PICNIC AND SPORTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12006, 1 April 1901, Page 7

PICNIC AND SPORTS.

The annual picnic of the employees of the Daily Times and Witness, held at the Glen, Outran], on Saturday, was an unqualified success. 'The day was perfect, the spot selected for the picnic an ideal one, and the arrangements for the day's outing all that could be desired. At 9.15 a.m., the hour appointed for leaving the Dunedin station, ,the employees of the company, with their wives and families, turned out in strong force, and as the railway authorities had provided ample accommodation the.journey to Mosgiel and across the Taieri Plain was most enjoyable. Arrived at Outran), a wall: of .about a mile through the township, past the bridge, and up a lovely wooded gorge, brought the holiday-makers to Eichardson's fiourmill, near which hot water and tea- were both in readiness, and innumerable shady spots by thopurling brook invited all to a cheering repast,' which was soon spread and speedily disposed of. After that a couple of hours were spent in .pleasant rambles up 7 thc Glen or along tho wooded path by. the creek, side, and numerous other places where a day could be profitably and' pleasantly spent viewing Nature in its pristine loveliness. The steep rock face of the' gorge on tho northern side is well wooded, and tho overflow from the race, which carries the water to the generating station, supplying Outturn with the electric light, down a gully broken by numerous miniature waterfalls, made a very pretty sight amid its forest Betting and drapery of ferns. In short, tho beauty apots in the Glen are so many that it was past the time when the sport 9 wore to begin before the company could be assembled in Mr Low's paddock, which was a splendid place for races. Through a mistake Mr Low's paddock was taken possession of by tho picnickers without having first undertaken the usual formality of asking the owner's leave, and when Mr Low appeared upon the sceno in his shirt sleeves things began to look ominous. Bui explanations followed, and Mr Low, proving himself one of Naturo'a gentlemen, with alacrity gave his consent to the use of tho paddock, and what is more, stayed to the finish, and accepted an invitation to tea. and enke with the manager. During the afternoon races for children and adults were kept going, and tho directors of tho company who were present did all they could to.holp.on tho programme, and to generally make everyone quite at home. It was at first intended to vary the proceedings by having game 3 during the afternoon; but as the sun was hot and the shade inviting, that'part of the programme was abandoned. Nevertheless, all alike, old and young, who participated in the day's outing thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and no one regretted visiting such a lovely'spot of sylvan beauty. Shortly alter 4 o'clock a move was made back to whero the tea was being brewed by way of preparation for the return journey, a's the special was timed to leave Ontrain at 6 o'clock. Tea and lefreshuients having again been partaken of, toys, etc., which had been won during the day, were gathered Up, hampers repacked, and preparation made for tho return. But before moving off Mr G. Fenwick, managing director, asked the conipauy to assemble near tho bridge, He told them that it was intended to present the prizes before leaving, •but as there was not time for that, the presentation would take place on Monday (to-night) at the Times Office. Before leaving he requested the company fo sing the National! Anthem, a thing which was not usual at a function of the kind, but they might set a good example. It was due to themselves and duo fo the Empire that they should bliow their patriotism. Recently there had been a great display of patriotism.in Duncdin, and none had been more loyal than those connected with the Daily Times Office. The National Anthem, Mr Fenwick explained, had- been altered, and as those present might not know thenvords he would read the first three verses before calling upon them to sing them. Under the leadership of Mr Calverley the company then sang the National Anthem, and for the first time, it is safe to say, that lonely glen resounded to the inspiring straius of a hymn that has been long associated with tho revered name of our late beloved Queen, but which is now sung in the name of the King, On the motion of Mr Joseph Abcrnctliy a vote of thanks to Mr Fenwick and the directors of the company for their presence and interest in'the day's proceedings was carried with cheers and musical honours, Mr Fenwick, in acknowledging the vote on behalf of himself and the other directors, who had to go away by an earlier train, said he appreciated the compliment most heartily. He could assure .them that one and all had thoroughly enjoyed the outing, and hoped in future years that the directors, with their wives and families, would be present at the annual picnic. Before going, he would like them to acknowledge the kindness of Mr Low for flic use of the paddock in which the sports had been held. Three hearty I cheers were given 'for Mr Low, and all set off for the station, returning to Duncdin by special train at 8 p.m. The following is the result of the sports held during tho afternoon, together with the prize list:—. • Otago Daily Times Handicap, 120yds—F. Mitchell 1, A. Page 2, E. Marshall 3. Apprentices' Race, 120yds.—F.' Mitchell 1, A. Pago 2, Byrne 3. Bicycle Handicap, two miles—J. T. Paul 1, P.' Hall 2. Married Ladies' liace, 45vds—Mrs Westlake 1, Mrs Dodds 2. Single Ladies' Race, 50yds—Miss Foley 1, Miss M'Kenzie 3. Girls' Usee, 50yds—Lila Eussell 1, E. Myers and E. Mooney 2.