SCHOOL PICNIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 323, 25 January 1902, Page 3

SCHOOL PICNIC.

A meeting of thoso interested in the giving of the Gisborne school children a treat was hold in the High School-room last evening, there being present:—Mesdames Church, Robb. Williams ; Messrs A. F. Matthows (chairman), W. L. File, W. Morgan, G. Stubbs, W. Cramond, W. J. Quigley, J. Dowor, J. Brown, T. Sweet, Darton, R. Johnston, A. Sawyer, Major Winter, Revs. J. G. Paterson and B. F. Rothwell. An apology was received from Mr Hookey for his absence.

The Chairman stated that when the householders had elected tho Committee

they instructed them to give the children a picnic. It was four or five years since a picnic had beon given. He thought they would bo able to raise sufficient money for the picnic, and with the sum given to them by the Government for the encouragement of swimming they would be able to hold swimming races for good prizes. Ho thought there would bo no difficulty to carry out the picnic satisfactorily. They should elect committees and set to work as soon as possiblo. Several gentlemen had promised donations, and thero should bo no difficulty about the catering. Ho thought of holding the picnic in the Recreation Ground.

The Rev. J. G. Paterson asked if it was intended to hold the picnic before the school met. The Chairman said that under Mr Bull’s suggestion they thought the treat should bo held the first week in which tho school mot. The Rev. Mr Paterson moved that tho picnic be held in the Recreation Ground on Thursday, 6th February, if the tide suited, and failing the tide suiting the picnic to bo held on the Thursday following. Major Winter seconded tho proposition, which was carried.

In reply to Mr File, the Chairman stated that the Committee had no money in hand, except that donated by the Government, but several gentlemen had promised subscriptions. Mr W. L. File moved that a concert be held to raise funds for the picnic. They would then be able to raise money besides the amount given in subscriptions. He bad no objection personally to given subscriptions, but ho thought more money could be raised in the manner proposed. He moved that a committee be appointed to carry out tho concert. The Rev. Mr Paterson seconded the motion pro forma. The llov. B. F. Rothwell said it was likely that the paronts would give as freely for a, treat as for a concert. The arranging of a concert would mean a great amount of work. If an energetic committee were appointed, they could canvass parents, noue of whom would give less than they would for a concert.

Mr W. Morgan said that many people would give donations in the shape of eatables, and tho committee would only have to raise sufficient money to provide the remainder of the eatables and the

prizes. In answer to the Rov. Mr Paterson, Mr Morgan stated he did not know what tho treats cost.

The Bov. Mr Paterson suggested that the older scholars be not asked to canvass ; it was better that older people should do such work—a sentiment which mot with the approval of the meeting. The Chairman thought that a concert would require too much time in the working up. The concert held by the School was generally in aid of the School prize fund, and he thought it better to leave well alone. Mr B. John3ton said he thought the parents would contribute liberally to the providing of provender. Mr T. Sweet said the idea of the concert was a splendid one, but they would have their hands full without it. There was plenty of fruit in the country, which could be had for the taking away. A little work of organisation was needed, and the picnic would be successful. Mr File, in reply, said he had not suggested a children’s concert, but one given by adults. Anyone would be welcome at the picnic, and they would require all the money they could get. The tradesmen were boing continually called on for subscriptions, and they had begun to object. Mr W. Morgan said the country schools often approached the townspeople, and, no doubt, they in return would be pleased to assist the town schools. The motion was then put and lost. The Chairman proposed that the whole of the persons present, with power to add to their number, be formod into a committee to carry out the picnic. Mr Sweet seconded the proposition, which was carried. On the proposition of Mr Johnston, seconded by tho BsV. Mr Paterson, Messrs Ambridge, Cratnond, Darton, and Major Winter, with power to add to their number, were elected a Sports Committee. It was proposod and carriod that the Canvassing Committee consist of Mes-.-darnes Williams, Church, and Bobb, Bev. ■ Bothwell, and Messrs Johnston, Brown, Matthews, Cratnond and Darton, with power to add to their number. In regard to a Catering Committee, Mi Sweet thought that a strong and energetic ladies’ committee should be appointod'to canvass for eatables, and proposed that tho ladies present, with Mesdames Townley, Sweet, Morgan, Darton, Nolan, and ' Jones, with power to add, bo the com- . mittee. ... " Mr File soconded the proposition, which was carried. _ , _ A sub-committee of tho Catering Committee, consisting of Messrs File, Jones, Stubbs, Sawyer, and Dowor, was appointed to attend to hot water and other arrangements. Mr Darton suggested that an excursion be made to the warship, from which they might raise funds. Mr Cramond stated that he would be only too pleased to allow the Committee the use of tho Waihi for the purpose suggested, but the Band had spoken for the boat, and he would let them know as soon as possible if tho boat was available. Mr G. Stubb3 was appointed secretary

for the picnic. , The Chairman said that no doubt tee parents would only be too glad to assist in any way to make tho picnic a success. It was resolved that tho General Committe meet next Thursday evening at the same time and place.