PICNICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 197, 17 February 1912, Page 8

PICNICS.

OKATO SCHOOL.

Yesterday several of the smaller schools in Taranaki were picnicking. The day was favorable, a warm sun tempered by a cool breeae. At the Breakwater, children and adults from Okato were en- ; joying themselves. This was the first occasion on which the annual picnic had been held at any distance from the school, and the innovation was appreciated., Thanks to the kindness of Wooldridge and Ro%buck, the former of whom volunteered his motor waggon, and the latter his six-horse waggon, the transport ■ question was expeditiously overcome without any tax on the finance. Messrs. J. Wooldridge, chairman of the school committee, and D. P. Evans, headmaster, were indefatigable in their attention, and the day wa6 made a red letter one for 1 the youngsters. Leaving home about 8.30 a.m. the. 18 miles were pleasantly covered, and the Breakwater reached at 10.30 p.m. A few hours were spent splashing in the briny, wandering along the beach, viewing the breakwater, looking over the Rarawa (to many it was the first I opportunity they had had of close acquaintance with a steamer, though ofttimes they had seen boats passing along the coast), watching the workings of the dredge, etc. The adults also took the opportunity of viewing the oil works. After lunch the children were conveyed to the Recreation Grounds, and that beauty spot explored. A visit to May and Arrowsmith's tea-rooms followed, and thus fortified the youngsters returned home to the country, tired, but happy.

LEPPERTON SCHOOL.

The children of the Lepperton School, accompanied by numerous adults, also picnicked at the East End. A drawback, however, was the fact that they had to detrain at Fitzroy, and proceed on foot to the beach.' A platform near tnt Pines would obviate this. Until this is established it seems strange that an arrangement cannot be made so that the Department could stop the train at such a spot when picnic parties such as this, numbering about 100 persons, desire to alight. The shelter at the Pines was much appreciated, as were also the swings, hot water, bathing sheds, etc, that the energetic East End Committee nave established here. Mr. W A Brown (headmaster) and several members of the committee looked after the children all of whom had a right royal time. Arriving by the wdinary morning train, they found the time speed so pleasantly that 4.20 p.m., entraining time, came all too soon.

NORFOLK ROAD.

The Norfolk road school held its annual picnic at the Ngaere gardens yes-