SEASIDE PICNIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1919, Page 3

SEASIDE PICNIC.

MARRED BY RAIN. An event tiiat has been eagerly anticipated for weeks past—the Ngamota Seaside Picnic—came off yesterday, but, unfortunately, the conditions were far from ideal, heavy rain and a high wind making the outing at times decidedly unpleasant. With ideal summer weather the beach would have been lined with thousands of visitors, As it turned out. there was no occasion to venture in the surf to get wet. The rain managed that, and very thoroughly. In the morning the conditions were so wet and miserable that few anticipated a letting up of the weather, and when the south train arrived with seven carriages filled the travellers were prepared to make the journey home straight away, In the afternoon the weather improved considerably and about 1200 people were on the beach. All were determined, and it may be said they succeeded, in making the most of the fleeting hours. The spectators were mainly visitors from Eltham, Hawera, Stratford, and Tnglewood, the towiifolk evidently preferring to remain indoors. Citizens' Band, under Bandmaster V. Hughes, greatly enlivened the proceedings by playing a very fine selection of music, including marches and waltzes, several of the items being repeated by request Without the band, the outing Would hav« proved a very drab affair. ° The treasure hunt attracted a large field, the Tom Tiddler's ground being thoroughly searched. The amateur spade work was watched with interest, and as each "treasure" was removed the "goldseeker" received, f>, round of congratulations.

A few side-sKiows added variety to the programme, but naturally, through the rain, the promoters eoukl not carry out the many items they had in view. Tht secretary, Mr. B- 0* Ellis, and his commitcJe deserved better luck, as the surroundings are ideal for a day at the .seaside.

Tlie picnic witt be continued to-day, when special provision will be made for the children.