THE SOLWAY PICNIC.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10442, 6 October 1911, Page 5

THE SOLWAY PICNIC.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

Taking advantage of the beautiful spring day, large 'crowds of people attended the picnic at the Solway Showgrounds yesterday, in aid of the Solway Recognition Fund. All descriptions of vehicles were plying to and from the grounds during the greater part of the afternoon. Included among the visitors were a large number of children, who took part in the races and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Mr R. F. Crosbie managed the children's races in a capable manner, and they were all got off without a hitch. The first, second and third in each race were presented with useful prizes. Each child upon the ground received a present on entering the gates. Mr A. Henderson and the secretary of the committee (Mr H. M. Bodding&n) took charge of the jumping events, while Mr J. Pryor supervised the. other arrangements. Many of the best horses in the distnct took part, and the jumping was of a high order, considering that most of the performers had (been turned out during the greater part of the winter. Mr R. Morrison's Grey Dawn, which won the Hunters' Competition, ha* only been in hand for about a week, but its jumping was well worthy of the place it secured. Mr T. McGann was the rid- «- ' 'Mr W. D. Watson's Yeast (ridden by Mr J. O'Brien) was a' very good second. The third horse (Mmola) was a splendid jumper, but waß very hard to tide, and the owner (Mr B. "E. Westmoreland) was fortunate to gain third place. The Consolation Jump was won by Mr W.*D. Watson's Yeast, with Mill, Fallooa's Frolic second, and Mr E T. Williams' Wildfire,third. In each of the jumping competitions the owner of the winning horse was presented with a ©ilver cup (donated by anonymous donors) and the owners* of the second horses won trophies Mr G. H. Perry was the

judge." '<■■'■' ~, The public w.ere afforded some littl» amusement by a buck-jumping "competition for hoy®. The pony used was perfectly quiet with one lad up, but it took exception to carrying two, and toppled the boys ott paii"after pair. After two attempt* G Dean and x>. Clancy mastered the animal, and won the prize. These were the only pair to keep their . scats. ~,... Mr Tas. Smith gave an exhibition on tiro.outlaws-, which he rode.w&l. One gave considerably trouble when the bridle and saddle were being put on, btit neither could unseat the rider., ■';. ~ Not the least interesting portion of the programme Was the baby, ■show. 'Many mothers entered their offspring, 7 and the judges (Dr Helen Cowie, Mrs- Miller and Mr A. H. Vile) had a difficult J|ask in selecting the winners. The best boy was declared to he Mrs Bigg's "Solway, wibiie Mrs McGillicuddy's baby pnl won in her section. ~ , ~ Afternoon tea wias. provided by a strong .committee of ladies, and the Musterton South Brass Band disbursed sweet music at intervals during the afternoon.; < The (gate' receipts amounted to over £4O, and it is hoped that, with the proceeds of the afternoon tea, and a guessing competition, a good sum will be handed over to the A. and P. Association in,recognition of the ibenefit to the town of the splendid showgrounds at Solway. The Committee deserve great credit for the: success of 'the gathering. ■/..■:■',. .