ANNUAL PICNIC AT TUHIKARAMEA

Waikato Times, Volume XL, Issue 3208, 17 January 1893, Page 2

ANNUAL PICNIC AT TUHIKARAMEA

It has been amply proved that the cierk of the weather,is *iio respeotor nf persons, Sports of all kinds have had this season to run the gnantlet with him, and very badly some of them have como out. Whatever excuse there might be fur Jupitor Pluviu-i, or whoever cnutrols the tap, in putting a damper nil horse racing—which is perhaps, rather in need of some check of this kind—there is certainly none in the case of country picnics. These are really the annual reunions of hardworking settlers and their families and, in many instance--, is the only occasion upon which they meet during the year. However, after two postponement?, the Tuhikaramea district picnic came olf on Friday last, the site chosen being the same us last year, Mr C. Vicker's paddock. The weather was tine, and in spite of the disappointment of previous delays quite an average number, about 250 altogether, rolled up to enjoy themselves. Visitors were present from all the surroundintr districts, among whom were a large number of children. As usual, a long list of good sports were got off during the afternoon, Mr J. Drabble acting as handicapppr and starter, Messrs Livingst >n and Norlnan being the judges. 'A very attractive feature of the picnic was tho Christinas Tree loaded with toys of all kinds, This was the gitt of the two Misses Vickers, and is now becoming an established institution, this being the second if not the third year that tlieso ladies have provided the tree. At tho conclusion of the drawing three hearty cheers were given by the children tortlie kind donors. Special prizes were also given for boys' ami girls' races by Jliss Donovon, who is on a visit to the district. It is almost unnecessary to add that refreshments of the choicest quality, and including every variety (short ; of whiskey) were provided by the ladies of the district, upon whose shudders the bulk of the labour in connection with these gatherings always devolves. In the evening the younger mamborj of the party ■adjourned tu the school-room where dancing was kept up until a late hour. The following are the particulars of the sports, tho little winners being, of course, most particular, that their names should appear correctly in tho "paper":-' Boys' Rack, under la years, 100 yds, H, Hodgson ... 1 It. Livingston 2 Hurdle Race (Ai,i,-comers), 250 yds. Douglas Jack 1 W.Livingston •... 2 Boys' Raoe, under 13 years, 100 yds. ■W, Harsant; .... : > 1 O. Shepherd ; ; 2 Thrbr-i,egged Race, 100 yds. , J. M. Lennox and J. Rybum... 1 T. Hodgson and Y. R°id 2 Single Ladies' Race. . M. Hodgson 1 ~B; Hodgsuni •„ 2 , Marhikr Ladies' Kace. ' Mrs Alderson ' ... ...' 1... 1 Aire T, Drabble H... 2 . .. .Boys' Raoe, under 15 years, H.Livingston 1 ,11, Hodgson ... 2 Girls' Race, undor 12 years, E. Lane 1O, Drabblo ,2 Girle's Race, under 15 years, (Special prize). O. Drabble ... ... 1 • R. Vinliyson ... ... .2 Bovs' Race, under 15 years. (Special ■ prize), T. Goldsworthy 1 D. I'inlayson . ...; ... ... 2 'Half-milk'Race, W. Livingston '... ... ... + S. MeMickon t This raco brought tho sports to a close. Thero woro eleven entries, and a splendid finish' ensued botwoon W. Livingston and S, McMicknn, tho latter gctt'iig -10 yards start. A dead heat was tho verdict, and bho stakos-moro honour than money—wero divided,