STRATFORD BY THE SEA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 27, 31 January 1913, Page 6

STRATFORD BY THE SEA.

THE ANNUAL PICNIC. Stratford nad his wife, ml appurtenances in the shape of Young Stratford and bathing costumes and other things, went down to the sea in trainloads yesterday. Altogether, 1800 people travelled to New Plymouth, but not all of them came back in the evening, a few being left at Fitzroy owing to the last train stopping not there, but at the siding further up the line. The weather was real summer when Stratford was left in the morning, but the wind blew fresh and strong on approaching the terminus, and fears were expressed that the company were in for a wetting. Fortunately, however, these fears weVe groundless, and a warm, and at times oppressively, hot day resulted.’ It was just “what the doctor/ordered” for a holiday at the seaside, and no one failed to take advantage of the good things provided by the gods. Everybody had a bath—-there were no exceptions. In the sea, in the sand, in the sun, there was room for all. Old men and maidens, young men and children, and the children’s mother’s, too, drank deep of God’s glorious air, and bathed or paddled in the surf, while others, not all young and in their swaddling clothes, rolled over and cuddled—the sands. The swings and “ocean wave” made for variation. By the way, the notice — “These donkeys for hire”—that was affixed to the swings must have been the work of a joker, but where ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to bo wise!” The donkeys referred to were, no doubt, “Paddy’s”' peculiar and particular care, and they had a hard row to hoe along the beach with never-ending loads. Altogether, it was a great time, for the children especially, but the more staid among the gathering appeared to thoroughly enjoy the pretty scene from the hillocks’ side. East End must have gained in popularity after yesterday, though there are still some'picnickers who pin their faith to the Breakwater. The day was a complete success from the management’s point of view, and quite exceeded their expectations. It was a happy hut tired throng that reached town in the evening. It would seem that those whom the gods love healthy are first made tired. The oxone from the ocean has health-giving properties so valuable that the benefit of Stratford’s holiday can hardly be estimated. The year 1914 will come soon enough for most of us, but it may be truthfully claimed for the children that a return trip in the next vacation will not ho a day too soon making its appearance, 'find East End will gain the verdict.