HOLIDAY ON THE SANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1921, Page 6

HOLIDAY ON THE SANDS.

RECORD CROWD AT NEW YEAR PICNIC. TAKINGS NEARLY £2(X| A glimpse of the Ngamotu beach on the occasion of the annual New Year picnic, held under the auspices of the Ngamotu Seaside Committee on Saturday, afforded a striking illustration of the present and prospective popularity of the New Plymouth beach as a pleasure ground. The New' Year picnic, an event that is eagerly looked forward to throughout Taranaki, is usually attended with-auccese, but the crowd that assembled on Saturday easily constituted a. record. About 3000 adults paid for admission, and possibly almost as large a number entered by the various ways without being intercepted, while the children, of whom there was a remarkable proportion, entered free of charge. The takings for the day amounted to £lB6 13s Bd, which does not include the earnings of the various catering departments which are leased by the committee from year to year. The extreme heat of New Year’s Day was responsible for a certain apathy in some of the more strenuous competitions arranged by the committee, but the treasure hunt was entered upon in the most vigorous manner, and of the 68 valuable prizes offered 61 were claimed by those who found the lucky tickets. Before the time for the commencement of the hunt arrived an eager ring of treasure-seekers were gathered round the enclosure waiting for the signal to begin, and then it was good to see them rush when the signal was given! The heat was forgotten in the wild excitement that ensued, but it was a much-fpm-burned and happy crew that trouped away to the secretary’s hut to claim the prizes, while the unlucky ones still dug on even after there were no more treasures to find. Blindfold boxing, coconut shies, and many other attractions were enjoyed by both young and old, but as was to be expected the greatest attraction was the surf-bathing. Throughout the day a noisy and thoroughly happy crowd made merry on the splendid beach. Some disappointment was occasioned on account of the members of the crew of the Japanese steamer Tamon Maru bating unable to give the promised display of ju-jitsu. The steamer was anchored outside the harbor, and the customs officers would not permit of the crew landing. However, the crowd seemed quite content with their lot, and it was late in the evening before they dispersed. During the day Mrs. George’s orchestra played a most enjoyable programme of music, a feature of its performance being the number of items rendered, and the appreciable quality of each. A number of competitions, the prizes for. which were.sueh substantial articles as a lady’s costume, a gent’s suit, one ton and half a ton of coal, were carried out during the day, and the children were well catered for. The majority, however, seemed quite content to revel in the surf and the pleasures of a warm sand bath.

Visitors from outside Taranaki were heard to comment appreciatively on the appointments of the beach, which included the supply of hot water and milk, while the various stalls supplied all the good things necessary for a thoroughly enjoyable picnic. A willing band of helpers assisted the committee in attending to the needs of the public, and are to be congratulated with the committee on the undoubted success achieved