PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VIII, 23 February 1895, Page 187

PICTON.

Dear Bee February 12. One of the most exciting CRICKET MATCHES ever played in Picton was played on Saturday between Picton and the redoubtable Koromiko Club, The match was played on Nelson Square, and during the morning was notable only for the misfortunes of the Picton men, who all went out for twenty-six runs. Koromiko went in and ran up a score of Iseventy-five, with every chance of placing another laurel in their crown of glory, when * the mothers and the cousins and the sisters and the aunts ’ of Picton appeared on the scene. Then the Picton men resolved to do or die. They braced themselves together for the coming contest, and the feats of agility and prowess they performed evolved rounds of applause from every spectator. After making about one hundred runs with six men out, they declared their second innings closed, and the Koromiko men went in for their second innings, with the object of either topping the score or spinning out the time. Top the score! They would if they could, and their best players went in and slogged the ball in all directions, making a big hole in the count. The faces of the ‘ mothers, and the cousins and the sisters and the aunts,’ lengthened visibly, but Jack Esson, our champion bowler, was equal to the occasion. Down went the wickets and out walked the batsmen one after another, till time was almost up. the scores were almost even and the last man stood before the wickets. ‘ One more miuute to time,’ called out the scorer. Jack took a steady look at the pitch, took a short run. round went his arm, away went the ball, and down went all the wickets. For one brief moment there was dead silence on the field, then a mighty shout arose. The Koromiko men congratulated their opponents, and declared it was the best match they had ever played. PERSONAL. Miss Clayton and her brother, cousins of Mrs A. P. Seymour, have just arrived from England on a visit to their relations here. They seem to be enjoying the fun and freedom of colonial life. The Education Board have recommended the appointment of Mr H. Howard to the Tua Marina School. Mr and Mrs Howard’s friends in Marlborough hope to hear that the appointment has been confirmed by the committee. They will both be warmly welcomed back by their numerous friends and relations. Mrs Fell and family, who have been camping out down the Sound for the last month, returned home last week. They enjoyed themselves immensely, yet consider a month quite long enough to be away from civilisation. Mrs Fenwick and Miss Livingstone joined them for a week. Mr Jack Curtis, of Spreen Creek, has returned from England looking as well and jolly as ever, though he returns minus his right arm, which was taken out of the socket in aZ London hospital. A few years ago Mr Curtis sustained an injury to his collarbone from the simple kick of a gun. Operation after operation was performed, his collarbone was dispensed with, and he was ultimately advised to go Home, some of his relations being high m the medical profession. Jack worked his way Home, writing with his left hand, found his rich relations, through whose influence he obtained admission to a good hospital where he was further mutilated, cured, and advised to return to New Zealand on account of the climate. He worked his way out as purser, being far too independent to ask his relations for any pecuniary assistance, and now he is working for a livelihood—a noble specimen of the colonial go-head-young man. On Saturday last he was presented with a purse of sovereigns subscribed by his brother Druids from all parts of the colony as a kindly token of sympathy for him. The presentation was made in Blenheim. Jean.