STAFFORD NOTES

West Coast Times, Issue 13080, 6 January 1904, Page 4

STAFFORD NOTES

( From our own Correßpondent )

Jan 6. It is a ftity that a Kumara picnic should clasb with' tho Stafford picnic, and I coiisidvr th-it our Kumara friends might have chosen a different data as lam sure we were flrat in tho field, our- picnic having been iidveitised in the two Hojci.titfa papers for the last six weeks. Our picnio has always bten looked upon as the best on the Coast, and notwithstanding the Kumara picnic may prevent;, eoine Kumara.tss from being present, I hope to be able to say tbat a record gathering will bo at our picnic and at tbe concert and . ball with which the days' enjoyment will termiuate.

Tbe Committee is doing all in its power In the way of arranging 9portt for chijd* ren and/adulte, and intending competitors for the sawing and chopping competit'ons may rely upon tho first prize for eajh event being £1 exclusive of the total entrance fees. It is the intention of tile committee to erect it shooting gallery in close proximity to the picnic grounds, and other shooting gilleries are consequently prevented by the committee from being erected about tbe grounds.

The Goldaborongh picnic was held on Wednesday De 3 30th, but owing to the wet afternoon which prevented outdo r Bports, and also a number of holiday makerß from attending, the same amount of pleasure and interest was not taken in this function as would have baen if favoured with a fine day.

The Committee did all in its power to provide spoiti for those presant, and the greater part of the afternoon was t-pent in dauoing, the music for which waa sup plied by the Goldsborough band. The refreshments provided were plentiful and o£ the best quality, and the festival ended with a ball which was held in Mr Hanraban'a ball.

The last night of the Old Year wa» speuc nearly as quietly asany other night o£ tne jear, the only indication of ita close being the illuminat-on -ot Messrs Lynn's and Sandle's stores with Chinese lanterns, a few rockets let off by Mr Lyons; acd packets of crackers by the ohildr t n. The town was tgain in its old deadly state at 11 p.m.