TRAMWAY COIS EMPLOYEES PICNIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11347, 16 April 1900, Page 7

TRAMWAY COIS EMPLOYEES PICNIC.

Ihe Tramway Company's employees' annual picnio at Potter's Paddock took place on Good Friday, It was given by Mr. J. S. Kidd, manager. The weather was unfavourable, but the attendance large, including many relatives and friends of the employees, and proved a very enjoyable outing. Tho following was tho sports programme :— lOOy.s Handicap 'open to drivers): Nanken Is 1, Doyle 2.■ 100 yds Handicap (grooms): Blackburn 1, Bach 2.100 yds Handicap (conductors) : Green 1, Hill 2.100 yds Boys Race: Hogan 1, McFadden 2.75 yds Handicap (mechanics): Kennedy 1, Pooch 2. 150 yds Electric Handicap (open): Green 1, Blackburn 2.200 yds Tramway Handicap: Bach 1, McGovern 2.150 yds Hurdles: R. Moore 1, McDonald 2.100 yds Maintenance • Handicaps Beamish 1, Hammond 2. Hop, Step, and Jump Green 1, McGovern 2. High Jump: Green 1, R. Moore 2. Manx Race: Bach and Donnelly. Tug-of-wat, Eptorn v, Ponsonby: The former team won. Greasy Pig: Caught by J. Fletcher, after affording' considerable amusement.There were three races for married ladies. Winner of first, Mrs. Pollard; second race, won by Mrs. Wilson;, and third by Mrs. Beecham. Also three races for single ladies. Winner of first, 1 Miss Beeeham; second race, won by Miss Orr; and third by Miss Brookes. Valuable prizes were given by merchants and others for the races, and in the evening a concert was held in the large dining-hall tinder the grandstand, when the following speeches were made:— Mr. West (on behalf of the employees) thanked _ Mr. Kidd for his kindness in providing tho employees with a firstclass picnic, and he also thanked Mrs. Kidd and all the ladies who assisted during the day. Short and appropriate speeches wero also made by Messrs. Lysaght and Comey. Mr. Kidd, in replying, thanked the speakers for their kir.d expressions, and tho working committee for tho mannei in which they had carried out all arrangements in connection with the picnic. Some of tho speakers had expressed a wish that he would long remain with them. Ho had now been connected with the tramways over 16 years, but could not say how much longer ho would bo with them, but as long as ho did remain, he would strive to do his duty Honestly and fairly between man and master. Electricity was now approaching more closely daily, and tho outsido concessions wero almost completed. By tho end of {lie montli everything would be fixed, and Mr, Bingham would have returned'to Auckland. As soon as all concessions wero gained here,' 35 miles ■ of new. rails would bo ordered, and operations would commence at once. In all probability the College Hill and Parnell lines would be laid first. Doubtless it would bo necessary to lay all the lines before tho machinery could start working. In America they had been known to chango from horse to electric trams at the rato of ono milo per day. In the meantime, however, they would go on as they had been doing, and do their best. They had keen opposition to fight, but they would fight honourably. In conclusion, Mr. Kidd thanked all the men for their energy and goodwill during the'past year. Little differences and annoyances in various ways had arisen, but tho men had always done their best for him, and he would always do his best for them.