EAST COAST PICNIC AND SPORTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8377, 11 March 1907, Page 5

EAST COAST PICNIC AND SPORTS.

(Special Reporter)

Friday was a gala day at the East Coast, when a combined sports

meeting and picnic was held at the Waikaraka old homestead, which is an ideal spot for the purpose. The programme of events was a varied one, and considerable interest was attached to the various events. There were about a hundred people present, and the day passed off very pleasantly. During the day numerous selections were given on a gramaphone operated by Mr J. Paku. The Maori "copper" was in charge of Mr Eli Tamati, and the food cooked in the native style was highly relished. Mr F. W. G. McLeod, who was on a visit to the district, acted as judge in the running events, while Mr Frank Ford carried out the duties of starter. The ladies of the district supplied refreshments, which were very much appreciated. Mr E. A. Burns, the secretary for the picnic, had all the arrangements complete, and deserves a special word of praise for the manner in which he worked to the gathering the success it was.

The results of the running events were as follow: —75 Yards Handicap: H. Nitz 1, S. Bunny 2, M. Anaru 3. 100 Yards Handicap: E. Nitz 1, Taylor 2, Mcßae 3. Married Men's Race: Henry Bennett 1, J. H. Tatham 2, Mcßae 3. Married Ladies' Race: Mrs Anaru 1, Mrs R. Paku 2, Mrs Ford 3. Young Ladies' Race: Miss R. Chapman 1, Miss 0* Gills 2, Misses M. Chapman and L. McGregor (dead heat) 3. High Jump: Mace 1, H. and E. Nitz (dead heat) 2. Addition Race: Miss Kennedy and S. Bunny 1, Miss McGregor and E. Nitz 2, Miss Mace and Hutchinson 3. There were also numerous races for boys and girls for valuable prizes v

In the evening a concert was given in the new hall, which has just been erected. The hall is a decided acquisition to the district. It is situated on the rise before reaching the Homewood Estate. The main hall measures, approximately, 30ft x 20ft, and there are two dressingrooms at the rear for ladies and gentlemen. The hall was formally opened by Mr J. H. Tatham in an appropriate speech. The attendance numbered ■'

about 150. The first part of the gramme was an entertainment by the Homewood Minstrels, who had been "coached" toy Mr J. Fletcher. Messrs Fletcher and Gillespie were the "corner" men. Mr F. Ford was interlocuter. Coon songs and ballads were rendered by Messrs Fletcher, Low, M. Anaru, R. and J. Paku and Gillespie. All the items were vociferously applauded. The second part of the programme was as follows :—Pianoforte duet, Mesdames J. H. Tatham and TH. L. Thirtle; recitation, "Kissing Cup," Miss Ivy Tatham; song, "Tatters," Mrs J. H. Tatham; song, "The Mighty Deep," Mr H. R. Bunny; song, "Annie Laurie," Mr H. Morrison; song, Mr E. A. Burns; cornet solo, "The Pilgrim of Love," Mr F. W. G. McLeod;, song, "The Yeoman's Wedding," Mr H. L. Thirtle. Mr W. Kenny danced the Irish Hornpipe, and Miss King a step dance.

After the concert a dance was held, at which there were about 30 couples present. The hall was tastefully decorated, and refreshments were provided by the ladies in a marquee adjacent to the hall. The music was provided by Mr S. Ballard, and the M's.C, were Messrs Bunny and J. H. Tatham. The arrangements for the concert and dance were ably carried out by Mr H. L. Thirtle, who proved himself to be the right man in the right place.