THE "CHAMPION" PICNIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 65, 6 March 1908, Page 2

THE "CHAMPION" PICNIC.

The picnic tendered to liie -New Xca laud .Master Bakers' Association by .\li .Newton King and the directors ol tii.

lortiiein liuiler .Mills eventuated \e>urday. At *i.aO a.m., liie lwur appoint d ior making a start ior Mount iioiit, the eieimmts were liaruly lavnblo, and the .■streets were still running ! \itli the record snouer ui about viiK*ii overtaxed culverts and side-ulwu-wi9 in all directions. So it was decided .o await what '<.;>() would bring lmih. I» \ thai time tin* >ky looked most pro- •*. and Liu- drags wi-rc ordered. A start was clloi'U'il shortly alter » i) clock, prominent im the loading drag Ueii!«» a Inuinereite, "Champion I'ienir. J nice large inaKvs and two wagonettes bearing over oighlv made the trip, A"ir. -Sewton King persoiiaUy driving the president ami olh.-r uivMiii)er» oi the association. Th-' weather continued line, and the radius

ine \va.-> leached iu good time. The igiili'i" Vehicle:* arrived lirst, and. as | irranged liy Mr. King, the picnicker* in I LIn 1 later arriving coaches were he.v treated io a ©econd breakfast. The iieurliuea* oi tht' attack on tin- excel- 1 lent victuals provided went lar.to prow the appetising iiuliuaiou of the utinuapheiv 011 ihe higher levels. After lying the appetite* of all, including- the desire oi the ollicial photographer for a picture, the party pushed on to tlie .Mountain House. The great majority proceeded 011 fool, but many ol the ladies and some gentlemen "physically unfit"'* were accommodated with seats in coaches. Hood time was made. 011 arrival, Mr. and Mrs. 1\ (J. .Morris, in clutrge ol the aecommoualion-house,

provided tea and cakes. Ever and an in thi! meal was disturbed mid the enjoyment heightened by the arrival of a fresh contingent ot climbers, and each succeeding group being received with cheers by its predecessors. Jlr. K. Mav, the caterer, nad lunch served to time, and, he it said, the luncheon was of the kind to tempt the most fastidious. With "mountain" appetites, the guests speedily made inroads on the provender. Just at the conclusion of the repast Mr. .1. G. Eaurenson, vice-president <>f the Master Bakers' Association, thanked Mr. "Newton King and the directors of the Northern Roller Mills for their kindness and bounteous hospitality. Mr. Allen, the secretary, followed, declaring that no weather could dump the spirits of people entertained in such a manner, ami that the beautiful Hcenery through, which they hail passed,was surpassed nnlv bv the hospitality of Mr. KingThree cheers were flieu given for the ' hosts, and a special ringing cheer ior Mr-. King, 'me afternoon was spent in a free-and-easy manner, many of the visitors ascending still higher the slopes of the mountain. Some reached Humphries' Castle, but the nmjorily satislied themselves wifV'flK- scenery lo he found in closer proximity to the house. A few musical items and an excellent tea prepared the party for home, the return journey bcine. i-mnpleted about 3 o'clock. Il'rior to leaving til" house, ohcrs were given for Mr. King, for the :'Chanipion'" directors, the Taranaki bakers, the ladies—for bakers' wives and relative" wore included in the parly -and for Mr. and Mis. Morris. Despite the showers which fell now and again, the I rip to Taranaki's favorite holidav resort was immensely enjoyed, and both the visitors to N'ew Plymouth and the residents who were privileged to be present will long remember the jovial and sin r-essful picnic which formed .me of the principal compliments I tendered lo "lhe annuiil conference of the muster bakers of the Dominion.