THE SEASIDE PICNIC

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 152, 23 December 1911, Page 8

THE SEASIDE PICNIC

ATTRACTION FOR NEW YEAR'S BAY.

A meeting was called by the Mayor I (Mr. (i. W. Browne) last night to din-1 cuss whether or not the annual seaside I j picnic should be held this year at | s Moturoa. The apathy of a big section i of tin; New Plymouth public in any- j ] tiling pertaining to the welfare of the ' town was again in evidence, only about ] a dozen, and mostly the same old hard grafters, attending. I The Mayor, who presided, stated that ( lie had first moved in the matter last , September. Then there were negotiations by the Garrison Band: to hold a band I contest on that day. After six weeks J J that was found impossible. He again moved in tiie seaside picnic, but it was brought under his notice that the Sports Ground Committee were short of funds and wanted the day to hold a sports gathering. A few days ago he learned that that had also proved futile, and he accordingly called this public meeting to discuss the seaside picnic, so that the town would not lose the day. He pointed out that the recent developments in the oil works and at the hartbor should make Moturoa particularly attractive as an object lesson to country visitors. In- from 18 months to two years trams should be running ready to receive visitors when direct boats arrive ! here on completion of the harbor works. I He then moved the following resolution: I "That this meeting affirm the deair- 1 ability of annually holding a seaside pie- j nic at Moturoa on the Ist day of January each year, feeling that New Plymouth should provide the opportunity for our visitors to become acquainted with the great advance and development being made at Moturoa." Mr. Harris Pord understood that the IDast End Bathing Committee were running a function. Mr. F. C. Bellringcr, chairman of that committee, said that, seeing no notification of the intention to hold the Moturoa picnic in the press, his committee had decided to hold one. They did not wish to run a counter attraction if the Moturoa picnic was gone on with, tout the East En<l Bathing Committee realised the fascination the sea- bea«h held, and didi not intend to let the picnic fall through. They were quite prepared to ' fill the gap if necessary, but if they did would feel they had a right to claim New Year's Day in future. He emphasised the advantages of the East End as a picnic resort, and pointed out . the work the energetic young men of that district had carried out. ) Mr. C. 'l'. Mills seconded' the resolution.

Mr, McLeod said that the desire to hold a picnic at Moturoa was not antagonistic to East End. From the in- j ception, he, as well as other members of the Seaside Committee, felt that no new blood was being infused. The same men had to run it every year. Certainly they got financial assistance, but there was not that enthusiasm displayed that was iso helpful. He considered that Moturoa possessed advantages as an educational factor from the parents' ] point of view, as well as for holidaying for children. Mr. Humphries, secretary to the committee, said that as the public of New Plymouth showed such apathy in regard to the picnic at Moturoa, it would be advisable to let East End, which possessed such keen, enthusiastic workers, have it. The Seaside Improvement Committee had been formed with a view to encouraging seaside campers, and the picnic was held on New Year's Day to advertise the beach. The committee was still working ,for that object, and were now expending about £3O so that campers should have a good water supply. They had sufficient work in attending to these matters. It was not so much the work on the day—that was a detail—(but there was the trouble beforehand of collecting necessary funds to provide sugar, tea, milk, attendance, etc., and arranging details. He thought it was time others assisted. Mr. Gilbert, as a member of the original Seaside Improvement Committee, said they had worked hard and well, and when so few attended a public meeting they should hand it over to

the East End Committee. The committee worked hard and lost their holiday.

whilst the business people of the town, who gained all the advantage, did not assist, although if asked they would perhaps give a small subscription. They should not let the function fall through, and he was prepared to assist either Moturoa or East End.

Mr. Humphries said that last year Messrs. Weston and Eustace, who canvassed the town, met with encouragement.

Mr. R. Cock said that he was diffident about speaking at such a paltry meeting. He had always believed in calling a spade a spade. In fact, his trouble was that he spoke too plainly. It was deplorable that a meeting which had been called through the papers, even in leaderettes, asking the people to attend to promote a seaside picnic for the welfare of the town was so scantily attended. They had been indebted to the Seaside Improvement Committee for carrying on this picnic during the past few years, and who .benefited? The

motor garages, busses, cabs, public houses, and large eating houses. Why were the owners or representatives not present? The picnic was for their bene-

fit, and yet they showed no sympathy with it. They might possibly give a small subscription, and would certainlv growl if the picnic was not held. He felt sore over the matter. Some years ago, when in business in the town, he took an interest in a similar picnic. The picnic committee worked hard, (but got no sympathy. He had been twitted with going to Auckland to invest money. Why, some months ago he wanted to expend from £3OOO to £4OOO in New Pl} mouth, but the Borough Council rejected the scheme. New Plymouth was going to sleep and .badly wanted waking up. By all means have the picnic at the Breakwater, and he handed £1 towards the funds. He wanted to see it go ahead. Be did not want to itro to Auckland. That was not his home? He loved New Plymouth. In conclusion, he urged all to put their hands to the plough and help those who had worked so hard in the past. Mr. McLeod remarked that this seaside picnic was the late Mayor's pet scheme, into which he put his whole energy. Mr. Eustace pointed out that this apathy was nothing remarkable. The people would respond if asked. The resolution was then carried. It was also resolved that the Seaside Improvement Committee be asked to carry the picnic through. This the members of the committee agreed to do, provided the finances were arranged. Messrs. J. F. Eustace and C. T. Mills volunteered to canvass for subscriptions. The Mayor also donated £1 towards the funds.