PUKEOKAHU NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 31 January 1917, Page 6

PUKEOKAHU NOTES.

(Own Correspondent). Our annual picnic lias eomc and gone, and it was by no means tlic least enjoyable that has been held in the district. The picnic was a striking example of the good feeling and camarderie that exists in our little community. Everyone was bent on getting the best out of our annual re-union, and many pleasant reminiscences were exchanged between the older members. It was eighteen years ago that the first picnic was held. 'At that time the railhead of the Main Trunk line was at Mangaonoho, and the coaching services were in their pristine glory. Many talcs wore told of the trials of the early settlers —some humourous, others pathetic. While many expressions of regret were voiced. at the passing of the ‘‘'good old times,' ’ it was generally admitted that the progress of the district was remarkable. Where a few years ago everybody drove their families in horse-drawn vehicles, the ouly'horscs in evidence on the 22nd were those taking part in the comptitions. The neigh of the quadruped was giving way to the honk of the motorcar. But to come back to the picnic. The different events were contested in great style, and certainly there were no *‘Johnny Armstrongs” in the horse events—all were out to win. There were several spills during the afternoon —some amusing but none serious. One of the most amusing contests of the day was the ‘ ‘ Thread the Needle Race by bachelors. It is admittedly difficult for a man to thread a needle under the most favourable circumstances, but when he has to do so on the inn in the growing dusk of the evening, the feat is something to be proud of. A noticeable feature of the day’s outing was the absence of young men. Many boyish faces were missed, but we have the proud satisfaction that they are at present engaged in a contest of far greater magnitude, and are acquitting themselve as men in the Empire's struggle for existence.* A number of the winners of cash prizes donated the money to the Women’s Patriotic funds—thorough sports every one.

In conclusion the members of the committee deserve gold medals for the unselfish way they catered to the wants of the picnickers. It was really no joke running about putting things shipshape, and anticipating the wants of the visitors; but it contributed in a, marked degree to the success of this, our annual picnic.