SEASIDE PICNICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1922, Page 4

SEASIDE PICNICS.

AT NGAMOTU AND EAST END. LARGE CROWDS ATTEND. Yesterday broke grey and unpromising for the two New Plymouth seaside picnics at Ngamotu and East End, but early in the forenoon the sky cleared somewhat and the sun shone fitfully. The temperature, however, was quite “summery” and large crowds travelled by special trains, trams and motor cars to the seaside, where a very enjoyable outing was spent. Each committee had spent painstaking efforts to keep the crowds amply amused- and in this they certainly succeeded. All went smoothly till shortly after three o’clock, when the sky darkened and rain caused the proceeding to come to an abrupt end. The weather cleared up after a while, but by then the greater part of the crowds had melted away and the remainder of the functions were virtually abandoned.

AT NGAMOTU BEACH. Holiday-makers and picnicers from town and country wended their way early to the Ngamotu beach, a number bringing their lunch in true picnic fashion. The tide was very suitable for bathing, and the water being pleasantly warm, a large number of bathers were to be seen disporting themselves in the sea. The “star” item, especially for the children, was the hunt for treasure hidden in the sands. Hundreds, armed with small wooden spades, turned up the sand till the discovery of a prize or the strenuous nature of their labors caused them to relax their task. Thanks to the generosity of the committee, a large number of diggers discovered the reward they sought. A pleasant cruise round the harbor was provided by means of several launches, a number taking the advantage of the excur-

Refreshment and other stalls were besieged, and consequently good business resulted, whilst conpetitions, raffles, etc., added their quota to swell the day’s takings. Mrs. George’s orchestra played at intervals throughout the day and was much appreciated. The children were well catered for, about forty races being run for their benefit during the early part of the day. Unfortunately the rain cut short the proceedings in the middle of the afternoon. Notwithstanding this it was a happy crowd that betook itself home after a most enjoyable day’s outing. * The total takings for the day amounted to £l4l 10s. The competitions resulted: Blouse, Mr. J. West; talking doll, Mr. M. Giles (Inglewood). AT EAST END. The East End was also the scene of a large crowd of picknicers, as can be gauged by the fact that £5O was taken at the gates during the day. In addition to the swimming, in which a large number of bathers participated, the Caledonian Pipe Band, from Eltham, was an added attraction, the skirl o’ the pipes putting holidaymakers in high good humor. A Highland dancing competition, was held, the winner being Miss Tui Mcßae. The new water chute proved a great attraction, as did also the boys’ canoe races, rowed in the. Te Henui River nearby. Cocoanut shies, bran tubs, and various other side-shows proved themselves just as irresistible as of yore, whilst the afternoon tea, under the management of the ladies’ committee, resulted in a satisfactory sum being realised. To finish off the day’s outing a dance, at which a large number attended, was held in the pavilion in the evening. Details of the day’s takings are not yet obtainable.