CATHOLIC PICNIC, SHAND'S TRACK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VI, Issue 315, 2 May 1879, Page 16

CATHOLIC PICNIC, SHAND'S TRACK.

Having- been kindly invitel by the Rev. Father Chervicr to a picnic to be held at the above place on Easter Monday, I took my dcpartuie from Lyttelton in company with a number of ladies and gentlemen by the (5.40 a.m. train, and after a ride (an unpleasant one of twenty miles, which distance was negotiated in two hours, nine intermediate stations being stopped) we found ourselves at Lincolu where a number of vehicles were in waiting to convey pleasure-seekers from Southbridge, Lceston, Doyleston, Springton and Lyttelton to Shand's Track, the place selected to have the fete. On our arrival at the scene of festivities there was a very nice repast prepared for the visitois by Mrs. M'Cabeat the residence of the Rev. Father Chervior, to which ample justice was done, owing to a long ride in the country. The locality chosen to bold the sports was a most appropriate one and reflected much credit upon the taste and judgment of the Committee. It was a large paddock adjoining the garden of the Rev. Father Chervicr, the usa of which was kindly givon by him aud admirably suited for the occasbn. On entering tln'rc was presented a pleasing aud picturesque aspect, ilags of various sizes and colour were placed throughout, the most conspicuous being that grand old ting which floated out upon the brcez ! of heaven displaying embodied in its Held of green the golden Harp of Erin. Little groui s of picnickers were scattered promiscousiy about, and from tnc unmistakeable expressions of joy which were ; o plainly depicted on their faces, it was easy to conjecture that a day of more then ordinary amusement was anticipated, which I regret to say was not realized. The morning gave indications of a disagreeable day, and it was feared at tirst that the day would bo a complete failure, anil there wore some thoughts of postponing the cntertainmcut but this circumstances rendered highly unadvisable, if not allogether impossible : it was therefore resolved to carry the matter through, and Father Chervicr, the iudof.it i^iblj Chairman with his co-ad jutor«, set himself to work in order to effect this, displaying a goo I humour and undaunted spirit which under the circumstances were extremely deserving of prai.se. Tho piogrammc of sports was then gone into an I embraced running, walking, and jumping matches for men and boys, with special contests for the .young ladies and girls. Mr. Thomas King acted us starter and worked moat energetically, appearing to be quite in hi,s clement. The .scveuil events on the programme wore keenly contested and the racing fail, tlu veiy liberal pr.z -s offered, by the Committee bringing together a large numb r of competitors. Father Cbervicr who syemed to infuse a spirit of gaity especially amongst the juveniles, led oil' the games with as much hilarity as the very youngest competitor. The three-legged race, for which there were a number of entries, created great amusement and elicited roars of laughter. During the iutervhls of each game refreshments were plentifully supplied. The luncheon, under the superintendence of Mrs. M'Cabe assistel by several ladies, was done ample justice to. The weather unfortunately proved most disastrous, a persistent diizzlc having set in about one o'clock, and continued dining the afternoon, thus marring tUe enjoyment of the day to a considerable extent, and compelling tbc spectators, a gieat proportion of whom were women and children to take .shelter in the Church, and the Rev. Father Chcrvier's house, the Jattcr place being literally crammed. There the social teapot was brought into us>e — a good supply of hot water being constantly on hand— thanks to Mrs. M 'Cube's good management. I had for some time understood that the Christchurch Hibernian Band was to have been in attendance, but for some cause unexplained (probably owing to their taking part in the Oddfellows' demonstration) they did not put in an appeal ance. The enlivening sounds of a band would have gone far towards countei balanci g the dismal effects of the weather. A pleasing feature in the days business was the thorough good order which reigned, and the absence oE those unpleasantnesses which arc incidental to large gatherings. Despite the threatening aspect of the weather the Itcv. Father Binsfield, of Eaugiora. drove twenty-eight miles in order to be present on the occasion. At about .".30 p.m. the Lyttelton visitors made a slait for home, nnd all seemed thorougly pleased with the kiudncss and attention received at Shand's Track, expressing a, hope that they would soon again assemble at that vicinity. Lytteltosiajt.