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3 corrections, most recently by Bahudhara - Show corrections

THE HIBERNIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY'S PICNIC.

In honor of the Prince of Wales' Birthday the members of the Catholic Hibernian Society arranged for a picnic at Torrens Island on Mon-   day, November 11. The day was all that could

be desired for such an occasion, providing a   shady and suitable site had been selected. As is well known Torrens Island is situated some four or five miles down the Port River, its prin- cipal attraction being sand and saltbush. Mon- day morning was ushered in by a cloudless sky, which allowed "old Sol" to pour down his almost direct rays with such power that long before midday the island was enwrapt in a blaze of heat. The promoters of the cele- bration had provided an extremely attractive programme, which included athletic and aquatic sports, brass bands, fire-balloons, &c., whilst the bill of fare was wound up with the enticing   lines, "Last opportunity of visiting this beauti-   ful spot; happy hours for old and young," together with "Hibernian games too numerous     to mention." As might have been expected,     this manifesto had the desired effect of attracting a large number of people of all classes. Before 11 o'clock Port Adelaide was thronged with visitors, and the tug steamers Yatala and Adelaide busily plied for some four or five hours with full cargoes of living freight to the Island. Towards 1 o'clock the heat, which was increased by the burning sand, became intolerable, aud as each arriving steamer discharged its complement of passengers numbers of persons were to be seen anxious to take their places on the return trip. Many people determined on enjoyment, if such were possible, attempted dancing in one or two of the newly- erected quarantine sheds, all of which were thrown open for the reception of the holiday seekers. This pastime, however, was carried out but weakly, although one or two bands played some lively airs. The athletic sports were commenced with vigor, but the heavy and hot sands soon told upon the runners, the conse- quence being that the sports as a whole were carried out in a spiritless manner, whilst several of the contests brought forth but few com- petitors. Tbe most interesting event of the day was a race between four ships' boats. The race caused much excitement, and a boat belong- ing to the vessel Ashgrove was declared the winner by some 40 yards. There were two or three refreshment booths on the ground. In one of them tolerably good tea   and coffee with buns and cakes were to be ob- tained, but in another a luncheon was served   out in such a manner as to cause the disgust of'   a great many people who invested 2s. in " the   meal.'' Notwithstanding that the tug boats   conveyed between 2,000 and 3,000 persons to   and from the island no accident occurred. A   strong posse of police was on the ground under   Detective Sullivan, but beyond a few fights,   which were speedily suppressed, the day's pro- ceedings ended peaceably.

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