THE HAMILTON CHILDREN'S PICNIC.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1018, 2 January 1879, Page 2

THE HAMILTON CHILDREN'S PICNIC.

Despite all counter attractions, there was yesterday a great muster of children at the grounds of Mr Alfred Cox, on the Lake, at Hamilton. Two" o'clock was the hour appointed, but the juvenile impatience was too great to be restrained until so late an hour of the day, and before one o'clock the boats were kept busy crossing cliilclreu from the town side of the Lake to Mr Coxa place. The grounds are very suitable for such a gathering, plenty of grass and plenty of slude and ample Scope for those who chose to roam about. Courses for foot and hurdle races had been already prepared anil staked out, and gome swings erected, a.:d some three or four pleasure boats put m requisition on the lake for those who chose to divert themselves with such pursuits. A greater attraction to the juveniles perhaps was the large marquee, over which there was a conspicuous canvas sign with the word " Jhildren," m large letter?, and the tables m which literally groaned, at least some of the children thought that they lieird them do so, with the we ; g'it of good things, waiting for the four o'clock tea. Meantime, all tumed-to for general enjoyment. Races of all kinds, flit races and hurdle races, races m sacks, and races on all-fours, races for boys an.l races for girls were got up, and carried out with much fun and merriment, prizes m all cases being provide! for the first and second, and sometimes the third m each event. Conspicuous amongst those who interested themselves m carrying out these sports, were, the Rev Mr Calder aud Mr Gwynne. Mr Cox, himself, was also present, and acted the host generally, taking care that there should be nothingwanting on his part to make all present enjoy themselves. Music was provided, and Mr Alexander skirled away on the pipes to the. delight of many a Caledonian. Shortly after four o'clock, the children were seated m tiers on theslope of the lawn, and cakes, buns, and tea, were handed rouncV and - distributed amongst them, aud coffee was provided by Mr Cox for the older visitors, ot whom there were a lar.re number on the ground., Tea over, the sports were again resumed, till at six o'clock, horses were hitched into the trace?, and family parties began to take leave, while thb b^ats agdin v.'ere kept m coustant requisition, passing the children over to the town side of the" L-.ike. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all parties, and is one not lively to be f'orgotlien by youthful Hamilton for some time to come.