ON THE BEACH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 247, 24 February 1911, Page 4

ON THE BEACH

FOUR HOURS' JOY. Yesterday afternoon the black beach at the East End Bathing Reserve was white with summer frocks, the air wag full of the sound of children's happy voices, and the surf dotted with bobbing heads. Every sea-horse had a rider, and heaven's 1 blue matched perfectly with the marine tint. These splendid marine picnics illustrate the exceeding vigor of a small but energetic seaside committee, who have done wonders in inducing people to take advantage of nature's benefices. The East End Bathing Reserve is an asset of which any town might be proud, but the committee has been the means of calling pointed attention to its splendors. Yesterday, Eltham people were "thick as the leaves that strew the brooks at Vollambrosa," for not only had the invitation to Eltham juniors been accepted with vigor, but young Eltham's pa, ma, granny, and grandfather rolled up to see what a seaside resort is like when it ba» the holiday clothes on, a gentle sun to wurm it, and a kindly breeze to temper the summer heat. If you can induce a crowd of people to gather, under any circumstances, they will amuse themselves, but given "East End" conditions and the devotion of that committee, enjoyment is simplified. Eltham folk mostly left before the programme of fixed events began. The long proocssion of picnio baskets, tired children, sunburnt mothers, and burdened fathers, filed over tlie hill to Fitssroy, because railway department! don't stop trains alongside picnic grounds. The everyday vonth, as itsnar, gave exhibitions of his 'ability to play ring quoits, shoot the surf, drink lemonade, and totter on the greasy boom, the family teapot went often to the boiler, and snowy clothes struck white notes on the sunburnt grass. When the sun had gone and the Eltham school children had gone to bed, and the thousands had dwindled to hundreds, the programme of events, including an impromptu concert, happened. The crowd gnth»red together at that spot was a tribute to the organisation that has produced the splendid result. The revenue gained for the Reserve fund was necessarily gathered after the Eltham people had departed, and will be considerable. The programme of events included fancy skipping, a beauty show, a bun and treacle "race." and a minstrel show, concluding with a display of fireworks. The life-saving exhibition was not given, and it is honed that such an event will be included in the next programme, even if skipping has to be cut out.