WAITANGURU.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 644, 18 February 1914, Page 5

WAITANGURU.

Own Correspondent,

The first picnic' to be held within the near vicinity of this part, was celebrated last Wednesday, 13th inst., at Mangaohae, at Mr Were's' farm. The early morning dawned with very ur.promising prospects. A slight drizzly rain fell for a short time but the sun soon dispersed the clouds, the day being an ideal one for a picnic. People began to assemble fairly early, from all directions. By dinner time thcve was well over fifty people nrpsent. The si "a chosen for dinner which was serve i about 1 p.m. was a very pretty anri inviting little spot, beside a river, i ■ coolness afforded by the tree 3 provic: g a very welcome retreat from tfc hp»t of the sun. Many willing h. ' perd served out the tea and edibles uf which was a bounteous si ;jpiy. A short rest after lunch and ,;:cn all adjourned to take part in g; of amusement. The racing on tl.■■■: whole was exceptionally good w'.th some very close finishes, hpeakin* well for the handicapping of Messrs Goldfinch and Were. The prizes were well worthy of keen competition. When the racing was finished at the request of Mr V. L. Jackson, all present were photographed. Tea was then served, after which a number of games were indulged in till dusk, whtn an adjournment was made to the woolshed, which was neatly decorated for the dance, which was kept up till 4 a.m. During the evening a good supper was provided, and other dainties such as apples, lollies, etc., were handed round. Mr Neil Larsen acted as M.C. and Messrs A. M. Andresen and E. Larson supplied the music. MrV. L. Jackson expressed great satisfaction at the treatment received by the visitors, and thanked the ladies and others whose efforts i>'ade the fuction a success, also the musicians who had travelled some distance in order to render the music for the dance. PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION. A well attended and representative gathering )f the above was held in the hall on Saturday evening. Mr Buckley in the chair. The chairman referred to the timber for the addition to the hall, which he recommended should be stacked. After discussion it was decided that the date of the picnic should be March lOtb. The same handicapper and starter was re-elected. The chairman drew attention to last year's crowding of the judges at the finish of a race. Some people judged the winners from their point of view, which gave rise to much dissatisfaction. It was decided to erect a rail at the winning post to prevent a recurrence of last year's overcrowding, Messrs G. and W. Thrush to do the work. Messrs J. BarraU and C. Armstrong were re-appointed judges; Messrs Murphy and Buckley agreed to introduce all strangers, while Messrs J. Dennison. J. Lowmsn. J. Mills and his brother were appointed to take charge of all horses. Messrs J. Richardson and E. Brider will see that all men are on their marks, and Mr C. Thrush, whilst assisting the starter, announces all races. Messrs Rogers and Lowry will draw up the programme. A number of men agreed to repair the track. Two men each day for a week with two horses, plough and scoop will work on it in this way. Mr Buckley has lent his two horses, while the volunteers are Messrs C. and J. Armtrong. D. Frederickson, P. McLay, W. Jones, B. Brider, and J. Lowman. It can be readily seen by the above report that a systematic manner of arranging matters is arranged. They not only had the welfare of their own locality at heart, but also spent much time in devising the best means in whioh to entertain strangers. Par too often are strangers when visiting fresti places treated coldly and allowed to remain isolated as it were. All those who are able to attend this picnic can, I am sure, reiy on good treatment and a hearty welcome.