STATE SCHOOL PICNIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1207, 12 February 1914, Page 3

STATE SCHOOL PICNIC.

The local State school picnic and school excursion to the Ashhurst Domain took place yesterday in ideal weather. The local business people observed a close holiday and the town presented a somewhat deserted appearance. Before the train started at S a.m. the railway station presented a very animated appearance and every compartment in the special train was soon comfortably filled with upwards of seven hundred children and adults. At Himatangi, the Oroua Downs school children and parents were picked up. Upon arrival at the beautiful picnic grounds the elder folk selected suitable shady spots in the bush and the caterer, Mr Walls, was not long in regaling the youngsters with tea and cakes. The Domain caretaker, Mr Middleton, had hot water and milk in readiness. The Borough Band, whose kindness in offering their services, the committee are desirous of nubliclv. acknowledeine.

311 UUo U 1 * dCMJw W IvU^lliftj enlivened the proceeding with some excellent selections. Foot racing was indulged in by both young and old and some exciting finishes were witnessed. An abundance of fruit was provided by the committee and much appreciated by the children. After the mid-day meal numbers of children, iu charge of the male teachers, strolled along to the Manawatu Gorge, while others wandered through the bush. Eater in the afternoon the Chairman of Committee briefly addressed those present and thanked the Foxton public for their generous assistance in entertaining the children and complimented the latter on their excellent behaviour. He then asked Mr Piraui, chairman of the Education Board, to address the gathering. Mr Pirani said he knew something of the Foxton children at work and he was pleased to know in this connection that the school was maintaining its high standard of excellence. He was pleased to see them at play. He then spoke of his recent visit to the physical culture classes being held by the officers ot the Department at Hawera and said he was thoroughly convinced of the advantages and efficiency of the system. Beside the course of physical instruction, a number of organised games were taught, which will be a source of amusement and profit to the pupils in the schools when their teachers return to work. The children and parents arrived home at 8 o’clock tired, but thoroughly satisfied with the outing. A special word of praise is due to the male teachers and committee for the excellent manner in which all the arrangemeuts were carried out and to the railway officials for their courtesy. sports RKsnr.r.A

sruKis Kuoui^o. The following are the results of the spoils: — St. 1., (boys), Kere Heieui 1, Maxwell Picard 2, Eric Charles 3 ; (girls), Olive Andrews 1, Hazel Morgan 2, Annie Daniel 3 ; St. 11., (boys), Roy Burnett 1, Joseph Williams 2, Tom Jeffrey 3 : (girls), Maud Knapp 1, Bessie Ebbett 2, Agues Brewer 3 ; St. 111., (boys), Chas. Procter 1, Lance Andrew 2, George Stunell 3 ; (girls), Dolly Ebbett 1, Myrtle Andrew and Ada Tozer 2, Ivy Prew 3 ; St. IV., (boys), Frank Davis x, Darcy Ball 2, Tom Morgan 3 ; (girls), Himatangi Girl r, Margaret Ruscoe 2, Hilda Thompson 3 ; St. V., (boys), Philip Chalk r, Robt. Hornblow 2, Frank Wilson 3 ; (girls), W. Walls 1, Eva Thompson 2, May Brewer 2 ; St. VI., (boys), Wilfred Rimmer 1, Austin Charles 2, Robinson (Himatangi) 3 ; (girls), Sybil Bright 1, Ida Donkin 2, Dulcie Hawke 3. Three-legged race, Hazel Newth and Inez Austin. Married Ladies Races, Mrs McCarthy 1, Mrs Hillman 2 ; Mrs McKuight 1, Mrs Handley 2. Single Ladies Race, Miss M. Robinson. Married Men’s Races, Mr C. H. Collins 1, Mr H. Walls 2; Mr Martin 1, Mr Charles 2 ;Mr F. Raikes 1, Mr McKnight 2. Single Men’s Race, . Mr R. Meyer 1, Mr M. Walls 2. Boys’ Championship, W. M. jCruse i,. Frank Wilson 2; Girls Championship, Winnie Walls 1, Eva Thompson 2.