SETTLERS PICNIC.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 220, 30 December 1909, Page 5

SETTLERS PICNIC.

Record Gathering at Piopio.

annual reunion of the settlers of * and surrounding districts bas ilways been a gathering of singular popularity. Each succeeding picnic has been pronounced a record to point of numbers, and favoored with fine weather the promoters of the gathering have always been particularly fortunate in respect to conditions without which no open-air function can b« a success. On the day prior to the picnic thia year it seemed as though the record for 1909 would be unfavourable. aa :i heavy south-westerly gale was iMs-i'ins, and the weatherwise predicted ram as soon as the wind fell. Contrary to these gloomy predictions the weather on Monday, December 27th. was peerless from a picnicker's point of view, a beautiful azure sky, the rays of the summer sow being tem-pt-red with a delightful breeze, rendered the weather alt that could be desired, and what little dust was encountered on the road to the picnic ground was soon forgotten amid the pleasant surroundings. The picnic is held in one of Mr Johnston's paddocks. and a more suitable ground for the function could not be found. Situated on a picturesque bend of the Mofcau nver with its wiltow-deeked banks. with ample space for the accommodation of thousands, and with numberless shady nooks and comers for the various parties, the natural features of the locality fit it to be classed among the specially favoured resorts of the district. The picnic of 1909 was well attended by settlers from the surrounding districts. Throughout the forenoon the road was thick with vehicles and horsemen proceeding to the and by midday there most have been fully 400 people assembled. An parly start was made with the sports programme, and the following are the results: — Boys' Race, under It years, 75 yards: G. Bevege. I, A. Chureher 2. Cirls' Race, 50 yards: Ida Chureher I, M. Slynes 2. dirts' Race, 75 yards: M.Johnston !. R. Chureher 2. Cirls' Race. 50yards: M. Styncs I, [. Chureher 2. Hoys' Race, 75 yards: F. Hunt 1, G. I'.cvege 2. Sing'e Ladies' Race. 75 yards: M. Kilmartin I, E. Chureher 2. 100 Yards Men's Race: This race was run in heats, the final resulting: Mossman I, Cleaver 2. Married Ladies' Race. 75 yards: Mrs J. Voyce t, Mr « J. Slynes 2. Girls under 18 years: Miss Sanders I, Mia4 McDonald 2 High Jump (boys): Mossman 4ft sin 1. Muraahi 2. Single Ladies' Race: Miss Sanders I, Miss Chestnut 2. Married Men's Race, 100 yards: A. Harwood I, J. Voyce 2. Dairy Supplies' Race, 100 yards: P. Webby t, G. Andrews 2. Boys' Race, under 16 years: F. Hunt I. Married Couples' Race: Mr and Mrs •J. Voyce 1. - Roys' Race, 75 yards: F. Hunt 1, l). Magill 2. Settlers' Race: J. Kilmartin 1, P. Webby 2. Farmers' Race: E. Smith I, A. Harwood 2. Tutjo'-War: This event between teams representing married and single sides is always productive of great interest, and this year was no exception to the rule. On appearance, the married side had considerably the advantage on the score of weight. In the pull the weight evidently told a tale, as the benedicts were successful in two straight tugs. A large number of other juvenile events were also run off, ant fun of every description provided for the youngsters. As the shades of evening drew on many began to wend their various ways homeward, but a large number remained behind to take part in the evening's entertainment on the ; grounds. Originally it was intended I to hold the annual dance at the Miroahuiao Hall instead of waiting until tv - evening of New Year's Day, but . owing to some hitch this intention was not carried out. An entertainment was therefore arranged to be held in the large marquee on the „ around, and a programme was quickly not in order. After tea those who remained adjourned to the marquee, and Mr G. Elliott presided at an enjoyable gathering. [n the course of the evening, Mr Elliott, in an appropriate speech, thanked those who bad assisted, and •iferred to the decided progress of the district during the past year. Industrially, they could point to the dairying industry as being practically commenced, saleyards were in » like position, considerable land had been opened in the district, and the number of new ventures on the tapis was legion. He fett every confidence in the future of the district, and hoped they would all participate in the prosperity which always attended progress. The entertainment was kept up till midnight, when the company left for home in the moonlight.