CHILDREN AT THE SEASIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 202, 23 February 1912, Page 6

CHILDREN AT THE SEASIDE.

INGLEWOOD AND SURROUNDING SCHOOLS. Yesterday the sea beach at Moturoa presented a gay arid animated appearance, for had not two speeial trains discharged on to it freights of happy youngsters free for a day from the cares and worries of school, and out for a day's enjoyment at the seaside? The first train, which arrived at about 10 a.m., contained 1400 passengers from the Tariki, Durham, Dudley,. Inglewood, Kaimiro, Lincoln and Waiongona schools. The, ordinary train brought in the Ratapiko contingent, which were taken on to the Breakwater by a special train. By far the majority of the excursionists were children, and the adults who accompanied them were out to assist the kiddies to have a good time, and they (the kiddies) did enjoy themselves. Pater and mater familias aid. not enjoy themselves so much, at least so they said. The weather was fine, if'the wind was at , times rather keen. The morning was spent in surf-bathing, digging in the sand, wandering along the breakwater fishing, climbing Paritutu, visiting the oil wells* etc. After luncheon children's races were the order of the day, and the children were well looked after, for, in addition to the executive of the Moa Schools Association, the committees of the schools interested vied with each other, and were most assiduous in their attention to the youngsters. The races were keenly contested, fields being very large (20 cqmpetitors was considered a small field), and the finishes'close, the judges, Messrs. Drake and Sutherland, I having to watch closely so as to sort I out the placed, boys and girls, who were rewarded with toys, of which the quantity seemed almost inexhaustible. The launches plied a busy trade, half-hour trips on the briny being much-in vogue. The picnic was undoubtedly a huge success, and the youngsters at train time, though tired, went reluctantly to their carriages, all regretting that the day had come to an end. Next year it is possible that the picnic will be of even bigger dimensions, as on this occasion Norfolk Road stood out, preferring to send its children to Ngaere, further into the country. Kaimiro, Kaimata and Waitui would also have joined in in greater numbers, but the distance from the railway line and the difficulty of transport proved insurmountable ob- ] staclea.

The dressing shed that is in course of erection was much appreciated, and it only rpquires attention to necessary conveniences to ensure the popularity of Moturoa as a seaside resort, because it has a magnificent stretch of safe beach, whilst its position at the port and close to the oil wells is valuable as an educational factor to the youngsters from the country. The executive of the Moa Schools Association, who were so energetic and untiring were: Messrs. Thompson, president, Hood, secretary (Inglewood), Therklesen (Tariki), 0. Boldt (Lincoln), J. B. Simpson and F. Hodges (Durham), D. Egarr and J. Hodges (Dudley), and Williams and Kilp'atrick (Waiongona). Messrs. Drake, Rolston, Sutherland and Fawcett were prominent among a number of willing workers.