PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue IX, 29 February 1896, Page 241

PICTON.

Dear Brr, Fkbruary 18. Ou Wednesday last there was a CAMP PICNIC held at the Parsonage, all visitors to the camp being invited. Unfortunately, many of the young people were away, so that the first gatharing was rather a small one. but it made up in noise what it lacked in numbers. All the g-tmes and songs indulged in at camp were repeated, and the wind up was • Auld Syne’ performed round the dining-room table Mr and Mrs Sedgwick enjoying the fun immensely. Among those present were Mrs Seely (Nelon). Mrs Allen. Mrs H C Ssvmour. Mrs Seely, the Misses Allen itwo>, Seymour (three). Seely two 1 . R. Seely. Howard. Dart (two'. Messrs Sedgwick. Seely, and Cribb. A mes sasre was sent over the sei to Shrimp ‘Master Kempthorne). Nelson whose absence was much regretted. On Friday Mrs McNab had a small AFTERNOON TEA for Mrs T. Cawte. who was staying with her. Mrs McNab was wearing a navy skirt, black silk blouse trimmed with jet: Mrs Allen, black cashmere, brown straw bonnet with brown ribbon and pink flowers: Mrs A. Duncan, chocolate delaine with white flowers, sailor hat: Mrs Cawte. French grey skirt, white muslin blouse: Miss Moran, grey skirt, white blouse, and pretty sailor hat; Miss Hay, dark skirt and white blouse. Many people who have received "hospitality from Mrs Cawte regret that her stay in town was so short. Saturday was quite a holiday. The train brought down a great number of children from B enheim. all of whom seemed to enjoy their outing. Picnic parties were scattered all over the place, and ferning expeditions up Esson’s Valley were very successful. A CRICKET MATCH between the Blenheim Borough schoolboys and the Picton boys resulted in a huge victory for our boys. After the visiting cricketers were entertained at tea by our boys in the school, and escorted to the train. During the afternoon the first heat in the SKIFF RACES for medals was pulled off amidst great excitement and cheers. Messrs H. Western and G. Kenny coming off victors. Much interest is taken in these small races, and several parties of ladies were out. to cheer on their favourites to victory. Among them having afternoon tea on the beach were Mrs Seymour. Mrs Allen. Mrs Greenfield (Blenheim), th® Misses Seymour (four), Allen (two), etc. Mrs C. Western (Mount Pleasant), the Misses Western (The Lindens), the Misses Philpotts and others were out in the harbour. In the evening a small social was given in the Borough Schools by the school cricketers and their sisters. The affair was very successful, as these affairs usually are. though hurriedly arranged. the teachers being always ready to enter into any of their pupils’ arrangements and help to make them all a success. HITHER AND THITHER. The Misses Philpotts and Western intended going out a-camp-ing this week, but the nroject has fallen through owing to the serious illness of Miss Eve Western, with whom and her people we all sympathise. Mr and Mrs Rutherford and Miss Speed returned from Christchurch on Saturday, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and had splendid weather for their drive back. Miss Ethel Greensill is away staying with her sister, Mrs Harry Howard at Tua Marina. Mrs Greenfield (Blenheim) is staying with Mrs H. C. Seymour at ‘ Cam House.’ Her little daughter has a rather severe attack of whooping-cough, and sea air was advised. Mrs Duncan (Waikawa Road) is looking much better, the cool weather being a kind physician. Welcome letters have been received from Mr Howard Greensiil. son of the Mayor of Picton, who went to the Cape some months ago. Mr Greensiil also sends a photograph of the troops preparing to march out to the rescue of Dr. Jameson. His own face shines out conspicuously among th*m. T venty-four hours later the troops had to make up their minds to lay down their arms or die. Mr Greensill inherits the fighting element from generations of ancestors but he is fain to confess that, to use his own words. •it is not all beer and skittles. Sheep farming in New Zealand may be more monotonous, but one can sleep in peace, and the climate is beyond compare.’ This is the cry from all our absent, boys. Numbers nf flounders are disporting I hemselves in the stream at Mount Pleasant.. How they got there, or whence they came is a mystery. They are salt water fish, yet the stream is twenty miles from the Wairau Bar, without any apparent connection. Could they have been washed over into the swamp by a flood ? Is it possible for young fi’h to travel such a distance, and surmount a’l the difficulties in the way of brushwood and watercress and live ? Professors please reply. Jean.