PICNICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 11

PICNICS.

COMBINED INSUEANCE COMPANIES

The annual picnic of the combined insurance companies was held at the Maori Kaik on Feb. 26. The steamer Maheno had been chartered for the occasion, and upwards of 200 persons availed themselves of the outing. Shortly after 9.30 the Maheno, with its merry party on board, left the wharf, and after a pleasant trip down the harbour the little steamer made fast to the Kaik jetty at 11.30. The weather was cold and threatening in the early morning, but the day broke out beautifully fine. Shortly after arrival the party broke up into little groups on the picturesque ground on Mt Taiaroa's property at Otakou. Here an interesting programme of sports, including a Ladies v. Gents, cricket match, was gone through under the management of an energetic committee. All the running events were keenly contested, and the cricket match was productive of^ great amusement. An excellent luncheon and afternoon tea were provided, and everything possible was done to make the outing enjoyable. It was generally voted the most successful of the outings held bj the combined insurance companies. A start was made for the homo

journey shortly after 5.30, and the Dunedin wharf was reached at 7 o'clock. Just prior to beithing at the wharf. Mr \V. I. Bolam took the opportunity of bidding farewell to Mr F. G. Cray who is about to proceed to Wellington, and to wish that gentleman every success and happiness in his new sphere. Heaity cheers were given for Mr Cray who, in rsponse, expressed regret at leaving all his go d friends in Dunedin, and trusted that he would soon be with them again. Following are the details of the sports: — " Instillation " Handicap (under 18).— Little 1, Cray 2. " Endowment " Sack Eace.— Hutton 1, Jones 2. " Mixed Construction " Handicap. — Duncan 1, Fisher 2. " Non-attached " Handicap (girls under 18). — E. Bum 1, D Wymks 2 " Average Clause " Handicap — Jones 1, Eyre 2. " Sprinklers " Egg and Spoon Bace (ladies). — Miss Cray 1, Miss Mills 2. " Concurrent Insurance " Stakes (fourlegged race). — Walsh, Esquilant, Little 1. " Tariff Breakers " Handicap (managers). — I Bolam 1, A. J. Sullivan 2 " " Whole Life " Tie and Cigarette Eace. — Hutton and Mrs Downes 1.

' "Attachment" Handicap (ladies). — Mr> Eterhardt. Single Ladies' Race — Miss V. Crammonch, ' "Total Disablement" Croas-couutry Handi ' cap.— H. G. Wil&on 1, A D. Calder 2. Cricket Match.— Ladies (68) beat Gentr (56).

1 In instance of the careless manner in which certificates of good character are ' given occurred at the Wellington Supreme Court the other day. A prisoner with three aliases pleaded " Guilty " to three charges of forgery at Masterton, and two previous convictions had been recorded! against hrm. Yet a certificate of good character from a member of Parliament had been handed to the judge in regard to the prisoner. A pathetic appeal was recently made by, the contractor for supplying milk to the Ararat Hospital (Victoria). He said that? owing to the large number of typhoid patients and having to buy milk at an increased price, he was losing' heavily on his contract. He asked the committee to share the loss, and concluded with a fervent prayer for " the speedy recovery at happy deaths of the patients."