Benalla Std
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The Benalla Standard ran the following article in 1881.

Source: State Library....Australasian Sketcher. (Picnic centre)

CHILDREN’S PICNIC AT GLENROWAN.

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COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT—E. Brown, J. Knox, G. Duncan, C. K. Witt, R. Ledger, J. Reilly, E, Shortell, D. C. O’Leary, C. Cookson, A. Ball, M. Giblin  LOCAL COMMITTEE—H. J. Reynolds, D. Kennedy, R. J. Bidstrup, HON. TREASURER—Mr. John Brock, HON. SECRETARY—Mr. F. McDonnell.

The above event, which has created much excitement among the juveniles of Benalla and district during the past fortnight, took place at Glenrowan on Friday last, and proved a great success. Fortunately, the day was a glorious one—in fact such an one at this season of the year is seldom enjoyed. “Old Sol” was so powerful throughout the day that continual reference was made to such an unusual occurrence in the month of September, and with old and young alike the principal topic of conversation was in regard to the “lovely weather” with which they had been blessed. According to request, the excursionists put in an appearance at the Benalla railway station at the appointed time, and owing to the good management of the committee, no delay was caused at the starting point. The first train left punctually at 9.30, and the second special was only a few minutes behind the fixed time—viz., a quarter to ten. The railway station was all life and bustle, and presented a sight which has never before been equalled in Benalla. The school children, ably controlled by their tutors, were seated in the carriages without difficulty, and behaved remarkably well. Contrary to expectation, the railway accommodation was equal to the occasion, there being sufficient room for all requirements. The committee and teachers received valuable assistance from Mr. McKee, the station master, the porters, and the members of the police force, in successfully seating the children, and it was in a great measure owing to the exertions of the railway officials and constables that such punctuality was observed in the time of departure. The starting of each special resulted in great rejoicing, the young folk signalling the event with deafening cheers. At various points in the journey, the attention of the excursionists was attracted by the bunting which had been provided in honor of the event by some of the residents along the railway line, and the juveniles were impartial in their recognition of the kindly feeling exhibited in their honor. At the residence of Mr. Lee, a banner bearing the appropriate words, “Feed Thy Lambs,” elicited continued bursts of applause. With some of the children, the scriptural motto appeared to evoke much discussion, and various constructions were placed upon it, no few asserting that the “lambs would take care to feed themselves.” Arrived at Glenrowan, our attention was first drawn to the preparations which had been made for the picnic. The railway station was well supplied with bunting, and Mr. Brown, the station-master, who had gone to considerable personal trouble in erecting the generous flags, received the plaudits of the visitors for his praiseworthy exertions. In fact, no few of the Glenrowan people were highly spoken of for the kindly manner in which they interested themselves in the picnic. Mr. Reynolds had gone to considerable trouble in providing vehicles in which to convey the eatables and other necessaries from the station to the scene of enjoyment. This gentleman also supplied cooking utensils, &c., and in various ways rendered assistance of much value. Messrs, Kennedy and Macdonald were likewise conspicuous by their activity, and did much towards the comfort and pleasure of the 3,000 people who made Glenrowan their rendezvous on the gala day. The visitors have much to thank the residents of Glenrowan for in connection with the picnic, which was most enjoyable, and one which will be remembered by all who participated in it. The following address of welcome was read by Mr. H. J. Reynolds on the arrival of the last special:—

“Glenrowan, Sept. 9, 1881. T Messrs McDonnell, Brock, and others —On behalf of the residents of Glenrowan and district, we beg to bid you welcome to our hamlet to-day. It was with feelings of pleasure that we first learned of your kindly undertaking, and we sincerely hope it may terminate successfully. This event will long be remembered by all who are to participate in the pleasures of to-day, and in the future they will look back to the 9th of September, 1881, and will ever feel grateful to you for initiating such a grand and substantial treat. The picnic will bring our little village once more under public notice—but what a contrast to the former occasion!—and we feel satisfied that it will be the means of dispelling the fear and dread which so many have in the name and place ‘Glenrowan.’ In concluding, we would wish each of you prosperity and happiness for your endeavours to promote the enjoyment of the inhabitants of Benalla and district.—We are, yours respectivelly, H. J. REYNOLDS, D. KENNEDY, R. J. BIDSHUP”

The address was then handed to Mr. F. McDonnell, the hon. secretary to the committee, who, in reply, returned thanks as follows:—

Mr. Reynolds and Gentlemen,—It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the committee of the children’s picnic, to receive your handsomely-illuminated address and your cordial welcome to ourselves and the large number of picnickers we have brought with us into your country, and in the name of the committee, I tender you most hearty thanks, not only for the address of welcome, but also for the kindly assistance you have given us locally, when making preparations for the picnic. I may inform you that this picnic was first suggested to me by a Benalla gentleman, whose public duties prevented his taking an active part in it, and whose modesty desires that his name should not be disclosed. He asked me to take the matter in hand. I conferred with Mr. Brock on its possibility, and on the 20th of August the first letter was sent to the Railway department. We then organised a working committee, and very successfully canvessed the town for subscriptions, and all arrangements have run smoothly to the 9th September—with the result you see before you. Glenrowan was selected as the site for the picnic for the reason that it was a convenient distance to convey               pretty hills, over    could scramble: it       waters, and shows       would be very beneficial to         giving them enjoyment     which has recently been so     brought before the public mind, we    them to look back to this day at that spot with pleasurable recollections and not with feelings of dread and terror, which late unfortunate events were likely to inspire. I trust that, Benalla having given the start to children’s picnic on such a large scale, this one is only the commencement of what the children of Benalla and it’s surrounding districts will look forward to as of annual recurrence. And now, gentlemen, I again thank you. The arrangements are as complete as we can make them. The day could not be finer, and with your permission we will proceed to the duties and enjoyments of the day.

Mr. Bray, photographer, of Benalla, was present, and was busily engaged in taking the children attending the different schools in groups, in addition to which he photographed many subjects of interest throughout the day. The artist for the Australian Sketcher was likewise busy, having sketched many scenes on the ground, some of which will doubtless appear in the pictoral paper with which he is connected. The amusements provided for the children were varied, and the committee and teachers worked hard and successfully for their enjoyment. The “merry-go-round” was largely patronised, being constantly in motion, and afforded pleasure to hundreds of children. The wooden horse had insumerable grown-up admirers also, who travelled the circle with as much merriment as those for whom it was more generally intended. Mr. R. Ledger was kept busy at his popular game of “Blackheath, or who’ll have a cocoanut;” which exactly suited the tastes of the children of both sexes. It appeared evident, from the precision with which some of the youths delivered the sticks, that practice had previously been indulged in; and the gaily-attired manager of the game soon found it necessary to limit the number of shots for each participant. With even this restriction the cocoanuts soon disappeared, and it was early in the day when the last of the number was won. The game being new to the children, considerable attention was paid to it, and its admirers exhibited signs of regret when the nuts had run out. Mr. Ledger, who was attired in harlequin costume, was most successful in amusing the juveniles, who will for some time to come associate the name of “Bob the Barber” with the pleasant pastime of “Blackheath.” Much credit is due to Messrs. O’Halloran, McEwan, Bottridge, sen. and jun., Underwood, Banfield, and McGuigan, who were attired in gorgeous costumes, with blackened faces, for the able manner in which they supplied the instrumental music. These performances, who only had rehearsed a few times together, discoursed excellent music for al fresco enjoyment, and were continually playing for the lovers of terpsichore. Their vocal productions were likewise creditable and frequently elicited applause. Mr. O’Halloran very generously used his harmonium for the delectation of those who indulged in dancing, which was vigorously carried on, and in other ways he went to considerable trouble. His abilities as a musician and kindly services rendered were very favourably commented upon, as were also the other members who composed the band. The well-known piper, Mr. Bruce, who is ever ready and willing to lend his valuable services in local matters of importance, appeared in Highland costume, and was the admired of all admirers “Captain” Bruce was never idle, and the excellent music from his pipes enticed the old and young into the dancing arena. It is seldom that we have ever seen better jig and reel dancing than that on the green at Glenrowan. The “withered cheek and tresses grey” must certainly take precedence over the “bloom of youth” on the terpsichorean programme. Mr. Edwin Brown, who is never wanting when the juveniles are interested. Like Oliver Goldsmith, carried his musical instrument in his pocket, and proved a valuable acquisition to the number of instrumentalists. It is not a common practice in this age of advancement to use the “brass whistle” for the amusement of mirth-makers, but at Glenrowan the performer on the little instrument was not only required, but highly appreciated. Mr. Brown was therefore in great demand, and was not unfrequently sympathised with at having to manipulate the shrill instrument for

“The dancing pair that simply sought renown,

By holding out, to tire each other down.”

Numbers of persons succeeded in accomplishing the unenviable task of climbing to the apex of the “Lookout” hill, and passed the time pleasantly in collecting ferns and shrubs in this locality. A splendid view of the surrounding country is to be obtained from this favorite resort, and this alone will repay the patient climber for the fatigue endured in ascending. It may not be out of place to mention that one of the excursionists discovered a plant of tools whilst collecting ferns. The articles had evidently been there for some time, and as they were such as would prove useful for bush purposes, many persons gave it as their opinion that the articles were the property of the late outlaws. Unfortunately a young lady, Miss McMullane, met with a very severe accident, particulars of which appear elsewhere, whilst descending the hill, and to a certain extent this misfortune marred the enjoyment of the day. During the day the committee were untiring in their endeavors to provide amusement and eatables for the children, and no stone was left unturned to make the demonstration a thorough success—a result, we are pleased to say, obtained. Every member having worked so well, it would be invidious to particularise. Mr. F. McDonnell, in his capacity as secretary, carried out his arrangements with great satisfaction, and deserves the thanks of the community for his indefatigable exertions. Mr. Brock, the treasurer, likewise rendered valuable assistance to the picnic, and although unavoidably absent on the day of the demonstration, he had previously done much towards its success. The teachers and assistants at the schools likewise appeared to advantage, and were ever watchful over the children with whom they had been entrusted. In addition to the number from Benalla, there were many visitors from Wangaratta, Boweya, Greta, &c, all of whom evinced the greatest interest in the proceedings. The number on the ground was estimated at about 3,000, a large proportion of whom consisted of ladies, whose presence added considerably to the universal success of the picnic.

The following is the result of the day’s foot-racing:—

BOYS’ RACE —(Between 12 and 15).— W. Plant (Benalla East State-school), 1; Delaney (Greta State-school), 2; McCarliff (Taminick State-school), 3; Sixteen entries.

BOYS’ RACE —(Under 12).—C. Phillips (Benalla East), 1; J. Fawkes, do., 2; T. Coleman, do., 3; Eight entries.

BOYS’ RACE —(Under 8)—V. Evetts (Benalla East), 1; T. Webster, do., 2. Eight entries.

GIRLS’ RACE.—(Between 12 and 15)—A. Chambers (Greta State-school), 1; M. Lynch (Benalla East), 2; J. O’Brien (South Hanson), 3.

GIRLS’ RACE.—(Under 12)—M. Paterson (Greta), 1; M. Jamieson (Benalla East) and A. Paterson (Greta), ties. Seven entries.

GIRLS’ RACE.—(Under 8)—M. Bauchop (South Hanson), 1; J. Trigge (Taminick), 2. Nine entries.

MEN’S RACE.—W. Williams (Benalla), 1; Currie (Greta), 2.

Thanks to Sharon Hollingsworth for reminding me about this article and to
Gary Dean for allowing me to copy and upload this document which he transcribed.

See www.nedkellysworld.com.au