HOLIDAY ON THE SANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1921, Page 6

HOLIDAY ON THE SANDS.

PICNIC PARTIES FROM HAWERA. WATERSIDERS’ ANNUAL OUTING. The Ngamotu beach presented a bright holiday spectacle yesterday, v when numerous picnics were held. The New Plymouth waterside workers held their annual picnic, and the Hawera and Normanby Presbyterian and Anglican Sunday School annual gatherings were held. The scene bore striking testimony to the popularity of New Plymouth as a seaside resort, even to the furthermost ends of the province. In the morning a special train from Hawera brought in its quota of about 1600 holiday-makers, the great majority being young people, but with a fair sprinkling of adults. The Hawera picnic had its centre at the Palladium, while the watersiders’ scene of merrymaking was at the breakwater; but so cordial were the relations of each camp, and so large and ever-moving was the crowd, that it seemed like ond big picni-c. The zest with which the visitors entered into the various games, and more- especially the swimming, was in | marked contrast to the steady enjoy- * ment of those who live near, and have § frequent access to, the Ngamotu beach, e The weather was perfect fon. summer I picnicking, and, judging by the general I air of merriment, and the abandon with • which everyone entered into the fun, the picnic will long be remembered, especially by the young folk, and those who live at a distance from the sea. The -presence of the overseas steamer West Ivlahwah at the wharf proved an attraction to many, while the provision of launching excursions by the watersiders was among the great pleasures of the day, the sea being beautifully smooth and inviting. The treasure hunt was a popular event, and many competitions, particularly the tug-of-war, Maori versus pakeha, caused much excitement. The pleasure of the Maoris was manifest when they “walked away ■ from their opponents. IBut even holiday-making is strenuous work, and before train-time many very tired little people sat down on the sand and signed—not as Napoleon, because there were no more fields to conquer; but because there were more fields of pleasure to overcome than they had the energy to explore. It was a highly satisfied and thoroughly tired throng than climbed on board the south-bound train. oe-otherwise dispersed after what was undoubtedly a highly enjoyable day. At the breakwater tasty meals nt fish and potatoes were dispensed by the Maoris from a kapa-Maon (™t’ ve oven), and those who partook of the food thus cooked spoke appreciatively iUJUSKIjiS z