NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1917, Page 7

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

SEASIDE ATTRACTIONS. LARGE CROWDS OX BEACHES. The attractions arranged in Xew Plymouth for the entertainment of the people yesterday were entirely successful, and all well patronised. The day broke delightfully line, and the weather was all that could be desired. T'lie biggest attraction was the Xgainotu Seaside Committee's picnic. The attendance was exceptionally large, being estimated, at over 3000. People arrived from all parts of 'the town and district, being conveyed to the beach by train, tram, motor-ear, and. horse vehicle. It was a great da? for the children, and they flocked to the beach in hundreds. The attendance reached its zenith about 1 o'clock, and the scene was a gay and cheerful one. Nearly half the people were in bathing costume, either swimming or sun-bathing oil the beach. Small picnic groups were scattemlabout the beach or in the lupin bushes higher up. A large crowd gathered around the band and the new pavilion. The band played a programme of popular music, and its presence considerably enlivened the proceedings, and enhanced the enjoyment of the outing. The lack of adequate shelter at Xgamotu wa.s sorely felt at- times, particularly when the breeze died down and ceased to have its tempering influence on the heat of the sun. The new pavilion proved a great boon, and those employed in attending to the wants of the picnickers were kept busy all day. The dressing rooms for bathers were in constant. requisition: the shady verandahs laud balconies overlooking the beach were crowded throughout the day, and streams of customers were served with refreshments inside the pavilion. It wa* a IrappV thought that suggested the free provision of hot water, tea, milk, and sugar, and the committee's consideration in this direction was largely availed of and appreciated. To a large extent the people had to make their own amusement, and this they did freely. The delightful weather, the sea breeze, the tepid water of the sea, and the lovely beach were factors which conduced to a true holiday spirit and to thorough enjoyment. The committee looked after the entertainment of the children by providing a programme of competitions. Races were arranged for children of all ages, and attracted many entrants. The winners were given small monetary prizes. The treasure hunt caused great excitement among the children. Coupons representing prizes which had been given to the committee by local tradespeople were hidden in a.n area, of about 30 paees by 20. Entries were received in large numbers, each entrant being given the use of a spade. Very soon the area was like a ploughed field, and every square inch was turned over. All the coupons with the exception of two were found. A guessing competition for a gold watch presented by Mr. R, J. Den re attracted ovy 400 entries. The competition has not yet been decided. The committee's donkeys were also largely patronised, while a bran tub produced considerable revenue.

Everything went smoothly throughout the day. The tram service was fast and satisfactory, and there were no accidents of any kind. The Ngnmotu Lifesaving Society was in readiness in case of accident, but, happily, there was no occasion for its services.

The takings totalled £2ll, being a record in the history of the society, and nearly double those of last year Among those who were responsible for the success achieved were: Messrs J W. Haycln (chairman), H, T. McQuade, George Grey, J C Morev, 11. Stoeker, A JO. Watkins, J Whelan, C. Ward, L. E Hoffmann, 11. :le Lauwiy, d'oynter, W. C. Weston, L. B. Webster, E. J. Deare, l'\ Smallbone, A. T. Moore, F Payne, If. Inch, and a number of ladies, for whose invaluable services the committee ore grateful. Too much praise cannot lie given to the indefatigable secretary, Mr K. 0. Ellis. The Marathon race was au interesting event. Four teams were entered, two from the Central School, one from West End, and one from Wailii. The course lay along the beach and back, about two and a half miles. After a good mil three boys of one of the Central School teams were placed, providing an interesting finish .The winners will retain the Eed Post Challenge Cup for a vear. The. first at the post will receive a. gold-centre dmedal, and the other members of the winning team a silver medal. The race resulted:—

Central School (L. Jenkins 1, L. 1.. Davis, h. Frethcv 11, W. Stroud !» ' 1 Wailii School (A. Cole 4, W. Stockman (i, T. Bayly 7, J. Clarke S) .. 2 EAST END .PICNIC, AX ENJOYABLE OUTING. A very pleasant time was spent at East End, The attendance was well up to e:;pect:ntiou.s, and the arrangement.-, were in every way complete. Bathing in the surf and in the pool of fresh water at the mouth of the Te llenui llivcr was indulged in by a large number. Hot water and other convenience's for picnicker,--, were provided, while refreshments were served in the spacious pavilion to those who did not bring baskets. The people sat in groups under the shady pines and pohutu'kawas, and enjoyed the music provided by Mrs. George's orchestra. There was a large attendance of children, who entered with enthusiasm into the games and competitions arranged for them. The committee hail a busy time getting events oil' to time, the swimming races being very popular, and drawing large entries. The baby show created great interest,. Competition was very keen, and the .judges had no light task ill this respect. The committee worked very hard to obtain success, and, judging by the hearty laughter and applause, well succeeded in their efforts to please pat'.o;i=. Amongst a busy band of workers one noticed Mesdanics Jenkins, Bennoch, Way, George; Misses Gun.son (21, and George; and Messrs. W. T. Nicholls, R. Eennocii. G. Guidon, W. Ilardgreaves, 'if. and J. Peek, F. Hooker, A. Millie, J. Mackic, S. Stroud, W Griffiths. H. Bellinger, Christiansen, and W. -Monk. The following are the events dee;ued: —■ Baby Show (Judges, Mesdames A. -Milne and F. Hammond).—Under 12 months: Alt'. Old, six months, 1; Leslie Stevens, nine months, 2; 20 entries. Over 12 months: N. Hale, 1; Konald Eitchw-ark, 2; 10 entries. Soldier's '"o.by; Frank Wheeto, J, |

| Ladies' High Diving: Olive Harvey, 1: Belle Banks, 2. Boys' High Dive: R. Cleland, 24 I points, 1; Berge, 20, 2; Shaw, 19, [ — Eyre, 10, 4. t Men's High Dive: Boswell, 16 points, 1; Davis, 14, 2: Eyre, 13, 3; Gray, 12, 4. Corfu Dive: Olive Harvey, 1; X. Berge, '2. Long Dive: \V. Davies, 1; A. Were (Eltliam), 2. The distance was about art yards. Ladies' 1 Race: Mrs. Petrie, 1; Mi;*. Perira, 2. Persian Cup: George Gun.-on. In the evening a most enjoyable dance was held in the pavilion. Mr. F. Boulton was pianist, whilst the duties of M.C. were capably sustained by Mr. F. Hooper. VISITS TO 'MOUNTAIN". Mount Egmont has been a popular holiday resort during the holidays, and on Sunday and Xew Year's Day there were a large number of visitors. On Sunday several parties climbed to the summit. The atmosphere was warm, and climbing was enjoyable. The view from the top wa,s obscured owing l to clouds and smoke from bush fires. PICNICS IX THE PARKS. Tile various parks of the town were visited by a large number >f picnickers yesterday. At Pukekura and Kawaroa Parks (lie s-ttendanee was large, and the visitors enjoyed themselves under the shady trees, A party of 130 members of the Robe Street Brethren visited the Aotea Gardens, «.n<l spent an enjoy»ble period.