CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PICNIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3654, 27 December 1879, Page 3

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN'S PICNIC.

» The annual picnic for the children of tho above schools and friends came off yesterday, on tlie racecourse. Tho childron assembled at the church previous to starting, where mass was said by tho Key F. Griinholz, after which a procession was formed headed by tho brass band in route for tho railway. 700 children and an equal number of adults immediately took their seats in tho carriages drawn up for their accommodation, and afler very little delay, the train slowly moved away, amidst shouting and singing, the band also* playing. The racecourse was reached in a very short time, whero the children wera dolighted with the many good things prepared for them. After partaking of refreshments, they prepared for the races. Owing to the liberal manner in which tho public had responded to the calls of the Committee, tho latter were enabled to procure a splendid lot of really good prizes, all of which wore spiritedly contested for. Tho course presented quite n lively appearance. The children wero under the superintendence of the teachers of the Christian Doctrine Society, who all exerted themselves to the utmost in looking after their youthful charges. The Rev Fathers Deroy and Grurholz accompanied the excursionists by train, and early in tho day His Lordphip Dr Redwood, accompanied by Father (Jinaty, arrived, having driven up. His Lordship remained during the whole day, and seemed to enjoy the scono exceedingly. There wero several rrajsc j s got up for adults, for which there wero special prizes. Mr M. Geoghfgan had one or two refreshment stalls, whero the adults were supplied with refreshments, and judging by the busy manner in which he and his a'siatant* were occupied, the public patronised him well. The children were mustered for the return journey at 5 o'clock, and at 5.30 they started, reaching the Ohristchuruh station about 6, where tho children ngain formed in order and proceeded to the Church. After Benediction, the Key Father Devoy thanked the children for the orderly manner in which they had conduotrd thoraselvi-s, and said they had rc-assn to be thankful for tho sucess which had attended their outing, not a single accident to mar their enjoyment having occurred. They wore then dismissed. The Committee wish to offor their best thanks to the Railway Officials for their kindness and assistance in placing the children in the carriages, preventing, perhaps, a good deal of inconvenience.