SEA-SIDE PICNIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 171, 28 December 1914, Page 4

SEA-SIDE PICNIC.

KAWAROA PARK ON BOXING DAY.

A beautifully bright day, tempered by a mild breeze, augured well for the success of the first sea-side picnic of the season, and was the main factor in bringing to the sea shore the hundreds of people who so vastly enjoyed their outing in Kawaroa Park. At an early hour, from as early at nine o'clock in the morning, little groups of five and six, armed with lunch baskets and the sundry paraphernalia deemed necessary at picnics, began to arrive and the fun was shortly in full swing. Until the West End Foreshore Improvement Society took charge of this beautiful seaside park the reserve was a lupin-covered waste witli the band rotunda as the only redeeming landmark in the wilderness of scrub. Now, thanks to the energetic action of the Society, grass plote, metalled walks and numerous seats conveniently scattered, have taken the place of the wildnerness, while a concrete bungalow makes a cool and imposing tea-house, and the shady groves of trees provide shelter from the sun.

The great crowd appreciated to the full the features of this very enjoyable park, and the kiddies especially had a great time. They spent their day between the swing-boats and swings, with an occasional dip in the surf, or a competition. A series of tugs-of-war were pulled off, some dozen teams of youngsters competing. The West End boys proved too strenuous for their opponents, and won in a walk. Some thirty races were run oil during the day, much to the amusement of the youngsters, who lined up for race after race. Jumps and various trick competitions helped to while away the time, and Mrs Woods' orchestra played some delightful selections. A cake guessing competition for a cake which weighed 21b USoz was won bv Miss Wells and Mr ]5. Bary, with a guess of 21b 14oz. A doll and cot guessing competition (the prize donated by Mrs Pellew), was won by Mr F. Clark'. Miss Evelyn Ralph won the ladies' skipping competition fairly easily. The side shows were very successful. Messrs R. Kllis and Sid Ward presided over a dart throwing competition, which drew a great crowd, while Mr Hoffmann from his lioup-Ia stall next door kept up a continuous flow of "patter." The ladies worked very hard, and no doubt had much to do with making the picnic tlie unqualified success which it was. The constant, supply of hot water, tea, sugar and milk provided, and the refreshing afternoon tea served were by no means to be overlooked. The Ngamotu committee gave its assistance in conducting the picnic. In the evening an enjoyable euchre party was held, the attendance being i somewhat below expectations.