LOWER HUTT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 2, 8 January 1903, Page 4

LOWER HUTT.

(Prom an occasional correspondent.) December 30. The Catholics of the Hutt and Petone held their annual pionio on boxing Day in the Very Rev. Father Lane's grounds. The picnio turned out a very great success, notwithstanding die' downpour of ram in the morning. However, the rain ceaeed about 10.30 a.m and sunshine took the place of fertilising showers. The people attended in goodly numbers to enjoy the various games. The chief attraction whs the tug-of-war, Hutt versus all comers, for which the prize was a box of cigars given by Mr Casey. This was won by the Petone team. Horn-pipes, Highland fling, Scotch reels, sword dance, and other Gaelic dances formed the principal games of the day. Ihe old and young indulged in several races got up for the occasion. The Right Hon. the Premier, Mrs Sfddon and family arrived in the afternoon, and were loudly cheered and wrlcormd to the BportH. The Premier was ho delighted with the little bi y Hayes who danced the hompipi that he congratulated him and gave him a prize. He was al oso pleased with the fire convent yirls who danced the Scotch r. el in costume that he gave Fathpr Lane a pubstautial sum to distribute among the young dancers. A special feature in th« afternoon's programme was the oiening of the ladies' cricket rratoh by the Premier, who bowled the fir»t bdl to Mips Dennehy. The Hutt ladies gained the victory o\er the Welli"«toni»iriH. The refmhment stalls were presided over by Mesdames Lynch Wildnniih. an<l the Mi«*ee Deut.ehy (2). the tea stall by Mesdames' Naz ir, C nnollv-. Sulliva >, and Hayes, all of whom did exceedingly good work, an-! dei-erve ihp warmest praise and sincere thanks. The Premier left about 5/jO, and departed amidst great cheering.