From Western Post, Saturday, 19 January 1861: CHILDREN'S FETE at BURRUNDULLA This event came off on Monday last and will be long remembered by all who attended it as one of the most pleasant gatherings of the kind which has been held in Mudgee. A more delightful day, or a more appropriate place for a picnic could not well have been selected than the large paddocks belonging to Messrs G H and A B COX, as they afford that great desideratum, shade, in the shape of several magnificent willows. The invitation was general, and we were glad to see that it was accepted in the same spirit. Amongst the six or seven hundred children and the three hundred or so adults, were persons of all classes. The children started from Mr COCHRANE's store at about two o'clock, one hundred and fifty of the little ones carrying a flag each headed by a large one on which was inscribed "Ration pets", in allusion to Mr. COCHRANE's kind custome of giving rations of lollies every Saturday to our young Mudgeeites. These flags, with others on the ground, together with a brass band, gave an air of great liveliness to the scene. Cakes, spice nuts, sweetmeats, pears, apples, tea, &c., were provided in great abundance and proved sufficient even for the wonderful capabilities of the lads. The fruit was provided by R LOWE Esq; the cakes were prepared by three ladies well known and old residents in the town; the tea, tables, tent &c. on the ground, by G H COX, Esq., for all which friendly assistance and co-operation we know our friend Mr COCHRANE felt grateful. The children were arranged in groups and the cake &c., distributed amidst merry shouts and ringing laughter. The feasting being finished, dancing, cricket, racing &c., followed and were kept up with great spirit till near sun down. The foot racing was particularly amusing, for which the boys were indebted to Mr BURROWS, who kept it up with great zest and liberality. About seven o'clock the grounds began to thin, when the band played the National Anthem, in which all united. G H COX, Esq., then addressed the children, and on their behalf thanked Mr COCHRANE for his kindness, after which cheers were given for the Queen, Mr COCHRANE, G H and A B COX Esq., &c.; and thus ended an exceedingly agreeable and merry affair. We are glad to state that not a single incident occurred to take from the pleasure of the day and that the young people behaved remarkably well. We believe it is Mr COCHRANE's intention to return shortly to England, and we are sure that the remembrance of the scene on Monday last will often present itself to his mind forming a pleasant reminiscence of Australia, while we in Mudgee shall often think of him. We cannot close this account without alluding to the kindness of the Mayor, and Messrs DICKSON, STANBURY, MOLLOY, DOUGHERTY, and BAX, for conveying the party to and from the ground. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.