SEASIDE PICNIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1921, Page 5

SEASIDE PICNIC.

THOUSANDS AT KAWAROA RECORD TAKINGS. The gathering at the Kawaroa seaside picnic, held at New Plymouth yesterday, was patronised by thousands of holiday* makers, and the gate receipts, in addition to being much in excess, of last year’b figures, were a record for the society. There was a variety of attractions which kept the crowd interested Lili late m the afternoon. The weather was fine but a strong wind was blowing, and towards the conclusion of the picnic some intermittent showers of rain forced people to seek shelter. There was a host of side-shows inviting the attention of picnickers, and the presence of two bands —the pipe band from Eltham (under Drum-Major Johnson), and the New Plymouth Citizens’ Band (under the baton of Conductor Taylor)—enlivened proceedings cosiderably. A large influx of country people was responsible for the big increase in the attendance and there was no doubt the Highland piping and dancing event! ftere one of the strong attractions ol the gathering. These exhibitions held the interest of a large crowd throughout the day. Boy Scouts participated in a number of events, and a schools tug-of-war was clqsely contested. The children were well catered for in the numerous swings and other amusements which the park provides, and these were the centre of happy bands of the young folk all day long. The queue of children waiting their turn at the “glide” and the crowds on the swings and merry-go-round clearly indicated the popularity of these forms of amusement. The society is fortunate in possessing many willing helpens to manage the various parts of the programme, while the general arrangements had been ably planned by the ladies’ and men’s committees, under the guidance of Mrs. Oliver and Mr. V. Beal respectively. The tea-rooms were run by the ladles’ committee, who catered excellently for the wants of the large number of patrons. HIGHLAND EVENTS. Piping and dancing events were held, on a special platform on one of the big lawns and proved very popular. In addition to the competitions exhibition dances were given by Miss Rae, of Eltham, winner of many trophies. As she was not able to compete for any of the prizes a collection was taken up as a recognition of her efforts, and the sum of £2 7s 6d was raised. An exhibition of the sailors’ hornpipe was given by Mr. Patterson. Results of the competitions as awarded by the judge (Mr. Rae) were:— Highland fling (for competitors who--had never won a prize)—Miss D. Gower (Eltham) 1, Miss Petersen (New Plymouth) 2, Miss» Mercer (Patea) 3. Highland fling (under 16) —Miss Gower 1, Miss A. Walker (Bell Block) 2, Miss Petersen 3. In order to decide this event the judge was obliged to call on a number of the dancers to go through parts of the dance a second time. Piping competition (open)—Piper Major. Rae 1, Piper Hamilton 2, Piper Carncross 3. Piping competition (novices) —Piper Morrison 1, Piper Crawford 2. BOYSitfOMPETiriONS. Troops of Scouts participated in a number of events, and these included a signalling display by members of St. Mary s troop. A tug-of-war between St. Mary’s and Inglewood teams was \Wui by Inglewood. These troops also, competed for the Hawkins Cup for ambulance work, to be won three times in succession. Inglewood, wh*> had. already won it twice, were defeated on this occasion, St. Mary’s winning by two points after some instructive displays on both sides. Tugs-of-war open to school teams resulted: Central A beat Fitzroy B; West End A beat Central B. Final: West End defeated Central. THE RECORD TAKINGS. With a total takings amounting to about £6lO, the society has another highly successful function to its credit. The above figure represents an increase uf about £lOO over last year’s receipts. Included in the total were the following amounts: —Gates £142, competition® £62, side-shows £lO6 10s 7d, stalls £B5 2s 3fl, afternoon tea £B3 3s, donations £lO6 16s. Those who assisted with the various stalls and side-shows were: Soft drinks, Messrs. Petty and Sok; produce, Mesdames Wallach and J. Wealc, and Miss Wallach; jumble, Mesdames Corney, Cook, and Roberts; treasure hunt, Messrs. Russell, A. Ballot, J. McCracken and Russell junr.; fish-pond, Messrs. . Moore and J. Hoskin; duck pond, Messrs. Lobb and Dingle: merry-go-round, Messrs. A. Begg and J. Urry; cocoanut shy, Messrs. W. Morris, W. Major, and C. Booth; glide, Mr. McManus; gates, Messrs. S. and A. Coad, Y. Hoskin, and J. Sanders. THE COMPETITIONS.

Results of the various competitions during the day/ are: Sheep guessing (correct weight 2161b®), Bert Wheeler (216jlbs) 1, J. Feek (21711») and Dodunski (21<51bs) tied for second. Mr. Reeve’s doll—Mrs. A. Knight, I. Burr and Florence Pinkey guessed the correct name “Elsie.” and in the draw Mrs. Knight won. Doll’s cot (presented by Mrs. Dick)— Correct number (77) put in by Mr. G. Mack. Table centre—Number of beans 147, guessed by Mr. Will McKenzie. Camisole (presented by Mrs. Coad) —Correct number 199, Mrs. A. Fraser, Leach Street. Wristlet watcl>— Correct number 333, E. Goldwater, Hine Street. Doll and cot (presented by Mrs. Wade) —Correct name “Irene ’, Mr. A. Peters. “Gqod luck” cake—Correct weight 101b# Mrs. J. Hooker (lOlbs Gozs)_ Mre. Wooller’s “Violet” cake —Weight 51bs IJozs, C. W. Reube (51bs 6oz). Hygienic cake—lOlbs l*loz, J. Garner (lOlbs 3oz). A dance was held in the bungalow in the evening and there was a very large attendance, taxing the capacity of the building. Music was supplied by Miss Sole, and Mr. J. Hoskin officiated as M.C.