PATERANGl.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 407, 9 March 1899, Page 2

PATERANGI.

Annual Picnic. —The annual picn'o, which is usually also the school picnic, was held here on Friday, the 3rd inst., and was a great success.. The weather was all that could be desired, the shower of the previous evening having laid the dust and cooled the air somewhat, making it more pleasant and enjoyable. Between two and three hundred persons were present, the adjoining districts being well represented. After luncheon, the Chairman of the School Committee presented each child attending the school with a beautiful book, suitable for the ago and sex of each, which were much appreciated. Foot races for the school children caused great excitement among the little ones, and, as each one came in for a prize, no matter whether first or last, there were no sore hearts. Swinging, rounders, French tigue and other games were indulged in by the young men and maidens, while the elders spent a pleasant afternoon chatting over old times, being comfortably grouped in the shade in various parts of the grounds. A half-mile handicap brought 14 men and boys to the front. The race was a gift to Mr Yv\ Rae, who won as he liked, Willie Rae and Tom Livingstone coming in second and third nspectively. It was not generally known that the winner of this race was a popular and successful athlete in his day, and he has apparently considerable go in him yet. Some disappointment was caused ou account of a much talkedof race for 100 yards between this gentleman and an old Paterangi sport not coming off; the latter having a bad cold could not be induced to run. Several cases of fruit kindly presented by Messrs Ohye and Rae were handed round during the afternoon, and were much appreciated. A sack race, in which seven or eight men and boys participated, caused much amusement, and was won by Mr Rae. A call was now made for tea, to which all responded. I need say nothing with regard to the good things provided, as usual there was abundance of the choicest, which the young ladies and gentlemen assistants distributed most assiduously. A dance in the schoolroom followed in the evening, which was well attended, and judging ttom the time it broke up must have been most enjoyable.—(Own Correspondent).