CHRISTCHURCH BUTCHERS' ANNUAL PICNIC.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8313, 29 February 1912, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH BUTCHERS' ANNUAL PICNIC.

. — tm At 11.15 o'clock this morning a special train from G^hristchurch arrived in Ashburton, conveying about 1000 passengers', the occasion being the Christchurch Butchers' thirty-fifth annual picnic. On arrival at the station the visitors were met by his Worship the Mayor (Mr H. Davis) and Mr McClure (Town Clerk). In a brief speech, the Mayor extended a hearty welcome to the party to Ashburton, and assured them that the Borough Councillors would do all in their power to contribute to. the day's success. He was pleased that they had been favoured with ideal weather, and sincerely hoped that they would spend a very happy timo in Ashburton. The Domain by-laws were suspended fory the day, and they would be able to take full advantage of the baths, sports ground, etc. Mr G. Gibson (president) briefly thanked the Mayor for his hearty' welcome. The picnickers then proceeded to the Domain, and very soon the grass plots beneath the trees were'^kii*ed all over with snowy-white tablecloths and well-filled hampers, and the onslaught made on the ample supply" of good" things testified to healthy appetites. The committee had framed a comprehensive programme of sports, including 100 Yards Order Boys' Race : 11-Mile Roadster Bicycle Race. 100 , Yards Three-legged Race, 75 Yards Single Ladies' Race, 130 Yards Butchers' Handicap, 100 Yards Master Butchers' Race, 50 Yards Married Women's Race, Distance Guessing Competition, 100 Yards Married Men's Race, Threading the- Needle, 50 Yards Married Women's Race, 100 Yards Butchers' Race, • 100 Yards Visitors Race. All the/ events, for which trophies were provided for the winners, were keenly contested, and were watched with tr--^ interest. During the day, Derry's Private Band, Under Bandmaster E. C. Derry, enlivened the proceedings with a nunu her of musical selections.