PICNICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 259, 25 March 1913, Page 4

PICNICS.

* EAST EXD.

A record crowd congregated on the i East End Reserve yesterday on the occasion of another 01 the series of pie-1 nics run under the auspices of the East End Reserve Committee. The gate-tak-ings were £7: i 2s, all in sixpences, and besides those who paid for admittance there were thousand.-, of children present, for whom uo charge was made. The country people were more liberal in their patronage than local residents, and altogether fully 50(10 persons were in attendance. Since the last picnic several improvements have been made to the grounds, notably an ornamental fountain erected by a willing- working bee. under the supervision of Mr. T. Smith. The convenience of the public was studied to the utmost possible degree by the organisers of the picnic, and there were amusements without' end. Mostly the people—whole families of them—picnicked under the unbrageous pines, while others partook of luncheon under the pines. Although the season is now far advanced, the surf had its devotees and the ITenui was at times literally alive with small boys ami their elders. Races and quaint- competitions for the small folks were got off throughout the day. The more important events, for which the whole of the prizes were presented by Mr. Watchner, resulted as follow:

100 Yard?, for vontlis over IS and \m dcr 20.—-liex Oliver ]. "

Girls under 13—M. Fahvasscr (Bell Block). Ladies, under 20.—Miss C .Heke ]. Boys. under 12—J .Forbes (Eltliam) Ladies.—Miss Bnrkett and Miss Jenson (equal) 1. : The boys swimming events, which were supervised by Mr. AiuswortJi, resulted as follow: 30 Yards (opon).-K. Scrivener 1. W. Etving 2. 50 Yards, brea stroke.—Klenner (Waitara) ]. .Tenkiiison 2. 33 l ards, on the hack. —Klenner 1, Boswel 12. 2.") Yards.—Boswell 1. Iligh Diving.—W. Ewing I,' R. Scrivener 2. The tug of war proved most interesting, the Maoris beatiiig Central Fire Brigade in the final.

_' The competition involving the guessing of the name of a bride doll was won by Roy Eva.''who guessed "Evelvn." Owing to the boisterous wind "the display of pictures in the evening had to be abandoned.

The Waitani Band were present in full strength, and were most generous iwith their selections. The honorary secretary of the committee (Mr. W. H. Fletcher) and his energetic band of helpers worked hard to ensure the success achieved. FORESHORE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. A very large crowd of persons wended their way to Kawaroa Park- yesterday, the . venue of the Foreshore Improvement Society's opening picnic. The weather was fine, except for a few light showers, and there were attractions without number. Most people made it nil all-day affair, picnicking under the shade of the native trees,'' with which the Park is most generously endowed. Tea. sugar, and milk were provided gratis, and despite the short time that the committee lias had at its disposal to make things ship-shape, the public convenience was catered for in every direction. The picnic- was made all the more enjoyable.

The handincss of the Park to the beach and the baths, the entrancing walks and the spacious picnicking < ground all contributed to make the picnic an outstanding success. The towns--1 people rolled up in large battalions, and their numbers were supplemented by fairly big contingents from the country. A number of selection!, were played by the Taranaki Garrison Band, and the afternoon tea tent did good business. The children had much to amuse them, the pom- rides an! the swing-boats being especially attractive. Members of the Veterans' <societv were present as guests of the Society", and were welcomed .by (he Mayor (Mr. (!. W. Browne). His Worship also took opportunity to refer to the substantial improvements effected to the ground bv the Society, who he said had only-been in possession of the grounds for five weeks. He appealed to the public to support the Society in a continuance of its good work.' Much credit is due to the chairman (Mr. Eustace), the secretary (Mr. Blanchard) and other members of the Society for their untiring energy in helping to 'mnke everything pass off without a hitch..The gate takings amounted to over £3O.