PICNIC OF MESSRS SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S EMPLOYEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11604, 19 March 1901, Page 3

PICNIC OF MESSRS SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S EMPLOYEES.

A pleasant function was participated in by the employees of Messrs. Smith and Caughey (Limited) on Saturday last, the occasion being their first annual picnic, - which was held at Motutapu. The steamer, with a merry company of about 250, loft the wharf at a quarterpast nine a.m., and after- a delightful run down the harbour, arrived' at Motutapu at eleven a.m. ■ Landing being accomplished, a sumptuous luncheon was partaken of, after which competitive sports (a feature of the day) were indulged in. Keen rivalry was displayed in this direction, as the committee had in hand various handsome trophies, which were well distributed amongst the employees. Boating parties and games were indulged in by the ladies, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. After tea, games wore again, continued until the steamer's whistle gave the signal for departure. As the steamer, left the wharf on the return journey, throe hearty cheers were given for Mr. James Reid, for his kindness in placing his beautiful island homo at the disposal of the party, and as the steamer wended her way up the harbour, a concert programme was contributed by the various members of the staff. One great feature of the day was the brass band, which was composed of employees under the leadership of Mr. Blakeley, which discoursed sweet music at intervals during the day. Before -arriving at Queenstreet Wharf, a hearty vote of thanks to the managing directors, Messrs. W. H. Smith and A. C. Caughey, for their generosity in granting a holiday for the outing, was carried amid cheers. Mr. Smith responded, and expressed his pleasure at the inauguration of the picnic, which was oaloulated to promote good feeling between employers and employees. The following are the results of the sports: — 100 yds Ladies' Bracelet: A. McDougall 1, Phillips 2, Atkinson 3. • High Jump: Atkinson 1, Aiton 2, Anderson 3. • 880 yds: Anderson 1, Hill and Butler (deadheat) 2. ■■ ' Boys' Race: Kayes 1, French 2, Pitman 3. ' 220 yds: Atkinson 1, Page 2, N. Farley 3. Pickaback Race: Page and Blakeley 1, Laud and Kell 2. Officials' Race: Holdsworth and Hall (dead-heat) 1. Teams' Race: Clothing team 1, travellers' .team 2. Sack Race: Gummer 1, Laud 2. Egg and Spoon Race: Nieholle 1, Warren 2. ...-,.: ■'■ ' '. 440 yds: McDougall 1, Kayos 2, Anderson 3. Siamese Race : Atkinson and Aiton 1, Hill and Anderson 2. Potato Race : Aldridge 1, Pago 2. Steeplechase: Anderson 1, Atkinson 2, Phillips 3. - Consolation ': Race: Lawford 1, Page 2, •Thomson 3. ,- Miss Farrell nominated the winner of the ladies' bracelet.