HOME AGAIN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 20 March 1926, Page 6

HOME AGAIN.

FROM THE EXHIBITION.

SCHOOL CHILDREN RETURN.

4heir lusty young voices ringing out the popular song, “Show Mo The vvay To Go Home,” 700 odd schoolchildren, who had been spending some days in Dunedin, drew in to Timaru shortly alter 1.15 p.m. yesterday by a special train which left the southern city about 8 o’clock. With joy written all over their faces, which were very black, through hanging out of carriage windows, tho boys and girls greeted their friends,’a large number ol whom had assembled long before the appointed hour for the arrival of tho train. They had overcoats and luggage enough for a tour round tho world, and ono youth had three very largo boxes of chocolates, which showed that ho had found time to patronise tho “games” provided at the Exhibition.

“Wo had a stunning time,” ono bright youth informed iris friends, “and tho scenic railway and the fun factory are great.” On arrival at Dunedin on Monday night rain was falling slightly, but tho ardour of tho party was by no means damped, as tho children were bubbling over with excitement and enthusiasm. At Dunedin station the party was mot by tho billeting committee, and wore transported in 'buses to the Exhibition 1 grounds, their luggage being sent to various school gymnasiums and rooms, where every tiling had been prepared for tho visitors’ comfort. _ They had their meals at tlio Exhibition, where a portion of tho spacious restaurant had been set aside for their convenience. Tho children visited the Exhibition again on Tuesday, and displayed every interest in tho various courts. Undor tho guidance of their teachers, numerous models specially interesting to juveniles, such as ships, aeroplanes, etc., were fully explained to them, and they spent many an enjoyable hour in this direction. Of course, tho fun factory and other amusements wero fully exploited until pocket money showed signs of diminishing, and a check had to bo taken. Tho big show did not claim all their attention, as an enjoyable two hours’ ’bus ride gave the children amplo timo to see the town that they were visiting. Ail excursion to Port Chalmers and a trip in ono of the ferry boats was also something new to most of tho excursionists, and a very line time was spent. . At the last visit to the Exhibition tho cliildron were assembled at the Canterbury Court, where Mr J. A. Struck (manager of tlio Education Court) expressed pleasure at having such a fine looking lot of Canterbury children. Mr It. A. Pearson rephed on behalf of tho visitors, and thanked the Exhibition authorities and the. people of Dunedin generally • for t m hospitality accorded them. Mr Be van (host of tho Canterbury Court) also, spoke. „ ~ . A fortunate feature of the visit was that there wero no cases of sickness, which speaks well for riie treatment meted out to tlio children. lhe children were well-beliaved all through, and although very excited they did riot get over tlio traces in the slightest manner. Owing to the generosity ot rhe Otao-u Fruit Growers’ Association, •and Hudson’s Biscuit’ Factory the cliildron had an abundance of fruit and biscuits, to which they did mil justice 'Clio party entrained at Dunedin at 7 o’clock yesterday morning, and after a splendid trip, arrived home in the best of spirits. About 180 country children were taken to the Bay Hall, where lunch was di span red. by the following ladies: —Mesdames G. J- Wallace, A. F. Lawrence, B. 11. Low, J. M. Coupland, C. IToldcnte, W. A.Cocper, W. Gibb, T. It. Mackav, Price and Miss Watkinson. Messrs Cl J. Talbot Wilkins and Dick returned thanks for the kind treatment,, and rousing cheers were given for -ho ladies who had provided all tlio good things.