TUHIKARAMEA DISTRICT PICNIC.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 233, 11 January 1898, Page 2

TUHIKARAMEA DISTRICT PICNIC.

Oue annual district picnic took place on Friday Lst in Mr C. 13. Vickers'grounds, and the day being fine, albeit, not too hot, a refreshing breeze coining from the mountains, a very pleasant afternoon was spent. The attendance, particularly of men folk, showed n falling off, but this is easily accounted for when a harvest is in full swing and every day is of value in getting crops out. After luncheon, under the shade of the pine grove, games and contests of various kinds were organised, Mr Hadfield exercising his customary energy in getting the competitors together and to the post, Mr R. Carter looking after the schoolchildren’s races, with Mr Lang and others assisting. At the conclusion of this part of the programme Mr Carter distiibuted the school piizes, being mostly handsome--books and pretty articles, purchased out of a fund locally raised by the teacher, Miss Cunningham. After this came the dismantling of the Christmas Tree, which was given, as usual, by the tv'o Misses Vickers from Auckland, who were present, and received the very hearty cheers of the youngsters for their thoughtful kindness. As the afternoon was still young, an adjournment was made to the cricket ground, where the time-honoured match ladies v. gentlemen was played, the former having bats, which they well knew how to use, the latter having only sticks to bat with. A very interesting game eventuated, some of our best known cricketers showing a surprising incapacity either to catch or stop the ball, hut before being quite finished the tea hour was announced. In the scoring the ladies were ahead, as they generally are, and let us hope always will he. Among the visitors at the picnic was Mr IT. Roche, who, like other early settlers, when mingling with the large arrivals of gaily dressed young people, that are now' to be seen at so many different centres in Waikato, and which hut a few years ago were peopled by a handful of wandering natives, must reflect upon the great changes that have taken place, and the wonderful colonising pow'er of our race. One well known face was, however, abseil* from the crowd on Friday ; this was Mr C. JB. Vickers himself, who, though making good progress of late, is stiil unable to be out of doors. No one worked harder to nnke the picnics successful than Mr Vickers, and his presence among us once more w ill be very welcome. After tea, horses were saddled or harnessed np, and amid the rattle of buggies and gallop of horses as the visitors leave for home, another annual picnic draws to a close. In the evening a number of the young people assembled in the school-room, where an enjoyable dance took place. Mr N. Reid acted most efficiently as M.C., ex cellcut music heinc given by Mr 0. Drabble and Mr Conn, and ample refreshments provided by the ladies of the district. The following are the results of the sports : Markied Mens’ Rvce, nominated by ladies.--Mr Livingstone, 1 ; Mr W. Rothwell, 2. Young Ladies’ Race. Miss G. Munro, 1 ; Miss Barker, 2 Young Mens’ Race.— C. James, 11 ; W. Livingstone, 2. Aim -fours Race.--G. Jack, 1 ; H. Livingstone, 2. School Bots’ Race.— R. Keeley, il ; J. D.ivys, 2. School Girls’ Race.— M. Davys, 1 ; E. Barker, 2 CRICKET MATCH.

Mias Macuanghtan, Hamilton, notifies still further reductions in millinery. Several alterations have been made to Mr W. T. Carr’s advertisement re the daily coach service between Hamilton and Cambridge. We direct attention to an addition to the advertisement of Mr A'ex. Aitkcn, auctioneer, Auckland, which will be found on our third page. Ac the Hamilton Auction Mart, on Saturday, Mr John Knox will olT< r household furniture, gentlemen’s clothing, etc. Particulars will be given on Thursday.

Ladies t. Gentlemen. Ladies. Mrs Alderson II Miss Reid 1 Miss Ferguson 1 Miss McMicken 8 Miss Darker 2 Miss Rosborough 0 Miss Finlayson ... 0 Miss Shepherd 0 Miss Hodgson 4 Miss Webbe 1 Miss Chester 4 Wides 4 Total 30 Gentlemex. Mr Rolbwell 0 Mr V. Dowden 4 Mr J. Dowden 4 Mr H. Livingstone 3 Mr Conn ... 0 Mr A. M. Ferguson 7 Mr R. Livingstone 3 Mr V. Reid 5 Total 26 Majority for Ladies, JO runs.