PICNICS.

Evening Star, Issue 11673, 4 February 1902, Page 7

PICNICS.

Messrs M'Gavin and Co., of the Union Brewery, gave their annual picnic on Saturday last in Mr Hinklcy’s paddock, Broad Bay. and the gathering proved one of the most enjoyable of the season. All connected with the firm were present, together with a number of invited friends, bringing the total op to about 180 persons, who were conveyed to the paddock in six drags. The place chosen for the picnic is a beautiful spot, pleasantly wooded around, with a cool stream running through. To these features is added the advantage of the sea beach, quite close, where the little folk waded about to their hearts* delight, and were much taken up with the pleasure of gathering oysters and periwinkles. Favorer! by a beautiful day, with a cool breeze blowing in from the sea, all present had a most pleasant time, and were delighted with the picturesque surroundings. Prom about eleven o’clock up to five things went merrily, all kinds of sports and games being indulged in on a nice green plot of land, properly roped off for the events. Cricket came in for a great deal of attention, and some of the " oldsters,” with the cunning of palmy cricketing days gone by, showed the yonng fry a thing or two m handling the “ willow ” aud pacing the grass for runs. A number of prizes were given for the various events in the sports, and the children came in for toys ad lib. Music was a feature of the day, various instruments enlivening the proceedings, and many couples were thus able to have a jolly dance on the green. Bnt as regards music, premier place must, of course, be given to the “ glorious pipes,” skilfully manipulated by Mr C. M'Glashan. The inspiriting music of the pipes winding round the hills on the run down was a pleasant feature of the trip, and many a Scot was passed whose face beamed with delight at the grand auld strains frno his heather hills. A marquee was erected on the ground, in whicn tent a bountiful spread was provided for the company, and admirably managed by Mr T. Shepherd. A feature, of course, was the firm’s excellent and refreshing ale, to which a great number did thorough justice on so hot a clay, not forgetting a number of cyclists and yachtsmen who were welcomed in that “cool retreat” as they were passing on their way down the harbor. A number of friends came over by the steamboat, and this was the cause of packing the drags rather uncomfortably on the return to town. Among the guests were noticed several local publicans and visitors from the North Island, who all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were glad they had not missed the fnn. Messrs W. H. Smith (the brewing partner), George M’Gavin, Wright, and Kidd took a lively interest in the proceedings of the day, and did much ip their way to promote the comfort and pleasure of all present. The very highest praise is due to the Pictdc Committee for the excellent way in which everything was arranged and carried out. Mr (chairman) and Mr Slowly' (secretary) were conspicuous for their exertions in the arrangement, of the snorts, which passed off swimmingly, to their specif credit. Mr G. Smith won praise for bit management of the drags, and his attention in that special direction gave the highest satisfaction. A great share of the work was undertaken by the three other committeemen —Messrs W. Warren, Holmes, and Turnbull—and to those gentlemen praise is doe for their untiring efforts daring the day,, Mr Warren took charge of the beach arrangements, and acquitted himself admirably. Mr M. Houlahan was most agreeable and patient with the demands made on him as dispenser of the ‘•amber fluid.” Mr M'Quillan was well to the front in several things, and Mr A. Warrep managed the heavy work in the carriage of baggage and the good things

to the ground. The picnic was generally voted the most successful ever given by the Union Brewery. AH are loud in their praises of the excellent management gene, rallv, and of the most beautiful spot chosen for* the outing. Everythin"; passed off smoothly and orderly and without a single hitch. Mr S. Leith provided the drags, and to his drivers the greatest credit is due for their careful handling of the horses.' Mr Hinkley and Mr W. Sim lent much-appreciated help throughout. On the return of the drags to the brewery three cheers were heartily given in the name of the firm and Mr W. H. Smith, and with the singing of * He’s a jolly good fellow ’ a most enjoyable day’s proceedings were brought to a close. The employes of Messrs Scoullar and Chisholm held their annual outing on Satur. clay last, the part) being conveyed tv steamer apd drags to Portohello. The trip down the harbor was much enjoyed, the weather being perfect. On arrival at the grounds everyone prepared for lunch, and as the water was boiling no time was lost in setting to work to reduce the hampers, after which a programme of sports was held, with the following results ; -Factory Apprentices’ Race: A. Higgms 1, J. button 2. Warehouse Apprentices Race: VV. Marsden. Girls’ Race (short dresses); Miss E. Scott 1, Miss E- Peart 2. bcoullar and Chisholm 1 * Handicap; T. bmas L, P. Jones 2. Old Buffers’ Race :H- Howes 1, J). Higgins and D. Foster (dead heat) 2. Young Ladies’ Race (long dresses): Miss Peart 1, Miss Coxnn 2. Visitors’ Race: Miss Malcolm. Married Ladies’ Race: Mrs Scott 1. Mrs Bell 2. Hop, Step, and Jump; J. Gillespie. Threading the Needle : Miss Nettleford. Married Men s Race: F. Butterfield 1, W. Cox 2. The various events caused keen competition, and hearty applause greeted each winner as they stepped forward to receive their prizes, which were presented hy Mr Chisbolny ill his usual happy manner. Before leaving hearty cheers were given for the firm, also for Mr and Mrs Chisholm. The various committees worked hard to make the day s outing a success, and the pienic of 1902 will be long remembered by all who attended it.