PUKEKOHE SCHOOL PICNIC

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 355, 22 February 1918, Page 1

PUKEKOHE SCHOOL PICNIC

A Successful Gathering

One of the most successful picnics held in connection with the Pukekohe public school took place on Wednesday last at Mr J. Crawford's farm, Paerata, which proved an ideal place for the gathering Soon after 9 a m the children and their teachers assembled at Messrs Perkins' CQrner in King street and they were conveyed to Paerata by motor lorry kindly lent by the New Zealand Dairy Association for the purpose. Much care was exercised by the drivers of the lorry, Messrs H. Newman, and Atkins in conveying about 500 children without mishap for which they deserve many thanks.

Owing to the war and other reasons the picnic had been abandoned and its revival this year was largely due to the teachers who collected the necessary funds for the purpose and ably controlled the arrangements for the refreshments and sports in a commendable way. The catering also included refreshments to parents and when it is remembered that .upwards of 600 children and adults

were supplied with tea and light refreshments the task was not an easy one. In addition to Mr Flavell (the Headmaster) and the teaching staff mention should be made of the valuable assistance rendered by Mr P. Perkins (Chairman of the School Committee) and the co operation of Messrs E. Smith, W. Y. Kirkman,

W. Wyatt and others who throughout the dfty by,their services contri- | buted to the success of the gathering. Happily each teacher was allotted prizes for the races held in connection with their respective classes, and this arrangement worked well aud much amusement was provided by watching the youngsters compete for their prizes. Others found pleasure in swimming in the creek near the farm and in various ways the children were happily spending an outing wh ch

will long be remembered. Prior to leaving, prizes and proficiency certificates were presented by Mr Perkins to the successful scholars. Included in the former were prizes to three scholars—Violet Mitchell, Clara Eowe and Kenneth Blake for the largest amount of bottles'collected on behalf of the Red Cross Fund, thus materially assisting in that good work. In the infants department prizes (given by the headteacher, Miss Hamlin) were also awarded to Kenneth Mellsop (Ist prize), Jack Weston (for best readiug) and Winnie Hughes (for neatest work).

Thanks were accorded to the teachers and those members of the Committee who had assisted in providing such an enjoyable outing, while cheers were also given for Mr J Crawford f>r the use of the ground, to Mr Perkins for his untiringefforts throughout the day and for the motor lorry drivers, Messrs Newman and Atkius, all of whom had

contributed to such a successful and happy gathering. It need hardly be added that the food provided and the lollies distributed to the scholars were not only the best but all received a plentiful supply. Altogether, the pleasures of the day were shared equally by the adults who thoroughly enjoyed the outing provided.