PICNIC AT HOUIPAPA.

Clutha Leader, Volume XL, Issue 73, 20 March 1914, Page 5

PICNIC AT HOUIPAPA.

On Wednesday the members of the Clinton, Balclutha and Owaka 1.0.0. F. held a public picnic at Houipapa. The success of the function was far beyond the hopes of thc organisers, nearly all the tickets having been sold the day before. Owing to the splendid train arrangements everything went well so far as the journey to Houipapa was concerned. At almost every station from Clinton to the destination there were eager picnickers awaiting" the train with its happy freight of merry-makers. When at last the destination on which the picnic-making energies of the organisers were to be concentrated was reached by the erowd, estimated at over 1500 and representing the larger portion of Clutha, the fun began in a hearty manner. While dinner was being partaken of—the committee having arranged to have four boilers going to meet immediate requirements—all were preparing for an enjoyable day's outing. During the day the "Balclutha Brass Band, which played on the departure of the train from Balclutha and on its arrival at Houipapa, enlivened the proceedings with varied and suitable selections. The committee quickly got to work to organise a sports programme. Numerous races for the children were run, and competitions for the older picnickers were held. While races were being run many others passed the day either in playing games or exploring the mysterious wonders and beauties of the neighbouring bush. The sports resulted as follows:

Married Ladies' Race (.15 years)— Mrs Brown 1, Mrs Weir 2, Mrs McTaggart :S. Young Ladies' Race —Miss V. Sheddan 1, Miss W, Willocks 2, Miss Sarginson 3.

Old Buffers' Race —F. W. Eason 1,. J. Ramsay and T. Bagrie (tie) 2. Tug-o'-war (six entries) —Clutha Civilians 1, Clutha Band 2.

Young Men's Race—Sheddan 1, Williamson 2, Sarginson, 3. Hop, Step and Jump—D. W. White (38ft ,'iin) 1, .T. Ramsay 2. After the sports and games had been finished an improvised platform was rigged up, and Bro. Perkins, of the Owaka Lodge, called upon Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P., to speak. Mr Malcolm said he wished to express his appreciation of the kind invitation of the 1.0.0. F. and congratulate them on the splendid train arrangements they had made, and better still for arranging for such a fine day. He had enjoyed the day thoroughly, and thanked the organisers for their splendid picnic. He then called for three cheers for the 1.0.0.F,, which wpre lustily given, and further appreciation was shown by singing "For they ate jolly good fellows." Bro. Perkins then called upon Mr A. McDonald. Mr McDonald expressed his pleasure at the great success of th« scheme, which had exceeded their best hopes. They had an ideal spot for a picnic, -while some were so enchanted with its beauty that they felt a desire to build there. ¥he Owaka Lodge were a jolly lot, and had helped them very much.

Mi' C. J. Wood, of the Dalton Lodge, M.tL,1.0.0.F., spoke next. He endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and hoped that they would soon have an amalgamated picnic of the two lodges. He then expounded* the object of the lodges, and how they all worked to help one another. The lodge was one big insurance in which all who joined received their reward, and he expected that all would help the lodge by joining. On behalf of the M.U.,1.0.0.F. he congratulated the 1.0.0. F. on their splendid picnic, and hoped it would not be the last. The two lodges of South Otago should nn-ito and hold a united picnic, which would eclipse even the splendid picnic of that day. He then called for three cheers for Mr Fred Wilson for the use of his paddock, and for Mr Brown, the i energetic secretary of the picnic. Mr Perkins then called for three cheers for the band's kindness in attending the picnic. ' The picnickers had a good run home in the evening, Balclutha being reached about 7 o'clock. It is pleasing to note that there was not a single accident all day.