SCHOOL PICNIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 18 March 1909, Page 3

SCHOOL PICNIC.

Yesterday morning the weather set in wet, and the scholars of the local State School, who had been looking forward to the river excursion and picnic at the sea-side, thought they were doomed to disappointment. Many of them, however, came to school with their mugs, still hoping that the weather would break fine. At 9 o’clock a warm drizzling rain was falling, and it looked as if it would lift. The Committee decided to risk it, which news was welcomed by the scholars. Headmaster Adams and staff marshalled about two hundred odd, and the procession, headedjby the cadet buglers, proceeded along Main Street, round by the Post Office to the end of the wharf, where Mr Signal and his staff were busy preparing the two big punts for the accommodation of the children. With commendable forethought, Mr Signal provided a large stock of life belts and buoys, and tarpaulins. The girls occupied one punt and the boys the other. A number of parents were also in attendance. The trip down the river was delightful, and the children behaved themselves admirably. Arrived at the Beach, Mr Perreau did not keep the children waiting long for lunch. After the cravings of the inner man had been satisfied, the children scattered along the foreshore and beach. At this time the sun was shining brightly. At 2 p.m. the bugles sounded the assemble, and the sports commenced. Mr Hornblow arranged the programme ; Mr Gordon was entrusted with the handicapping ; the Rev. Mr Aitken and Mr G. Coley acted as judges ; Mr Bullard as starter, while Mr Adams allotted the prizes. Messrs Read and Fred Dunn also rendered valuable assistance. The programme consisted of foot and novel races, wres ling for boys, tug-of-war, skipping,, married women’s race, committeemen’s race, and the teachers’ race. All the events were well contested, and provided plenty of amusement. Before tea was served several group photographs were taken. About five o’clock the children and parents were all safely got on board, and after a pleasant run up the river, were safely landed at the wharf at 6.15 p.m., without even the slightest mishap occuring to mar the day’s outing. Cheers were given by the scholars for Mr Signal and staff, the teaching staff and committee. Appended is the list of prize-winners ; Boys over 12 years.->-H. McDonnell x, W. Speirs 2. Girls over xo years. Alice Knapp 1, Maggie Borelaud 2. Boys over 10 and under 12 years.—N. Pearsou 1, R. McEwen

Girls 8 to 10 years,—Dorothy Blanche 1, Mona McEvven 2, • Boys 7 top years.—Roy Bullard 1, Frank Wilson 2. Jockey Race (boys).—Guy Edwards 1 Douglas Walls 2. Girls 6 to 8 years.—Gladys McSaveny 1, May Brewer 2. Boys 6 to 8 years. —H. Bradley x, Leu Knapp 2, Monkey Race (boys).—W. Nye 1, L. Pursou 2. Girls’ 3-legged Race, —Nellie McDonnell and Jeanie McKnight 1, Ivy Richmond and Alice Knapp 2.

Tug - of - War. —Team of nine captained by Guy Edwards.

Boys over 6 and under 8 years. —R. Hornblow i, F. Desmond 2. Girls over 6 and under 8 years. —Ada Towser 1, Ethel Desmond 2.

Wrestling (boys).—W. Howe r, H. McDonnell 2, L. Aitken 3. Backward Race (boys),—Douglas Walls 1, Lewis Johnstone 2. Skipping Contest. Georgina Gavey (356) 1, Maggie Boreland (228) 2.

Consolation Race. Clarrie Coley 1, Cecil Lawton 2. Boys’ 3-legged Race. —H. Bachelor and A. Walls 1, R. Boreland and James Owen 2. Boys’ 3-legged Race. —Lionel Burston and Fred Hadfield 1, L. Johnstone and R. Coley 2.

Teachers’ Race.—Mr Wilson 1, Miss Wanklyn 2. Committeemen’s Race. Mr Hornblow 1, Mr Bullard 2. Married Women’s Race.---Mrs Desmond 1, Mrs H. Walls 2.