EAST TAMAKI.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3553, 28 December 1881, Page 2

EAST TAMAKI.

East Tainaki seemed to bo the favourite resort for excursionists and picnickers on Monday, nearly a thousand people proceeding thither by the steamers Tainui, Enterprise, Anne Milbank, and City of Cork, which arrived at Buckland's Pier and disembarked their passengers in the order written. The Enterprise and City of Cork were crowded with the members of the Baptist congregations of Welloaley-street, Mount Eden and Poasonby, and their immediate friends, the occasion being the annual picnic of the Bible classes of the Wellesley-street Baptist Sunday-school, while the Anne Milbank conveyed v picnic party connected with the Free Methodist Sunday-school. The beautiful lovel pasture hind that skirts the eastern bank of the Tamski afforded every possible facility for outdoor games and athletic exorcises, the shelving shelly beach gave full opportunity for the successful carrying out of aquatic contests, and a clump of bush, easily accessible from the pier, presented an agreeable retreat from the fervent heat ot thn sun. All these advantages were readily availed of, and speedily turned to account. The member* of the Alpha Cricket Club, who mustered in full force under their captain—Mr J. B. Jackson, pitcned their wicket, and entered npen a spirited scratch match. A number of swimming, diving, and canoe races were arranged by MessrsTlieo.Dowar, \V. Baker, J. F. Blomficld, and foot races for children and adults of both sexes were also provided for. The Bob Roy canoe race attracted the most attention and provoked tho greatest amount of merriment. Sis competitors entered but two being inexperienced in the handling of such frail craft very soon after starting found themselves in the water without the means of regaining their seat*, and obliged to put up with tho hearty laughter of the spectator*. Mr C. J. Shaw won the race with Mr W. Baker a good lecond. An "egg and spoon" race created much excitement among he ladies. It had to bo run over four or five time*, bnt eventually Miss Andelia Dewar secured the prize. The rowing and diving matches also "came off" well. A great deal of intercit was likewise attached to tho cricket match - from the fact that a cricket bat was offered as a prize for the highest scorer. It was wen by Mr Cutler, who put together 17 runs by some careful play, The games Hsaally associated with such picnics—French tig, Jolly Miller, etc—were largely indulged in, and there was abundant room for all.. A very pleasant day was spent, and when tho picnickers were embarking for home they had the gratification of knowing that not a single mishap had occurred to mar the general enloyment. Two of the boats reached the Queen-street Wharf before eight o'clock, and the others were in their berths at nine. OTHER EXCURSIONS. The Kawau was well patronised on Monday, the Glenelg taking between 300 and 400 persons on an excursion thither. Sir George Grey received his visitors most graciously, and threw open both the house and grounds for their amusement. The lona took about 200 persons to Motutapu on Monday, and on Tuesday, notwithstanding the heavy rain, secured about 100 excursionists to Kawau. The s.s. Rotomahana made special trips to the Thames on both days, and had a large number of pleasure seekers on each trip. Both Northcote and Wooiside were very lively on Monday and Tuesday, fully 5000 persons travelling by the Company's steamers. The number included numerous picnic parties and visitors to tho Takapuna races. The Ferry Company's arrangements were very suitable for the occasion, and there was but little of tho crushing and crowding usually noticeable on such occasions, Had it not been for the heavy downpour of rain on Tuesday, several other excursions by water would have been undertaken; bnt as it was, there was not sufficient inducement for more steamer* to start. ARCHHILL. The scholars of the Archhill Wesleyan Sunday-school enjoyed their annual picnic on Monday in Messrs McElwain's and Ibberts' paddocks. Games of all sorts were improvised, and satisfactorily carried out, while a couple of cricket matches, in which Messrs Jenkins, Jones, Alderson, Hodgson, .Hxler, and Wakerley distinguished themselves, were enga.ed in with much zest, and by the spectators watched with evident interest. The Rev. W. Morley was present during the day. After the prizes had been distributed the children cheered the' owners of the paddocks, their Superintendent, Secretary, and their teachers and friends.