PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue III, 18 January 1896, Page 70

PICTON.

Dear Bee, January 7. For the first time in seven years we can boast of a fine New Year’s Day, and in consequence the residents and visitors to our town had quite a surfeit of amusements. THE REGATTA was, of course, the centre of attraction, though, excepting Wellington, there was no outside competitors, and both the Blenheim and Picton crews were beaten by those redoubtable Webingtonians, who bore away a second wreath of laurel in this season’s events. In addition to the regatta there was a merry-go-round, which was largely patronised. This affair is being run by a local syndicate, who expect to make a fortune out of this whirligig craze: also boat-swings, which drew a great number, a Maori haka, which was held in a section off High-street, and attracted a great deal of attention by the novelty. The Maoris processed round the town dressed in European costume, the wahines, under Mrs Love’s guidance, wearing white muslin blouses with blue and red sashes crossed from shoulder to waist. They were tatooed with paint, and inside the enclosure wore their native mats, feathers, and all the etceteras of their race. In the railway goods-shed the Catholic’s held a SALE OF REFRESHMENT'S and a bran-pie, which was largely patronised, and at the corner of High street and London Quay the same committee held a DOLL SHOW in a marquee. Much interest was taken in this affair, and competitions sent in from the North Island, though the number was very small considering the amount of the first prize, £lO. which fell to Miss Bessie Greensill for her beautifully dressed bride, which though there were many brides in that class, was facile princepa of them all. The most original doll in the same class was a Maori girl, dressed and exhibited by Miss Nora Allen, and the next best a pretty little child doll, dressed all in white, by Miss Rose, of Wellington. In the second class for children under fourteen Miss Louise Miles won the prize with her bride, though Miss Bell Allen’s ‘ Red Riding Hood,’ and Miss Pearl Grace’s (Wellington) sweet ‘ Little Maid’ were more generally admired. In the third class Miss Edith Waddy (Blenheim) took nearly all the votes for her pretty doll and neat needlework, and in the fourth class Miss Delia Godfrey carried everything before her with her Fishwife. Canvessing for the votes was largely gone into, and all the fun of a geneial election kept public interest centred in the Doll Show. The day’s proceedings were evidently too much for everybody, as only fifteen couples put in an appearance at the annual REGATTA BALL, which, in consequence, fell flat and unprofitable to the Rowing Club, the Committee of which had worked most indefatigably for the affair. The weather was exceedingly hot for dancing, and several small picnics were initiated, and people sat on the beach

and enjoyed the moonlight, the gentle evening zephyrs, and a restful attitude, and pitiea those unfortunates compelled to dance on a tropical summer’s night. The ‘ Tarawera ’ brought over from Wellington about seven or eight hundred excursionists, and part of the fun of the day was to meet friends and see them off again. ODDMENTS. Mrs Cleghorn and family are spending the Christmas holidays here, having taken Mrs Linton’s house on the Wairau Road. Mr L. F. Allen, Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Danevirke. is also here on a visit, spending his holidays with his people at ‘The Wilderness.’ Mr and Mrs Stoney have been staying at the Terminus for a few days. Mr Seely, who has had survey work in the Taranaki district for the past year, is also at home for a brief holiday. Mrs J. Wilford (Marton) is visiting her people, Dr. and Mrs Scott Mrs Gudgeon, widow of the late J. B. Gudgeon, is to be appointed Postmistress, with a salary of £BO and residence. Where, has not transpired. Mr and Mrs Philpotts have gone to visit their eldest son, who is stationed on the coast. Miss Duncan (Christchurch) is visiting her cousins, Mr and Mrs A. Duncan, of the Railway Department. Mrs Douglas (Wellington), has been spending a few days with Mrs (Captain) Baillie at Para. Still another change in the Bank of New Zealand. Mr W. Baillie has been moved to Blenheim, and Mr Wiggins, from Christchurch takes his place here. Mr Baillie is a great favourite here, and we all regret his departure. Mr and Mrs Sedgwick. Mr and Mrs Seely and family, and Miss H. Dart are away camping out at Double Bay. A picnic party are to * surprise ’ them to-morrow. Jean.