FUN ON THE SANDS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 24 January 1927, Page 5

FUN ON THE SANDS.

RAILWAYMEN AT PLAY. .PICNIC AT OPIUNA.EE. About 306 adults and children were in 'attendance at tne annual .picnic oi tne nawera and ■district railway servants neid on the Opunake oeacn yesterday. The majority made the trip to tne seaside resort oy a special train, which lett Hawera at 8.40 a.m., nuinoer,s oemg picked up from the various stations eu route, whiie a contingent from Eilfcham travelled oy motor lorry, .beautiful weather favoured the occasion, arid surf-bathing and the other beach attractions were fully exploited, the outing being replete with enjo>nient to ull participants. Under the direction oi a competent committee, headed by the hon. secretary, Air. L. U Morgan,, an attractive programme for the day was arranged, particular attention being given to cue entertainment of the juveniles, who entered with enthusiasm into .various games and competitions. Including the prizes for running events, approximately 150 packages of toys, donated by tne social club, were distributed among the children. Confections were also distributed on the beach, while on the homeward journey the children were further regaled with fruit, nuts, confectionery, soft drinks, etc. The children’s (Sports programme comprised Z' events, lirst and second awards being given in each. Hot water for all m attendance was provided gratis by tne committee. - Among the competitions a feature or particular interest was the prize baby competition, which was favoured with an' (attractive showing, typical of healthy infant New Zealand. The judge (Air. S. Ounimane), who was assisted by a ‘lady, was confronted with a difficult task in making his decision, but eventually gave the award in favour of Marion, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Barnes. _ ~ Leaving Opunake at 0.20 p.m., tne return (special arrived in Hawera, at 6.40. , . , r The committee wish to thank Messrs G Loader (guard) Martin (driver) and Barnett (fireman) for running the train and the Department for the free use of the train and services. Thanks are also due to Messrs Levin and 00., Burgess, Fraser and Cb., R, T. Bullock, W. Page, Walker and Son., G. id. Horsburgh, South Taranaki Building Cb., W. D. and H. O'. Wills, R. Morrissey and Go., Carter and Cb., Geo, Svme and Co., for donations, and to Mr. A. El. MacDonald, of Opunake; for' the' use of his motor lorry in the conveyance of hampers and goods between the .station and the beach. A programme of sports for admits created keen competition. The foliowino- officials attended to tlie respective duties : Messrs T. Fby andJV. Turnbull (handicappens). R. McNeil (starter), T. H. Tubby, P. Keegan, and W. Vowless (judges), Eden and Barr (stewards) . The programme was 'a lengthy one, the following being the principal results: — ' Open Championship 100 Yards; Ist gold medal. 2nd silver medal.—T. Norris 1. J. Wilson 2. . / 100 Yards Handicap.—-T. Korns (iscr) 1, O. Ansford 2. Married' Ladies'’ Race ; Ist ham, —nd box tea,—Mrs. T. Peach 1. Mins. W. Tarrant 2. Dual Race. —Air. Norms and partner 1 Air. and Airs. Sloan 2. Pick-a-back Race. —Messrs Kearns (and Eden 1. _ , Old Buffers’ Race. —T. H, Tuohy 1. Mackersev 2, T. Henry 3. Relay Race.—Won by loco, team (I. Nomis. Kearns, Eden and Tort. Visitors’ Race (ladies). —Airs. Dymond 1, Aliss G. Lend rum 2. _ Visitors Race (men). —Boswell 1, I. Henrv 2.