PIOPIO.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 64, 10 January 1908, Page 3

PIOPIO.

The picnic, inaugurated by tne settlers of Paemako, Mairoa, Piopio and surrounding districts, eventuated in Messrs Elliott and Johnston's paddock, Miroahuiao, on Boxing Day, and was an unqualified success, i he sudden change from the inclement weather of Christmas Day to a blue sky and blazing sun, attracted a large number of settlers to leave their homes and spend a merry time together in social enjoyment. The site was an ideal one for a picnic. Situated in a serpentine bend of the quiet Mokau river, where the sweet scented verna} and red apd white clover bloom luxuriantly, the Matipo trees provided ample shade for the ladies and children, while the flat of eight acres between the waters afforded ample room for foot races and other amusements for old and young. A lengthy programme of sports was-gone through for trophies presented by Messrs N Lever Bros., Te Kuiti, C. h Stevens, Te Kuiti, and V. S. Hattaway, Piopio. These races were all well contested, several dead heats having to be run off before the trophies were finally won. The ladies' race, for Mr Hattaway's tin of tea, was well contested, some eight or ten ladies running. Mrs Brough, of Aria, carried off the prize from scratch, just defeating Mrs Johnston on the tape. The settlers' race for married men, had also a large field and proved an exciting eveftt, "Mr Rawstron, 09 the limit, beating* th,e scratch man, A. BroughVby a small margin, and car? ry'hig off the much coveted eigh>day clock, ajso presented by Mr Hattaway The single ladies' race was won by Miss Saunders, Miss Chesnut being X Mr Stevens' packet of mixed garden seeds was won after a keen strug- / «ie by Master Bevege, who is already -Contemplating catering for next year's : early vegetable market in Te Kuiti. Messrs Lever Bros', trophies were won by Miss Saunders, of Ana, Agnes Alder, of Paemako, Wallis Northcote, of Piopio, and Albert Churcher, of Paemako. A scramble for lollies and nuts then fofloweft : w%& &er.e kindly donated S& aid Coieprook and

Mr J. Nicholls, Storekeepers, of Te Kuiti. A Maori haka was danced by the Natives for whom special races were provided. The race between Mrs Wharangi and Mrs Mungu created much interest, these ladies being very well matched and possessing an unusual turn of speed. A dead heat being run off declared Mrs Mungu the winner. In a neatly erected tent the railway survey party had a large eel on exhibition, Mr G. Baker making an excellent showman. The proceeds were generously donated towards the children's prize fund. A large box of toys was distributed amongst the children, each child on the ground receiving a toy. Mr Elliott, on behalf of the Committee, thanked all those who had so generously helped to make this, the first settlers' picnic, such a success. The thanks of the Committee were due to those who donated prizes, also to Green and Colebrook for the loan of the crockery. He wished all a " Happy and Prosperous New Year," and trusted they would all be spared to meet at a similar gathering in IQOB. Cheers were then given by the bachelors for the settlers' wives who had provided the refreshments. A collection was then made by the bachelors to pay for the children's prizes, which were procured by Messrs Anthony and Elliott, on their behalf. This collection amounted this, together with £1 2s 6d which Rewatu had collected from the Natives and presented to the Committee earlier in the day. brought the amount up to £4 14s 6d. A baby show elicited seven entries, Nat Harwood (8 months) carrying off first prize. Annie Neilson (6 months) was second, and Crissie McKenzie (4% '■ months) third, while the rest were highly commended. It is worthy of note that two of the proud mother exhibitors were Native women. A tug of war, married v. single, proved a very even contest, the single men winning after a hard struggle. All departed for their homes about 7 o'clock after a most enjoyable day's outing.