SETTLERS' PICNIC.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 119, 31 December 1908, Page 2

SETTLERS' PICNIC.

' Qathering at Piopio.

The picnic organised by the settlers of Piopio, Paemako, Mairoa, Mangaotaki, Aria, Kaeaea and surrounding districts, eventuated on B >xing Day, and was an unqualified success. The morning dawned with lowering clouds, and frequent showers occurred till about 10 a.m., when the sun broke, through and gladdened the hearts of the settlers who, with their wives and families, were to be seen wending their *way by waggon, buggy, gig and horseback, to the picnic grounds. The energetic committee had erected tents and mown the grass on a lovely bend of the Mokau River, on the property of Mr J. H.Johnston. The natural beauty of the spot, with the sweet aroma of the newly-mown hay, rejuvenated the heart immediately one entered the grourids. A band of lady workers welcomed the ladies on their arrival, and relieved them of their edibles, which were placed together in the tent fcet apart as the "food depot." Everybody seemed to vie with the other to make the gathering a success. Every road on Boxing Day led to the picnic grounds, and at noon fully five hundred people had essembled. ■ A lengthy programme of sports had been arranged for Gld and young, and valuable trophies for the same having been kindly donated by the business people of Te Kuiti, together with Mr Hattaway, the local storekeeper. Keen interest was taken in the various events, especially the ladies' races, which were very evenly contested. Games of Various kinds were played, in which everybody took part with a right merry heart. The Natives were present in large numbers and gave a Haka during the afternoon, which was much appreciated by the visitors present. The tug of war, Maoris v. Pakehas, was an interesting event; but owing to the strong rope parting on the third test, the issue ,is left in doubt till next year, both sides winning a pull each. It is worth noting that the anchor man for the Maoris (Kahu Huatare) weighed twenty stone —hence the parting of the cable. The bachelors of the district had subscribed and procured one hundred beautiful assorted toys for the children,; which were distributed to every child both Maori and pakeha, only one toy being left over.

At the conclusion of the day, Mr G. Elliott, Chairman of the Settlers' Committee, thanked all those who had so liberally catered in every direction, for the enjoyment of all, reminded them of the Settlers' Social to be held in the Miroahuiao Hall on New Year's Eve.

There wore many who worked hard to make the day an enjoyable one, but special mention is du* to Mesdames Ransron, Sincock, Wyatt and Misses Hunt, Churcher and Sincock, for their untiring services; also Messrs J. Anthony (Secretary,) Sincock, Johnston and Bevege, who did all they could possibly for the enjoyment of old and young in the sporting events. The day was concluded with a dance in the hall which continued till midnight, thus ending a most enjoyable function.