Foxton Band Picnic.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3498, 18 March 1905, Page 2

Foxton Band Picnic.

UP-RIVER EXCURSION'. St. Patrick’s Day in the morning broke beautifully fine, and when at about 9.30 a.m. the river steamer “ Kate ” cast off from the railway wharf with one of the big punts in tow there was much enjoyment-—in anticip jlion--»-depicted on the faces of the 150 odd excursionists who ventured forth on the picnic organised by the local band. Progress was somewhat slow, owing to tide and current being both against the towing; but shortly after nocm the party arrived at Paiaka. No time was lost in getting under the shade of the willows there,* which was doubly welcome after the enforced confinement in the small space of the boat under a sizzling sun, “ \Yhile the billy boiled ” other preparations were in progress for the delectation of irrepressible person, the inner man, several of the married men of the party displaying great aptitude for the role of commissariat officer. And just here let os give the single man picknicker a kindly word of advice : If he has set his young affections on some dimpling damsel he should watch and imitate an elder who has passed through the ordeal. Behind the charmer's dimpled [ace is masked a mind to discriminate between the handy man and the awkward one, and by these qualities may his “fate" be decided. But this is a digression. Lunch over the picnickers began to drift off in knots, each intent r.u enjoyment in its own particular way. For the more strenuous crickel, rounders, and other games were provided, and so the time passed quickly enough till four o’clock. Then tea was. brought on thejjscene, and after that a Mart made for home, vyhich was reached shortly after seven. The members of the hand are to be congratulated on securing such an enjoyable outing, Old Sol’s waning strength and final departure to shine on some other part of “ our Empire ” and other national celebrations rendered (he homeward run much pleasanter than the up-journey, and this was evidenced by the good spirits of the cornpuiy in keeping up a medley programme of band and vocal items with which the visitor could not be but impressed. Arrived at the wharf, the people sorted themselves out and slowly wended their way home, perdream of another picnic on the rive*' with St. Patrick at the wheel 10 direct theft* course in search of pleasure. _____