PICNICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13439, 18 March 1907, Page 7

PICNICS.

AUCKLAND GARRISON BAND.

With a view to showing practical appreciation for the assistance rendered to the Auckland Garrison Band in the various functions held to raise funds to send the band South to compete in the recent contest at Christchurch, the committee of the band decided to hold a social gathering and picnic at Motutapu. Over 500 invitations were issued to those who, had assisted in various ways, and over 400 of those invited took part in the excursion which was held yesterday. The p.s. Britannia was secured for the occasion, and conveyed the guests and band to Home Bay yesterday morning, returning in the evening. The committee of the band had made complete arrangements for the entertainment of the guests. At Motutapu the band played a number of selections, and also on the journey to and from the island. During an interval Captain Forbes, at the request of the band, presented Band-' master E. G. Williams with an address and purse of sovereigns on behalf of the members. The address expressed the thanks and appreciation of the members for the manner in which Mr. Williams had conducted the band during the past five months, and more especially during ~> the Exhibition contests at Christchurch. The band's high state of efficiency was referred to, and their position in the Christchurch eventsfourth in the test selection and fifth in the march—was remarked upon as highly gratifying to the band and citizens of Auckland. On behalf of No. 8 Garrison Artillery, Captain Forbes also expressed appreciation of the services of Mr. Williams and the band. Mr. Williams appropriately replied. He said that credit must be given to the members of the band who had by.their own industry to a great extent succeeded in making the progress they had done. Prior to leaving in the evening the band assembled on the lawn of Mr. Reid's house, where a number of selections were played. Mr. Reid was thanked for his kindness i.i granting the use of the island, and a presentation was mad* to Mr. Reid's daughter by the members of the band.

ONEHUNGA CONVENT SCHOOL CHILDREN.

The children attending the Convent Schools at Onehunga frcld their annual picnic at St. Heliers Bay on Saturday, whence, with their parents and friends, they were conveyed in brakes and 'buses. A highly enjoyable day was spent. Sports were arranged on the grounds. The function was under the guidance of Father Mahoney, assisted by members of the Hibernian Society.