Empire Ex-Servicemen Have Successful Picnic

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1940, Page 7

Empire Ex-Servicemen Have Successful Picnic

The Empire Ex-Services Association of Whangarei held its annual picnic at Mair Park on Saturday. The event usually takes the form of a harbour excursion, but this year, in view of the petrol restrictions and the necessity to conserve funds, the executive decided to hold the picnic at Mair Park.

There was a large attendance, particularly of children. The park was in excellent order, and provided plenty of shade and accommodation, the weather being perfect. The swimming pool. although somewhat rust-coloured, was largely patronised, but the feature of the day was the races, for hll ages, which were held along the strip of grass in front of the pool. Three Heats of Veterans The “old buffers’ ” sprint brought so many entries that it was necessary to have three heats. The races were in the capable hands of the vfcepresident, Mr H. Keebie: The president, Mr G. A. Bethell, conducted a popular lolly scramble. The excellent hot water supply organised by Mr Len Rogers was very favourably commented upon by the parents present, whilst the children showed their appreciation of the icecream stand, particularly when the free issues were handed out. In this regard, the voluntary helpers in the stall were kept very busy and did, a big job cheerfully. Generous Assistance Mr Hilton Hutchinson very kindly donated a large case of apples and one of pears which, with the free drinks supplied, were very much appreciated' by the children. Mr W. H. Phillips, of Cairnfield Dairy, kindly donated a plentiful supply of milk. During the afternoon, numerous selections were played by the Whangarei Municipal Silver Band, and the various renderings were received with applause. The Mayor and the Mayoress were in attendance by special invitation.

Heavy stocks of timber and cosily machinery were destroyed by fire on Friday at the yards of Messrs A. and E. Ellis, at Rhodes. New South Wales. Another fire destroyed 50.CG0 gallons of wine in the cellars at the Bukkulla vineyards, Inve.rell. The loss is estimated at £30,000.