ST. MARY'S SCHOOL NELSON,

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VI, Issue 310, 28 March 1879, Page 17

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL NELSON,

(From the Ecenlng Mail, March 18th.)

For the 29th time the anniversary of St. Mary's Schools was commemorated by a grand picnic at Foxhill on Saturday last. Early in the morning a good many of the children mustered on the school ground, and the appearance of the weather was everything that could be wished for. FJags of various sizes and colours were distributed, and this first detachment proceeded on towards the railway station, where other comrades had already secured their positions. Through the kindness of Mr. Wainhouse, the manager, open carriages covered with canvas to screen the young faces from the sun had been prepared and were soon filled. At 9.30 the whistle gave the signal for departure, and at once the flags were unfurled in the air aa the train glided out of the station, the valley echoing and re-echoing with many hearty cheers among the hills as they passed the various homesteads. On arriving at Foxhill terminus the little ones soon emptied the train carriages to fill those of Mr. Jervis, which were ready to take them to his hotel, where a tent and a large paddock had been kindly prepared for the picnic. The first eujoyment was that of disposing of their luncheon, which Mr. Jervis kindly rendered more savoury by seasoning it with well-sweetened tea. Then commenced the sports by the exciting football. Mo3t providentially the sun, which at first threatened to render the amusements rather uncomfortable, was gradually overcast- by light clouds, vrhicft cooled the atmosphere, and contributed greatly to make that part of the day most pleasant and enjoyable. But what added a great enjoyment to the juvenile amusements was the sudden appearance o£ a long-looked for friend, viz., the gentleman who prides himself to be called " Old Gauk." He had. no sooner entered the play ground than he was surrounded by a lot ot little boys, who greeted him and enticed him to run after them and catch them. The old gentleman, took the sport very well, and when he began to get tired he said " Now, my boys, come to my garden, there are my peach trees, shake them and pick up what falls on the ground." During this time Mr. Jervis' attention was to provide the {children with various refreshments, which they relished exceedingly. At four the cry of tea was heard, Jand a general rush took place to the spot, where ample justice was done by the juvenile appetites to the good things provided, for them. Now the last signal was for returning to the train. In a, few minutes the boys had formad themselves in a long Hue, thsre to perform som.3 exercise at drill under the direction of Mr. Kavanxgh, after which the Riv. Father Garin addressed a few words to them and asked them to give thres cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Jervis, who so generously received thsm, and refused any remuneration whatever. Mr. Jervis said — "My dear boys : I thank you exceadingly for fche miansr you have responded to Father Garin's request. It affords mj g.-j-ix pleasure in bjing able to entertain you, anl as loag as I am here and Father Garin ant Mr. Kavanagh think it advisable you should visit me. you shall b 3 heartily welcome to my pla^a, ani as far a3 I am able I shall do all in my power to entertain yo.i. I ana glad you have had 5J.211 a a pleasant day, and hopj th.3 nixfc timj W3 maat everything will bo as favourable." C hears were given for Fath3r Garin, Mr. Kavanagh, and othsr friends, after which the party returned to the train, arriving in Nelson at 7.30 p.m., much delighted with their day's enjoyment.