Cousins and Atkin's Annual Picnic.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3750, 6 April 1908, Page 3

Cousins and Atkin's Annual Picnic.

On Saturday last the employees of the Cousins and Atkins Carriage Factory, Ltd., at Auckland and Hamilton, held their annual picnic at Pukekohe. About 80 at down to a sumptouous dinner in the Maonic Hall,supplied by Mr J. Graham, of the Pukekohe Hotel. After dinner the 120 Yards C. and A. Handicap was run off on the football ground, the winner being found in G. Reid, of the Hamilton branch. Subsequently the combined teams met the Pukekohe Football teams, and after a close game the latter proved victorious by 5 points to nil. After the match the teams held a smoke concert in the hall, when songs and recitaions were given by Messrs Blewden, Minnett, Cowles, Mayes, Fitzwilliam, Lemrne Poi, and Speight. A skit which was read by Mr W. Aitkin, depicted the eccentricities of every member of the firm, caused much amusement. Mr S. Meachem, of the Hamilton branch, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the firm for their hospitality. Mr Walter Spooner endorsed Mr Meachem’s remarks. The toast was coupled with the names of Messrs A. Atkin, W. H. Atkin, and E. Atkin. In responding these gentlemen said that nothing gave them greater pleasure than to see the men pulling so well together. Such functions as these are calculated to bring about a better feeling between employers and employees, and lessen the friction which exists very generally between the two. Before the train left a tug ofwar was pulled with a Pukekohe team, which again proved successful. After cheers for the proprietors and the singing ol “Auld Lang Syne,” the party left for their respective homes by train at C o’clock. On their way home from Frankton the Hamilton employees gave three hearty cheers for Mr W. H. Atkin, the manager of the local branch, who has worked hard to bring about a meeting of the two branches, and did not leave a stone unturned to make the day the success it was.