THE STRATFORD PICNIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 216, 31 January 1913, Page 8

THE STRATFORD PICNIC.

] AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. j Eager and expectant came the trainloads of excursionists to the East End Bathing Reserve yesterday, and it was a tired and happy throng who entrained after the day was over for Stratford—for it was Stratford's annual seaside picnic. Thousands mustered on the sands; indeed, had the shade of Olliver Goldsmith visited Stratford yesterday it would have gathered sufficient inspiration to attempt a revised version of "The Deserted Village." The inland contingents were supplemented by a large number of New Plymouth folk and country residents, who came in all manner of vehicles. Favoured with splendid Weather, the picnic could not but help being a marked success. People picnicked under the pines, bathed in the surf, or wandered at will over the glorious stretch of ocean beach. A number wended their way townwards and found much to amuse them.ybut the majority found > the beach itself right after their own hearts. The children, especially, spent a d'-liglitful time delving in the sand, runn'ng races, riding on the donkies and the "ocean wave." patronising the swing boats, and indulging in a bewildering maze of other attractions. Neither did the adults find the time banning heavily on their hands. It was good and pleasurable to no uncertain degree even to merely pace the foreshore, watch the breakers roll shorcwards. and sniff the fragance of that ozone, so peculiar to the ocean. It was a sight to see the hundreds of happy humanity bathing simultaneously- in the surf, to watch their antics, and to observe their general look of genuine enjoyment. There is no doubt that as a seaside resort the East End Reserve has achieved a wonderful popularity, and yesterday it served effectively to demonstrate that it is an,ideal place for Stratford's annual excursion. It is so handy to town, is replete with all manner of conveniences, and is stocked with endless amusements for both young and old. The chairman of the Stratford School Committee, under whose auspices the picnic was held, stated that the outins had quite surpassed all expectations. Although it wa« their first visit to the East End beach, he was certain that it would not be their last.