PICNIC AT MATAHURI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 62, 14 March 1900, Page 3

PICNIC AT MATAHURI.

, » The second annual picnic in- connection, with the two half-time .schools at . Matahuri came off on Saturday last, in a paddock kindly lent by Mr McCrae, about midway between the schools, and proved a great success. There was a large gathering of the white and native populations of the district, and a. number of visitors from Huntly, Wairangi, and other places. Refreshments were amply provided for all by the ladies attending to this department; and, in addition to the! amusements for the children, the committee had arranged a good programme of athletic sports for those of i a larger growth. In these events hon- ; ours were about equally divided between the white and brown competitors. The most exciting item was a ' tug-of-war—Maoris versus pakehas. The teams consisted of 13 men aside, but though the pakehas were a fine body of men, the natives were the victors after a gallant struggle. The bag pipes, played by Mr Cheyne, in I full Highland dress, and a drum and! fife band, composed of Maoris, led by j Mr Matchett, helped to enliven pro- i ceedings. Mr Harris, the school j teacher, who is deservedly popular, | acted as secretary to the committee, i and was responsible for most of the j arrangements, and contributed as much as one man could to the success of the gathering. Before the people separated in the evening, the Rev. G. S. Cook, of Huntly, moved a vote of thanks to the ladies and the commit-; tee, which was carried with three hearty cheers, which spoke volumes for the complete satisfaction of all. present.