THE WAITARA FORESHORE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1916, Page 4

THE WAITARA FORESHORE.

MAKING THE BEACH ATTRACTIVE. A PICNIC OX THE SAXDS. Waitara, like other coastal towns of Taraimki, line a future before it as a pleaasnt seaside resort. A few veai's ago the beach around the mouth o; the river was almost neglected by the majority of the people of the town and district, and was only patronised at week-ends by a few enthusiastic eui'fbathers, but the remarkable changes that hard work has wrought in popularising the beaches of New Plymouth offered an example to 'Waitara, with the result that to-day ihe way has been cleared for making the foreshore a very attractive locality. That the peop'u now realise that they have a d'V.iiti'ul stretch of sand "at" their donrV' and that they appreciate what has been done to improve, the beach, was demonstrated yesterday afternoon, when this Waitarn Seaside Improvement and Sort Bathing Society held a picnic on die beach, which attracted some TOO to fiOO people. It was glorious weather for a .lay at the seaside, and the crowd spent n highly enjoyable afternoon. The long stretch of sand provided a field of endless joy* for the children, the free roll of tinbreakers made surfing exhilarating and refreshing, while the undulntin<r sandy country which meets (lie beach provided a wealth of plea-ant spots fur picnic parties. A programme of sports fur children provided greit intcre-t, and added to the enjoyment of the young people. An interesting feature of the afternoon was exhibitions of lit'c-suvin,': by members of the New' Plymouth Stnrf Club, who went to Waitara specially to give these performances. The' teaio gave two exhibitions, and each was carried out splendidly. demon-int'ini: the value of a knowledge of lifcsa\int> methods. Before the team left on tlu-ii return to New Plymouth they were entertained at afternoon tea. in c>\p.\>--ing the visitors' thanks for ilie tality extended' to them Mr. I>. .!. Hughes said it gave the team orc.ii pleasure to extend their bmwV.l'j,. ~i' life-saving method- to oilier -uininier-, and the club would always !.■• pje.uel to give whatever assistance po--ihle in the Waitara swimmers. He dwelt briefly on the value of a knowledge of lifesaving, and referred to the fact that thclub intended to endeavor to have tli> methods taught to school ehildieu. Mr. K. Beckbcssinger replied on belmlf of the people of Waitara, who, he s.iid. giva.ly appreciated the exhibitions which Im 1 been given by New Plymouth men.

The arrangement* for (he picnic weiv ably carried out by Mr. A. ,1. Ann., who was as-i s tod by a number of energetic workers. The prneer.U of ibe picnic, which are evpected to anionn< to a goodly sum. will be ejuel'.y divided i;e _lwccn the Society's funds and ibe Palri otic Fund. It is the intention of the PiVe! |o employ all the enthusiasm of AVn.U'l :• t people to improve and beautify the foreshore and to increase ihe fe,eil ; t ; ,e. for surf bathing. Ae:-e-< to the l-ee-h was a difficulty in the past, but n <!<•■■ pathway has now been made over (be sandhill-; and connects the bench dire-t with the road. This is a distinct '>e provomcut, and has been an important factor in popularising the bench. Two bathing shed* have been erected—one »or ladies and one for men—ami lmw lately been improved by the convenience of fresh water shower ß . The clear <ng of logs from the bench has be>e taken in hand, ami a scheme for lieini'ifyiug ihe surroundings by eNteiisi>> tree planting will lie undertaken. With cnthusiaMU and plenty of williu;: workers ihe foreshore has gre.il possibilities.