THE SOLDIERS' OUTING.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15489, 17 January 1916, Page 9

THE SOLDIERS' OUTING.

A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. OTER 2(|) MEN PARTICIPATE. The much-discussed and much-criti-cised picnic for the returned soldiers, organised by the Canterbury Automobile Association and held yesterday, turned out a brilliant success. It was the biggest, thing of its kind yet done in Christchurch for the entertainment of the returned men.

At half-past S in the morning-cars began to arrive, and just before the start the whole of the north-western portion of tho square was completely filled with motors, their drivers, and men in khaki. An outer ring of spectators looked wonderingly 011. having probably never seen so many cars together before. The. men were quicklv allocated to the respective cars, and shortly after nine o'clock the first- car left the square, followed by 82 others,to be joined later by several more. All was done methodically and in order, reflecting great credit 011 the marshals. Mr P. R. Climie and Mr .1. R. Crawsliaw. . Leaving the square at intervals or atiout 100 yards, the cars proceeded down the Ricearton road to West MeN ton, where, as in other townships en route, the inhabitants had turned out in force. lining the road to wave greetings to the men, who responded by waving hats and caps. Passing through Kirwee, Darlield, and Waddington, which were gaily bedecked with flags, the long procession turned to the right towards Oxford, arriving there about an hour later. Leaving the cheering inhabitants of that township, the AshIcy Gorge was reached just, bofore noon. Hove, again, tho efficient system of marshalling was evident. The small nvp'-y of cars was drawn ur> in orderly ranks in a spacious paddock, kindly lent by Mr Thomas Frame for the occasion. The party then made its way to the gorge, where a tent, had been erected, and which contained all manner of good things. The party was now in charge of a sub-committee of the Oxford Patriotic Committee, which, under the chairmanship of Mr H. D. Cooper, had been constituted to "'give tho soldiers a r/iod time," on the occasion of the outing. The success of the efforts of these ladies and gentlemen can best be judged by the expressions ol : the men themselves, as they demolished plates of cold meat and salad, cakes, luins, tea, etc. Enough had been provided to feed an army, and, seated 011 the banks, of the picturesque A.slilev. the men enjoyed themselves- to the full. "I'd like to get o-hc man that wanted to stop our fun." quoth one warrior between mouthfuls. "This is just a bit of all right." said another. "T. could live on cold siftking-pig," sighed a third, gulping his last mouthful. "Yes," lie added to a young lady with a tray, "I will havo just a little more." Everything was arranged to a nicety. After the luncheon, made the more pleasant by selections from the Oxford Brass Band, _ the men strolled or lolled as the spirit moved them. Photographs of groups were taken, ns Mr F. AV. Johnston nut it, "to be used as a speaking protest." Mr H. D. Cooner had previously asked the local vicar," the Rev. James Holloway, to come and say a few words to the men. In his letter he had stated that some objection had been raised 'to a Sundav picnic, but it would have been impossible to' have obtained enough cars on any other day of the week. To this, Mi- Holloway had replied regretting liis inability to attend the picnic, the day being his last Sunday in the parish." He stated that when the idea of a' Sunday picnic had first been mooted lie had raised strong objection, but since he had realised the impossibility of holding it 011 another day, he thought that all that remained fo r the Oxford people was to mako the gatherin"' an unqualified success. 1 After a few short speeches by Messrs H. D. Cooner, A. S. Clarkson (president of the"Automobile Association). J. O'Halloran, and Colonel R. A. Chaffey, who returned thanks on behalf of the men, the party once move got under way amid cheers e.nd counter-cheers. Leaving Oxford shortly after halfpast. 2 at a pace of about twenty miles Ail hour, the long procession headed for Cusfc. and thence to Rangiora, where, at the Show Grounds,' a large crowd of people had gathered to do honour to the "Ansjaes." The cars were again marshalled up in ranks in tho grounds, and the men stood to attention while the National Anthem was played by the Rangiora Brass Band, which subsonuently played several sacred selections. Mr F. G. Horrcll, chairman of the committee. organised for the entertainment of the v men, then said a few words of welcome, and the Rev. P. Fendall, vicar of St. John's, Rangiora. and ChaplainColonel of the I.3th Regiment;, conducted a short service. Greeting the men, ho described them as a splendid example of devotion to duty, and of tlie text "Be strong and of good courage." Ho hoped that their fidelity in the service of King and country would lead them on in tho higher fidelity to tho King of Kings. The National Anthem concluded the service, and everyone fell to at an enjoyable afternoon tea, daintily served by a bevy of young ladies. This was followed by a distribution of fruit and cigarettes. Mr A. S. Clarkson. in a brief speech, then acknowledged the kindness of the people of Rangiora, after which a start was made for home, where at Cathedral Square, the men, tired and very dusty, bade farewell to the members of the Canterbury Automobile Association who had been'the means of their enjoyment. Mr C. W. Hcrvey, secretary of the Association, is to be warmly congratulated on the success of the outing. He originated the idea, and worked indefatigably towards its accomplishment, beiifg assisted bv Mr A. S. Clarkson, Mr P. R. Climie. Mr J. R. Crawshaw. Mr J. Sced-Gowing, Mr F. W. Johnston "and other members. The mechanics who followed the last _ car also deserve thanks for their services, and many punctures that occurred wero expeditiously remedied by their assistance.