WATCHMAKERS' AND JEWELLERS' PICNIC.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1892, Page 5

WATCHMAKERS' AND JEWELLERS' PICNIC.

All day long from eight o'clock in the morning till after nine at night yesterday did the watchmakers and jewellers of Auckland—together with their wives and cousins and sisters and aunts—spond in thoroughly enjoying themselves. It would have been strange if the picnic had nod been a marked success. The arrangements were complete and comfortable, thanks to the Committee, and the weather clerk, after terrifying everyone with the prnspectJ. of a wet day, relented, and granted blue skies and a warm sun. Over sis hundred people must have foregathered on the Eagle, when at half-past eight or so she steamed round the Heads en route for Mohutapu. The band played inspiriting music, and people prepared to enjoy themselves. There were one or two heavy showers on the quicK run down to Home Bay, but these only damped frocks, and nofc ardour. They afforded excitement too, for the scramble for shelter was quite inspiriting ; the way in which the young ladies gathered up their finery — the skirfa part—an i fled regardless of ankles, was, as one old gentleman said, worth all the money. It was noticeable, too, that when a rainy day seemed the prospect, and the showers were drenching, the young ladies looked in injured fashion, and even indignant, at their young men, as it if were their fault. Lunch kits were the difficulty. It was impossible to keep them dry. One lady with voluminous mackintosh solved the difficulty very cjeverly, by lifting; her skirts and storing five kits and a case of ginger beer underneath. " Happy, however, the island the sun shines on," and ib did on Motutapu. Landing took Home time, but was safety itself, but once on shore the sun came out right warmly, and dried everyone quickly, some people steaming visibly, but gratefully, in the , heat. Then "to lunch ; kits and baskets were unpacked, and their goodly contents disappeared like magic. All too soon rang the starter's bell for the first race. Fain would many have dallied over the chicken and haiu, and the strawberry jam, nob to mention peaches, grapes, and plums. The sports were conducted in the most approved fashion. The only dispute was over tho Ladies' Race, for inarried'women under 25. It waa a close finish, and there was a difference of opinion among spectators and judges aliko as to who won. One of the claimants was also protested against as being over age. Mr Kohn settled the matter by saying both ladies should have first prizes, gold bangles. Going back, cheers were given for the MessrsReid, and the decks being cleared for action dancing was indulged in on deck, the moonlight trip being voted not the least enjoyable part of a most successful day. The Committee, Messrs J. G. Buchanan, W. Slaney, H. Martinson, B. Pain, J. Prince, J. Howden, T. Jones, H. W. Boyd, J. Donnelly and W. Woolford, are to be warmly congratulated., During the afternoon Piofessor Pannell and Mr Goldwater gave a most interesting exhibition of swimming. The following are the J results of the races :— I 150 yds (apprentices): Haydon, 1; McAfier, 2 ; Endoan, 3. 150 yds Trade Handicap: Smith, 1; Bailey, 2 ; Fielder, 3. 50yds, Girls (under 16): Ada Smith, 1; Lottie Oliver, 2 ; Nellie Hoey, 3. 150 yds (married men): Smith, 1; Buchanan, '2 ; Doarsley, 3. 150 yds (appre ntices ) : Endean, 1; MeAfler, 2 ; Webster, 3. Human Wheelbarrow Race : Brook and Millar, 1 ; Jones and Smith, 2. 250 yds Trade Handicap: Boyd, I; Bailey, 2; Fielder, 3. Boys (under 12) : H. Brook, 1; McAffer, 2 ; Penholtz, 3. 440yda (apprentices): Reynolds, 1 ; Haydon, 2 : McAffer, 3. 440 yds Trade Handicap : A. Smith, 1 ; Bailey, 2 ; Denison, 3. 250 yds Open Handicap: Boyd, 1; Bailey, 2 ; Fairweather, 3. Obstacle Race: Brook, 1 ; Denison, 2; Millar, 3. Steeplechase : Reynolds, 1 ; Smith, 2 ; Fielder, 3,