FETE OF ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, LYTTELTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 356, 13 February 1880, Page 15

FETE OF ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, LYTTELTON.

The annual Catholic pic-nic in connection with the above took place on Wednesday, December 4th, and proved to be an unqualified success, and far beyond the most sanguine anticipations of the promoters. The place chosen to hold the fete was a most appropriate one, and reflected much credit on the gentlemen who had been deputed to make the choice of a fitting site. It was the Recreation Grounds at the Heathcote Valley, about a quarter of a mile from the railwaystation which forms part of a flat to which something of the nature of an amphitheatre is imparted by the hills that surround it, which add beauty to the scenery. At nine o'clock the children, together with many of their parents and friends, assembled at the schoolroom gaily attired for the day. The appearance of the weather was everything that could be wished for. Bannerets of various colours were distributed to the children, each bearing some appropriate motto — the Cross the emblem of man's redemption being the most, conspicuous. After some time was taken up in arranging the children and placing them in position, a task which devolved upon the teacher, Mr. P. Kearney, the procession started on its way to the railway station, the girls leading. Through tbe kindness of Mr. Bradley, the station master, several carriages were set apart for the use of the childz-en, in which they were not long in securing places. At U. 30 the whistle gave the signal for departure, the flag was at once unfurled in the air as the train glided from the station, and many were the hearty cheers given by the youngsters. On arriving at the Heathcote Valiey the children were again formed into line and proceeded to the locality chosen to hold the sports. There they were treated to buns, gingerbeer, &c., after which little games and swings were improvised for their delectation. Most providentially the sun which at first threatened to render the amusements rather uncomfortable was gradually overcast by light clouds which cooled the atmosphere and contributed greatly to make that part of the day most pleasant and enjoyable. The programme of sports embraced foot racing of various distances, jumping, walking, throwing the stone, &c, &c. There were sixteen events altogether, the only ones calling for special mention being a baby show, which was duly appreciated by the spectators. But those which appeared to go off best and to give mos?t satisfaction to all parties concerned, were tbe handicap race, and the Irish jig— this last no doubt recalling to the minds of many present recollections of their younger days, when they saw it danced, or perhaps took part in it upon the green sod of Oald Ireland — and a pity it is that such cheering and innocent dances should have been set aside to make room for others which have nothing of their character, but which have emanated from the vicious haunts of Paris, and its followers in iniquity. Father Chervier, of Lincoln, together [with some friends, arrived on the grounds about 10 o'clock, when tl>ey were nut by the committee, and conducted to a special spot where a cold collation was provided. Our venerated pastor, Father Donovan, was also present during the day. and seemed to be highly pleased at the great treat afforded to the children. After paitaking of tea, a start was made for home about 7..'!0, all present having thoroughly enjoyed themseves. The committee, consisting of Messrs. O'Griidy, Blake, Brewer, Sullivan, and Uarvcy, arc deserving of the highest praise as at no portion of the day was there the slightest hitch or inconvenience. Lytteltonian.

In spite of Ibc visit of the heir to the Russian throne to Vienna > the Austrian and Hungarian Press has not ceased to express distrust of the objects of Ruseia. The Pcrthcr Lloyd says:— "We have received from a trustworthy quarter in Sr. Petersburg some items of intelligence which are irreconcilable with the news of the recent conciliatory turn in Russian policy. We learn that in Russia the lessons of the last war are being zealously studied with a view to profit by them hereafter, and everything possible is being done in order to strengthen the confidence of the army and population in the military power of the Empire. The practical foundation on which that increased confidence is to be built comprises the following measures :— A reorganization of the arlilleiy on the largest scale ; an increase of the stores of arms, so that there will be two rifles in hand for every soldier : and comprehensive measures for the improvement and strengthening of tho cavalry. One interesting particular is that both in the military schools and in the active army the greatest attention has recently been turned to the study of the geography of Austria-Hungary, '