PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue IX, 21 August 1897, Page 1 (Supplement)

PICTON.

Dear bee, august 9. We are not very gay in Picton this winter, so many of our energetic young people have left us. We especially miss the Seymour family, who were always first and foremost in all pleasant gatherings. Mrs Philpotts gave an AFTERNOON TEA for Miss Broughton, which are very pleasant, songs and music being on the programme. Among those present were Mrs H. Howard, Mrs Stow, Misses Gard (two), Greensill, Broughton, Harris, etc. The Waitohi Football minstrels gave an entertainment on Friday last. The affair was postponed from Wednesday because of bad weather, which probably accounted for the sparse attendance. The first part of the programme was a Christy Minstrel performance, which, under Mr Wilmot’s able management, was really clever and amusing. Local conundrums and jokes created roars of laughter, and the absurdities of bones and tambo were thoroughly enjoyed. In the second part the minstrels were assisted by lady and gentlemen friends. Among the items rendered were ‘ Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye,’ Miss Allen; ‘Oh, Barney Dear,’ Miss Symes; ‘ Marguerite,’ Miss Instone ; ‘ I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen; Mr Wilmot; ‘The Bugler,’ Mr J. Price. ‘ I Don’t Want to Play in Your Yard,’ was sung m character by Messrs Wilmot and H. Western. All the items were encored. The entertainment ended with a farce, which was very fuuuy, and greatly enjoyed. There are rumors in the air of a football social and a Mason's Ball. Much sympathy is felt for Miss Evelyn Linton, who is now in the Blenheim Hospital to be under Dr. Cleghorn, and also for her mother, whose scholastic duties in Picton preclude her being with Miss Linton during her illness. Our whalers have not met with much success this season. Though many whales have been sighted in the Straits, only one has been caught as yet, hardly enough to repay the men for their outlay, let alone to provide thestaff of life for their families. Several of our new residents go in for cycling, though the town itself is rather hilly for the sport, but once up the elevation a good long stretch of level road rewards

the cyclist. Miss Chapple rides through to Blenheim once a week.

The weather seems to have broken up now, and rain—which country people long for, but townspeople can very well do without has set in. In our quiet little place we can hardly realize that elsewhere the weather has been stormy enough to wreck and delay steamers. We have felt nothing of it here. The usual MONTHLY MISCELLANEOUS READINGS of the Picton Reading Society was given in the Anglican Sunday-school. Though the audience was a small one it thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the Society. Among the items rendered were—‘ The Anti-New Woman,’ Mrs Sedgwick ; ‘Ringing the Curfew,’ a chapter from ‘Frank Fairley.’ Mr Sedgwick; “The Fire King,’ Mrs Allen ; *A' Big Mistake,’ Miss Howard; ‘ Service Number Two,’ Miss R. 'Williams ; ‘ Mr Fisher’s Bereavement,’ Mr Wilson ; * The Knight and the Lady,’ Mr Howard. The usual Shakespearian studies will be continued on Friday next.

Jean.