to plant the tree. Mr Baxter, Town Clerk, here handed a bottle which contained the local papers and the coins of the realm. The Mayoress then planted the oak, and declared the same planted m commemoration of the Queen's Jubilee, and also named the reserve "Victoria Park." (Cheers and loud applause.) The Band then struck up " God Save the Queen," the children also singing the National Anthem. Cheers were then called for the Mayoress, the Mayor, and the little Mayors, Captain Studholme and the Volunteers, &c. The procession then returned to the drillshed, m which place the children did ample justice to the good things provided, and which were served out by an energetic staff of workers, whose labours for a time were severely taxed. During the afternoon (the gathering by this time considerably augmented by adults) games, &c, were indulged m, and altogether the affair was a great success. The Evening Procession May very appropriately be termed another success. About 7 o'clock a tremendous crowd of people assembled at the Fire Brigade station, which was very prettily illuminated, and a short period before the starting time fbur horsemen very elaborately got up for the occasion, might be seen cantering for the scene of action ; their appearance causing some merriment to the onlookers. Two of tho steeds were conspicuous by the display of clothing with which they were covered, whilst the acrobats, term them what you may, were conspicuous by their gorgeous display of garments ; nevertheless, if nothing more, the venture was productive of adding a little jocularity to the occasion. The whistle sounds, and tho procession moves forward, Mr H. Watts acting as Marshal, then the four horsemen already mentioned, two of whom carried banners, next the Band and Volunteers, members of the Fire Brigade, the Brigade engitie, carrying a weighty freight of decorations, members of other societies joining m. A noticeable feature m the procession was that of Mr A. Watt, blacksmith, making horseshoes. Regret was expressed that other tradesmen did not follow his example. The procession proceeded along Shearman street, down Mill Road into Queen street, thence down Victoria Terrace, along John street to High street, along Queon street to Parsonage Road, turning thoro, along Queon street again, up Steward street, and thence to the Fire Brigade Station. Whilo tho procession proceeded en route fireworks were set off at intervals ; the display after the procession added much to the enjoyment of those present. At the conclusion the crowd were not long m making their appearance m the paddock adjoining the drillshed where a large camp tire was lit. Just about this time a serious accident — the only one reported during the day, and which had the effect of somewhat marring the evening's enjoyment — happened to Corporal John Opie. It appears that when making his way from the Brigade station to the paddock before-mentioned, he had the misfortune of falling and breaking his left leg below the knee. Willing handß were not long iv attending to the sufferer, and ultimately had him removed to the hospital, where he is doing as well as can be expected. Returning to the camp fire proceedings, it may be mentioned that they were of an amusing character and created much mirth amongst the spectators. A. platform was erected m close proximity to the fire and the little man of the "Very Shop " officiated as Chairman. Song-, recitations, and stop-dancing was the bill of fare provided, and with these extras

the commemoration of Her Majesty's 1 Jubilee was brought to a close m Waimate. Jn the way of illuminations several of the householders gavo evidence of their taste m various ways, and for which Messrs Clement, Franklin, and Middleton may be included.