FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4574, 20 February 1893, Page 4

FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Yesterday the Canterbury: Freethought Association held its eleventh annual picnic at Sumner, in a suitable and convenient paddock lent by Mr Drew, directly opposite the Cave Sock. The members assembled in Cathedral square, where a special tram of three cars started punctually at tea o'clock, eaoh of the cars being crowded. On the first car was an efficient band under the leadership of Mr perry. On the way down Mr W. W. Collins • took the opportunity of collecting funds for the sufferers by the Queensland disaster, the result being that an additional £5 6s will be handed to the Mayor. On arrival at Sumner various shady flpots were chosen for lunch, there being an ample supply of good things, especially for the children attending the Lyceum Sunday school, of whom there were about 150 on the ground. Besides the special, every tram brought down members i and friends till, in the afternoon there mnsb have been 800 or 900 persons in the paddock and round about. During the day swings were going, and all sorts of games were indulged in. The. band was kept pretty hard at work all day for the dancers. In ; the afternoon a course was laid off, and numerous races were run by. the juveniles, as well aB some for the married women. Toys and lollies were freely distributed, while donkey races were, run on the sands outside. Some of the members went out boating, while others tried fiahing and other, amusements, all iseeming to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Mr «T. M. Thompson had his camera <>n the ground, and succeeded in getting some admirable pictures of various groups as a memorial of the day. At six o'clock the return journey was begun, but before starting three . hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Drew. On arriving in town most of the members went to the Lyceum, where Mr W. W. Collins gave an address on "The Ancient Gods and Religion of Egypt." The several arrangements for tbe picnic wero in : the hands of Mr F. J. Quinn, Mr Nancarrow and other members of the Committee, and everything passed off moat satisfactorily. The weather throughout the day was all that could be desired. I ' • • ■ ■ ■