AT THE EAST END.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 254, 6 April 1915, Page 3

AT THE EAST END.

A TOPULAR SEASIDE HESOIt' 1 '

A VERY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. Despite the threatening weather yesterday, a large crowd gathered at the railway station to witness the departure of the -procession to tlie East End Bathing Reserve. The West End procession passed just previous to the departure of the East End party, and created much amusement. The latter then left for the reserve, headed 'by the Eltliam Brass Band, accompanied by a good crowd, and arrived at the reserve, the majority spent the hour before lunch in inspecting the grounds, which the labors of the committee have converted into an ideal picnicking resort.

The reserve has altered out of all recognition during the past few years. What is now the approach was a swamp. This was drained and raised, a road laid, and entrance gates provided, no small task indeed, but only a small pari of the whole work done. An asphalt path was laid throughout the length of the reserve, and the To Henui stream bridged. On the further side of the stream another large piece of ground was cleared and drained for the convenience of picnic parties. Polmtukawas were planted throughout the reserve and serve hot only to beautify it, but also to provide grateful shade on a hot summer day. In the centre of the reserve a small pavilion was erected many years ago, but as the time passed this bti:lding was considered too small and was added to until it attained its present substantial proportions. '

I Still, it is found to be too small for the purposes for which it is required, i.e., holding dances, social gatherings, etc., and is to be still further enlarged. A contract lias been Jet to add a further 40 feet to the length of the building. It' is at present approximately 50 x 30 feet. Thus the addition will provide a building over 90 x 36 feet, a size that should | meet. all requirements for some time to. come. The foundations of the erection will be of concrete, and the floor of | the large hall upstairs specially floored for dancing. Up-to-date sanitary arrangements will be put in, and every convenience provided. A concrete wall is also to be placed throughout the length of the reserve with seating accommodation. From this brief outline, it will he seen that the committee is a vgry energetic and progressive one, who have done and are still doing everything possible in the interests of the reserve and the town. These improvements add much (;o the attractiveness of the reserve as a holiday resort, and therefore to popularise the town, and that the , work of the committee is fully appreciated, is shown by the handsome support the public has at all times given. Probably never before has such a large attendance gathered at the East End as was apparent yesterday. Visitors were there from every town down the line, including Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, and Hawera, particularly Eltham, from which town was also drawn the band which enlivened the proceedings with excellent music. Several of the selections rendered under the baton of Conductor Beesley were heartily applauded. By mid-day, the reserve was crowded, and it was quite evident that everyone was out to have a good time and that passing showers would not be allowed to interfere with the general enjoyment. There were many descriptions of amusements provided, including numerous bran tubs, dips, fishing ponds, etc.. trips on the Te Henui, swings, etc., which were participated in by old as we" as young. The slope in the reserve was fully occupied all day by picnicking parties, while the tea rooms were well patronised from quite an early hour. On the sands the donkeys were in groat demand throughout the day, the youngsters having a really good time with 'the patient animals, which were given very little peace until their tired but happy riders were driven home by their parents when dusk fell. Hot water, etc., were, as usual, provided free of charge, and none of '-he other adjuncts of a picnic were overlooked.

LIFE SAVING COMPETITION. The first event of the day was the life-saving competition, in which there were three entries, the West End a'd East End Nos. 1 and 2. The judge of this event was Mr. Lints. The teams were:—West End: Earley, Brown, B. Stolir, J. Stohr, Bacon, Wliittakcr, and Newall. East End No. 1: Davis, Flannagan, Ainsworth, Christenseu, Roebuck, and W. and L. Hardgravc. East End No. 2: F. E. Clarke, R. M. Jackson, C. R. Mander, W. H. Jenkinson, S Foot, 0. Gilbert, D. N. Willie'-. Lots were drawn for places, and Watt End secured first place, East End 2 second place, and East End 1 third ill order of going. The tide was suitable, and the water not too cold. All three teams went through their performance in first class style, there not \icing one hitch. In the team of seven swam to a buoy 130 yards from shore; impersonating Ihe man in distress, A second swims to his assistance, and the remainder perform the rescue with aid of a life belt and line. At the conclusion the judge, in living his decision, said the first team was undoubtedly placed at a disadvantage by the fact that the tide was going < ut at the time the competition was held, thereby having farther to swim, and taking a longer time, but lots were drawn for places, and he was not empowered to make any allowance for this. He then gave his decision as follows: — East End 2: Time to buoy 2min. 45.VC.,

total 4min. 22secs.; East End 1: Time to buoy 2min. oSsecs., total oinin 30.3ec5.; West. End: Time'to buoy 3min, total 5 mill 23sccs.

The possible points were 70, and th< y | were awarded as follows:—East End 2: Dress ", work in water 19, line work 8, resuscitation 10, discipline 9, general 4, total 59. East End 1: Dress 4, work in water 15, line work 7, resuscitation 15. discipline 7, general 3, total 51. Mest End: Dress 4, work in water 17, hue work fi. resuscitation 15. discipline 0.

general 3, total 51. East End 2nd team therefore won by 8 points, the other two being dead beat. Mi. Lints said the work of all the teams was excellent. THE BABY SHOW.

The baby show attracted a large nniuber of entries, tin l total being no less than (12. A special (cut was set aside for this event, and was crowded throughout, the keenest interest being evinced in the result. The friendly rivalry of the various mothers was accompanied by much "barracking" as to the competitors' good points and otherwise and some idea of the judges' task may be gathered from the fact that they took a very considerable time in arriving at their deci-

sions. There were babies of every dos-~ cription on exhibition, with the exception, of course, of thin ones, and a groat deal of amusement was caused. TJio judges were: Miss Brown and Sister Hancock, of the Hospital.

In the class for infants 9 months o:>d under there were 27 entries, and the prize winners were: —Edna Isobel -Scott, aged *i months, 1; Raymond McGregor, ) 11'.'..", Ihs, 2.

I T;.- entries in the class for those over J:) and under IS months of age numbered no l"ss than 37. In this class tlie firv-t J place nas secured by Francis Baker, agei' 1 14 months; while second place was taken Iby Ruby Bracegirdle, 15 months. In I this class Mr. R. Cock gave a special f prize, which was awarded Cordon :'i>d I Rita Lander, twins, who were much admired by visitors to the show. Altogether, this section was a great success.

TIIE TUG-OF-WAR. The tug-of-war was another popular event, though the entries were not numerous. The first pull was between Pu,igarehu and Kltham, the teams being: Pungarchu: lfcwson, E. Simmons, Barrett, Moffat, and H. Simmons; captain, Jones; Eltham: Hook, Summerhayes, Leathern, Norris, and Lalor; captain, Butcher. The conditions v.ere a straight seven minutes' .pull,- but in this instance Pungarchu was much too strong for their opponents, whom they disposed of in Tmin. 4soes.

The second pull was between. East .Kiwi and Linesmen, the teams being:—East End: Bennoch, Stroud, Hannah, (Nitten, 'and ITardwiek: captain, Burge. Linemen: Howell, Rcvell, jlamblin, Deller, and Walsh; captain, Milne. These teams put up -a great contest, and «•<>>••• heartily applauded by the crowd, which thoroughly enjoyed the even go. The pull lasted the full seven minutes, when the Linesmen were declared winners by the small margin of three inches. The final saw Pr.ngarelm again successful, i'iicy had evidently trained for the Event, and were again somewhat wii'.nrs, pulling the Linesmen over in Smiii. SOsecs.

PHYSICAL DRILL. The physical' drill attracted a good deal of attention. There-were three entries: A Company 11th Regiment, and two High School teams. Considering that the period of training had been very brief, a very good performance was put up by all the teams. The drill was the Swedish code recently introduced by the- late Mr. Royd Garlick, and was favorably commented upon by the spectators. The first place was awarded to High School No. 1 team, and the second to A. Company. Sergeant-Major Ilesp proved an efficient judge.

OTHER EVENTS. The married ladies' race attracted fourteen entries, and resulted: —Mrs. G. Walker 1, Mrs. C. Roebuck 2. The bandmen's race was won by Bandsman A. Rogers. Stepping the chain vai another event in which there was a large entry. Mr. Briscoe, who secure > first place, was only half an inch out; Mr. Rowland was second.

A novelty event was a dry boat race on the sand. In this event the crows stood astride a pole with their backs to the winning post, with the exception of the coxswain, who had to carry out his usual function of guiding the "boat." There were six entries, and the event created no little amusement, for numerous spills were experienced. The race was won by a High School crew. Altogether, the day's " outing" can only be described as an unqualified success, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. The committee is to be congratulated on the result of its efforts, which should contribute a good sum towards the funds required for the improvements to the pavilion.