BLACKBURN PICNIC.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXV, Issue 2126, 29 January 1909, Page 5

BLACKBURN PICNIC.

The Blackburn settlers were favoured with ideal weather for their annual picnic on Wednesday, and there was a large gathering, the local people being not only strongly represented, but many coming from a distance such as Balclutr|;i, Lovells Flat, Tuapelca Mouth, and Greenfield. The picnic was held in a nice situation in Mr R. List's paddock not far from tho creamery, and the rows of traps that lined the fences on either side of the road gave one the impression thart some large fair was in progress. The proceedings went with a merry swing, and, needless to say, all present not only enjoyed themselves in the usual sense, but spent a most pleasant afternoon. The hospitality was unsparing and everything in the way of eatables, etc., was supplied free, the catering being in the hands of Messrs Ritchie Bros., Balclutha. The committee who had charge of the proceedings were Messrs W. Sparks (Chairman 1 ), W. R. Houlistoa (secretary and treasurer), J. Blair, J. Burns, J„ Morrison and T. Wallace, and they were all energy and attention in keeping things going, Mr Houliston proving a painstaking and obliging secretary—the right man in the right place. The haudicappers were Messrs J. Begg, jun., and D. Henderson, while Messrs •John Thomson and W. Craig were tho judges. They all did their work well. The ladies of Blackburn practically all assisted in connection with the dispensing of refreshments, but Mrs Steele's name may 'be specially mentioned, as she supervised the making of the tea, and proved herself an adept at the preparation of the cup that cheers but not inebriates. There was abundance of eatable for all, of plenty nad variety, and they were served with hospitable hands. There \v]ere, prizes galore for all sorts of competitions, and the younger children were specially attended to, all under 11 years being lined up and given a prize or a present, and no less than .108 of them were in this wuy made happy. Running, jumping, etc., all wont to make a pleasant outing, and the residents of Blackburn may congratulate themselves on the success of their picnic for 1909. Following aro .the

GAMES RESULTS: Blackburn Handicap, 150vds.— E. B. Boyd.l, J. Wright and W. Stirling (tied) 2. About 10 starters. A capital race. Girls' Race (13 to 16 years) .—Lena Craig 1, Lilly Carruthers 2. Stepping Two Chains.—H. S. Reid 1, J. Burns, jtm., 2. Hop, Step, and Jump—H. S. Reid 1, R. Youngson 2. A keen contest. Young Ladies' Race—Miss Lizzie Carruthers 1, Miss Grace McLaughlin 2. Boy-,' Race, under Li.—Erie Ludlow 1. J. Crichton 2, E. Bishop and VI. Peak (erjiial) .'{. Girls' Race (under IS',— Lizzie Craig I, \Z. Hyslop 2, L. Steele 3. Boys' Race (under 9)— D. Bishop 1, 11, Moir 2, C. Crichton 3. Married Ladies' Race—Mrs "W. Kirk' ness 1, Mrs .1. Henderson 2. A good race, and good time. Girls' Race (under '.))—Queenio Crichton 1, Nellie Hyslop 2, Lizzie Middlemass 3.

High Jump—A. Thomson, 4ft llin, V: E. B. Boyd 2. Well contested. Some very clean jumping. Milk Suppliers' Handicap—W. Craig J, J. Parker 2, J. Hyslop 3. About a dozen starters and an "all out" race. Won with a little to spare. Two of the competitors winded themselves in an impromptu wrestling bout at the starting post. Ladies' Nail-driving Competition Miss -J. Cooper I, Mrs J. Mc'Guffog 2, Miss Simpson 3. The Ist prize was a box of tea. Each competitor had to drive three nails in succession, and the time was taken. There was some smart work.

Clutha Handicap of 250 yards. Fred Sehluter 1, Jack Wright 2. A Held of a dozen and a rattling race, inches dividing first and second, the rest in a bunch close up. Vaulting with Pole—A. Murray, Bft 2in, 1; P. Jones 2. Eight competitors, and the work of the top-notch-ers was good considering the conditions. Blackburn Married Women's RaceMrs Alt'. Winglield 1, Mrs W. Taggart 2. Six starters—all off scratch. Won easily. Married Men's Raco-H. S. Rcid 1, A. Murray 2. About eight competitors. A good race. Winner underweight. Consolation Handicap—F. Sehluter I, Jos. Shand 2. . Another willing go. Ten starters. The winner won the Clutha Handicap, the prize being a cow-cover, but no one seemed to mind his winning in the Consolation.