PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue IV, 28 July 1900, Page 176

PICTON.

(DELAYED.) Dear Bee, A very enjoyable ’ WALKING PARTY was arranged for Saturday last for the purpose of visiting the site of the freezing works and see the improvements at Kaipupu. A good deal of our beautiful bush has perforce to be sacrificed to make room for civilisation, and Ballast Bay, where we often spent many pleasant hours, is bereft of all its natural beauties. In their place is a tramline running to the top of the neck, and presently a wharf will hide the pretty bit of beach. Already the engineer and manager’s houses are commenced, and in a veryshort time now a busy and, we all hope, a prosperous business will be going on there. The walk extended to Shakspere Bay, as far as the new road went. The party consisted of the vicar and Mrs Sedgwick. Mrs and the Misses Allen (3), Misses Greensill (2), Howard. Grace (2). Holm (Wellington), Waddv (Blenheim). A LARGE TANGI was held at Waikawa all last week over the death of Annie Nianga. Maoris from all parts of the North Island arrived by various steamers and were feasted according to etiquette. The schoolroom held a very large congregation on Sunday, when Mr Paraire (the Maori 1 student from this place) read the English Church service, in Maori, of oourse. On Friday the second SOCIAL in connection with Holy Trinity Church Sunday school was held under the management of Misses Harris and Greensill; and was a most successful function. Spelling and other games made fun during the intervals between the i musical items. Miss Greensill (Rayed “The’Brook” 1 and Miss Edith Lloyd “Th» Auld Hoose” as pianoforte solos. The songs were: “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep,” Mr Paraire; “The Kerry Dances,” Miss Holm; “Ben Bolt,” Miss H. Dart; “Golden Years,” Miss B. Greensill; “The Swallows,” Miss M. Fell; “Thy Voice is Near,” Mrs Riddell: “The ' Old Songs.” Miss Howard. Misses E. Greensill and Howard also sang a duet. “Oh, WertThou in the Cauld Blast.” Among those present, were Mesdames Sedgwick, Allen, Lloyd, Williams, Short, Busch, Riddel], Jackson, etc.. Misses Mackenzie, Greensill (6), Fuller, Lloyd, Allen (3). Holm, Robertson, Fitch (2), Parfitt, Fell (2), Hallett, Dart, (2), Cragg, Nash. Beanchamp, Philpotts (2), and Messrs Robertshaw, Paraire, Fredericks. Hows, Lloyd and the vicar. Everybody enjoyed themselves. A MAORI ENTERTAINMENT was given on Monday, and as there happened to be several strangers inthe place “who knew not Joseph,” the verdict was that it not only was an unique but also a good show. The Maori girls were all dressed in blue skirts, white blouses and red sashes. They, as well as the men. were gaily decked in fed, white and blue favours. The different war dances, poi dances and war cries were emblematical of the present crisis in South Africa. The stage manager in an affecting speech, in very good English, stated that though the Maoris were not allowed to*-fight for England and the Qtreen yet they were one with their British brothers in their desire to uphold the Empire. a*d if at any time their services were required they, one of the Ixwst fighting races in the world, were ready to do battle for England. Though the audience was small it was very enthusiastic, and the references to the hero of Mafeking. Generals Buller, Frtnch, etc., and Major Robin evoked rotinds of applause. The poi dtmoes were especially admired.

JEAN.