ANNUAL PICNIC.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4388, 10 March 1922, Page 4

ANNUAL PICNIC.

SCHOOLS’ FREE EXCURSION. PAEROA TO TARARU BAY. Last Wednesday the scholars attending the Paeroa, Komata, and Tirohia schools held their, annual' picnic op the beach at Tararu Bay (Thames). They left their respective centres by the first train in the morning, and were received at the Thames station by the Mayor (Mr E. N. Miller) and the town clerk (Mr Chapman), who had in readiness motor-cars, which conveyed the happy picnickers to the beach. On the op-\ posite side of the ' road Mrs Challis kindly gave permission for the use of a well-shelter.ed paddock for the day, which was greatly appreciated by the visitors, as it was such a cosy nook for the children, there being some fine shady willow, karaka, and other native trees towering above a lovely green carpeted lawn surrounded by an ornamental hedge. Prior to the event a collection was taken up among the scholars to provide funds in order to give the children, rich and poor, a day’s outing free of charge and adults at reduced fares. All the arrangements were then le£t in the capable hands of Mr Miller and Mr Chapman, who thought of the children’s needs in every respect, leaving nothing to be desired. At about 11 aan. the were treated with hot. tea, ginger-ale, and hot cross buns. The hot water was in charge of Mr Dovell (Thames), who attended to his work very assiduously. An enterprising lady (Mrs Dovell) had a lolly and fruit stall, which was, well patronised by everyone. After lunch bathing was indulged in by young and old; the variegated colours of the bathing costumes gaily bobbing about in the sea presented an animated scene of perfect fun and frolic. Owing to the good forethought of Mr Miller and Mr Chapman tents had been erected as dressing rooms for the bathers. Other children spent many a pleasant hour playing games on the lawn and exercising on the swings, while the mothers were able to sit at ease under the trees. Allday long, at intervals, groups of small parties were to be seen indulging in delicacies which they h.ad brought with them. At the end of the. day Mr G. H. Taylor, headmaster of the Paeroa school, organised a big lolly scramble, and called for three cheers for Mrs Challis which were heartily given. At 3 P.m. the children were assembled, ana under the command of Mr S. J. Bishop were safely returned to the Thames station by motor-ears for the evening train. They were then supplied with more hot cross buns to cheer them on their homeward journey. Judging by the children’s happy faces and the satisfied look ofi the mothers, they had all thoroughly enjoyed the day’s outing. Great credit is due to the teachers for the good behaviour of the children whilst travelling. The school staff certainly organised things capably, and handled the scholars in a manner which was authoritative without in any way restricting their enjoyment.