SCHOOL PICNIC

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2695, 14 February 1924, Page 2

SCHOOL PICNIC

AN ENJOYABLE OUTING. There were many sad hearts among the pupils of the local State school on Tuesday evening as the rain fell in torrents and threatened to spoil their railway excursion and picnic, at Ashhurst the following day. The headmaster and teachers were appealed to as if able to intercede with ihe elements to give “Old Sol” a chance to shine on the morrow. Those in charge of affairs were optimistic that till would be well. Mr Perreau, the caterer, made the sandwiches and baked the buns and eake>. Mr Coley—in whom the kiddies have not a more sympathetic and big-hearted champion—collected the fruit and sweets likewise much in hard cash to meet expenses from generous citizens, and the chairman and secretary were to meet at 6.30 the following morning to decide on the cancellation of the train. Anyhow the elements were kind and the sun shone, the train left and the picnic was held under ideal conditions. Upwards of 600 parents and scholars participated in the outing which went off without a hitch of any kind. Upon arrival at the beautiful grounds at Ashhurst, the children were regaled with refreshments —of which there was an abundance including fruit and sweets. The adults sought out shady nooks while the children participated in the sports programme, arranged by Mr Davidson and the energetic secretary (Mr Roore). Those who assisted with the sports were Messrs Simpson, Jno. Ross, Me Knight, W. Adams, Murphy, and others. Mr W. Adams officiated as judge of the baby show and carried out his difficult task with credit and satisfaction to all. The gallant judge refused to kiss the mothers but impressed a kiss upon the cheeks’ of the chubby little infants. The committee and staff worked assiduously throughout the day with the result that everyone was happy. A special word of praise is due to the local stationmaster and staff for their efforts in providing ample accommodation on the train. Altogether the picnic was one of the most enjoyable yet held. The following is the sports results: Boys:—100 yards championship: George Rankin 1, Arnold Stevenson 2, Douglas Satherley 3; 75 yards, do., E. Ball 1, Robin Chrystall 2, J. Gower 3. 100 yards (open), A. Stevenson 1, Robin Chrystall 2, Rex Ball 3. 100 yards under 13 years, Robin Chrystall 1, Jack Francis 2, A. Murphy 3. 75 yards, under 12 years, Leon 1, A. Murphy 2, Jack Tonge 3. 50 yards under 11 years: Garnet Hoffmann 1, Nelson Walls 2; monkey race: Jack Thessman 1, Bertie 2, Royce Evans 3; wheelbarrow race: Jack Thessman and George Rankin 1, E. Ball and Jim Potaka 2, Frank Cowley and Davie Satherley 3; wheelbarrow race: Robin Chrystall 1, J. ThesSman 2, J. Potaka 3; 50 yards under !) years: Jackson McGregor 1, Skip Baker 2, Garnet Leach 3; 440 yards handicap, open: Rex Ball 1, E. Ball 2, C. Newson and R. Chrystall 3; hoot race, Robin Chrystall 1, Theo Leach 2, A. Stevenson 3. Girls:—so yards under 8 years: Margaret Stevenson 1, Ada Roore 2 Jean Coley 3; 13 years and over, 100 yard.-: Rona Wallmtton 1, Vioiei Bangs 2, Susie Rankin 3: 75 yards. 12 years and under, Ngaire Dunn L, Dolly Thessman and Jean Francis 2; 75 yards under 8 years: Eileen Francis 1, Joan Cowley 2, I .via Gh alley 3; 100 yards championship, under 13 years, Myrtle Gay 1, Jean Francis 2, E. Reader 3; three-legged race, Thelma and Caroline Coley 1, iris Coley and Dolly Thessman 2, Susie Rankin and Joyce de Didder 3; hopping race, under 12 years, M. Me Coll 1, Molly Downts and Myrtle Hughes 2; hopping race, under 12 years, M. Gay 1. G. Reader 2, L. Chaffey 3; consolation race, G. Reader 1, Rhoda Coley 2, Mary Moil' 3; old girls’ race, Dolly Brown 1, M. Yertongen 2, I). Griffin 3. Married Women's Race: Mrs Harris 1, Mrs J. McKnight 2, Mrs Neville 3.

Baby Show: June Harris 1, Airs it. Coley’s baby 2, Airs AleCarthy’s 3, AHs Procter’s 4. The Committee desire to thank all who in any way assisted to make the outing a success.