Millers' Picnic.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7062, 7 February 1893, Page 2

Millers ' Picnic.

The employees of the three Timaru flour mills, with the approval and assistance of their employers, yesterday combined to hold a big picnic—the first of the kind for the Timaru millers, and also, it is said, the first in magnitude, and the first co-operative outing among the millers in the colony. The holiday was a great success from first to last, and for this the employers are entitled to some credit, as they not only gave a handsome donation towards expenses, but gave all bands a holiday on full pay. The scene of the festival was the favourite Gordon’s Bush, permission to use it having been willingly given by Mr Elworthy. The drive out and home, however, furnished no small share of the day’s pleasure, taking the party through a variety of country. The party numbered about 200, and filled five drags and four expresses, with a surplus for a buggy. They started from town at 8 15, and two hours’ drive landed them at the rendezvous- After a miscellaneous scramble in the native bash and among the limestone blocks and ledges, programme of amusements for the ohildren ! was put through, for which Messrs Turner and Biby, managers of two of the mills, had provided a couple of cases of toys, etc., for prizes. There were about 70 children among the compony, so that this thoughtfulness on their part was not without occasion, A portable organ turned up among the camp impedimenta, and the strains of lively music invited to “ trip, trip, trip," and not in vain. There was an abundance of re- ( freshments provided, lashin’s and lavin’s j of everything, in spite of the unusual I appetites given by the fresh air. The'

return journey at one time promised a little excitement as a traction engine in full puff was met. In view of the numbers against him the driver capitulated and humbly took his machine to the side of the road till the procession bad passed without mishap. A most enjoyable day was spent. The weather was perfect, and the kindliest and moat cheerful spirit prevailed throughout, and there was not the slightest accident to mar the pleasure of the party. Xho bush was left about six, and at eight the string of vehicles wore rattling through the streets behind capital teams that seemed to have enjoyed the picnic themselves. The affair was so successful that all who were concerned in it hope, and indeed have determined, so far as they can see so far ahead, to make the millers* picnic an annual event. As the millers get very few holidays, and appear to have enjoyed themselves on this occasion, we wish them “ many happy returns of the day ” The arrangements for yesterday’s picnic, we almost forgot to mention, were made by a committee consisting of Messrs Hipkinsand Wilson (BoyalMiil), King and Lahore (Belford Mill), and Curtis and Dowling (Atlas Mill).