THE SEASIDE PICNIC

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 157, 2 January 1912, Page 4

THE SEASIDE PICNIC

A GREAT SUCCESS. Ideal weather prevailed for the annual picnic at Moturoa, which took place yesterday. Soon after ten o'clock vehicles of all descriptions were seen on the road wending their way to the sea. When the trains from the country arrived, the streets ibecame alive with people, and the 'buses were taxed for a couple of hours conveying the people to Moturoa. The crowd was estimated at fiOOO, and the trains handled a record number of people. The hills and beach presented a spectacle that can only be seen on such a day as yesterday, and at a seaside that can afford such opportunities as the surroundings at Moturoa. The committee had made provision for supplying hot water, tea, sugar and milk free, and men, women, and children were to be seen getting to and from the depot with kettles, jugs, and billies. Some had the cloth spread on the sand, some on the hill, while many made impromptu tables the best way they could, but all looked lis happy as possible. The motor launches did a big business, and the sea being 'like a mill pond, those who took advantage of a trip had a splendid time, and there were hundreds who had never been on the ocean before. They. expressed' the greatest pleasure with the little trip, and have already made arrangements for a return there next year.

The children had -a glorious time on the 'beach, indulging in racing and games, and having an abundance of toys, lollies and fr.uit,- Castle building in the sand greatly interested the children from along the line. The Garrison Band (under Conductor Cummins) greatly added to the pleasure of all, their selections being bright and appropriate, and were much appreciated. The number of people who climbed Paritutu was a surprise to all, and the committee intends matking the ascent easier for future occasions.

The Mayor and the Seaside Improvement Committee deserve the thanks of all for their successful efforts in making the -day such a success, and they appreciate the liberal donations of the public for money and goods. This annual holiday bids fair to become one of the biggest functions of ,the year, and there is already talk of what is going to be accomplished, in view of the early construction of traips, as cheap and easy transit will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment and interest of all concerned. Mr. A. Humphries, secretary of the Seasidle Committee, had everything in such order that everything passed off without a hitch, and the members of the commitmittee received numerous congratulations for affording town and country people-such an opportunity for spending an ideal day.