PICNICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13857, 21 March 1907, Page 11

PICNICS.

CORPORATION' OFFICIALS. Tlio oßicial staff of tho Dimcdin City Coimcil lincl 11 most enjoyable tiny for its annual picnic at the 'l'uiori Moutli. The stall, with its friends, mnnboring closo on 70, journeyed down tile Taicri Hiver in tho launch "Wimvorn, under the able pilotage of Miss M'Kegg. Upon arrival at 'faiori Month au excellent lunch was waiting for the picnickers. After lunch tho running events took placc, and were keenly contested. Bounders, cricket, and other; amusements \sc-ro indulged in by many, whilst others roamed about tho beautiful hills and. dales admiring tho scenery and coastline. Aflernocai tea ivas dispeneed at 4.H0 o'clock, and his Worship tho Mayor and Councillors Arklo, Fiddis, mid White took the opportunity of congratulating tho conveners of the picnic for the pleasant outing, and with other congratulatory remarks expressed the hope that- the cardial relations now exists inj,' between tlio City Council mill' tho stnlT would always continue. The town clerk (Mr. J{. W. Kichr.rds), in liio course of an appropriate spccch, referred to the efficiency ot tlio start generally, mid ilio loyal imtuncr in which it. carried oul its duties to the City Council an<l 'lie citizens. Jle-oinbarkation took place shortly after ii o'clock, and the trip up the river was enlivened by thrilling; strains cf wild Highland music by Pipe-major M'ae-D-onald, who kindly .gave his services for tho picnic. Upon arrival at Henley cheers were given for Mr A. M'Kejg and the Sfissos jl'Kegg. and tile party llieu proceeded to tho railway station. Tho train journoy homo resolved itself into an impromptu travelling concert, nearly every member of the stall contributing an item to enliven the proceeding. PICNIC AT PUIUKANUI. 1 Tlio suppliers of the Purakanui and Hoyward's Point Creameries joineel forces with tho l'urnkanni School, and held their annual picnic in Mr Catlienrood's paddock. Tho weather was rather fo?gv, but. nevertheless all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The committee had arranged a splendid programme of spoil*. The oveni of the day proved to be tho Old Buffers' Kace, tlio winner sprinting lionM in fine style, while the next two, after an exciting tussle, breasted the tape together a dead lieat. Tho following is a list of tho prize-winners Boys' Knee (ages 15 to 10).—John Carey 1, George Davit . Hoys' Hare (ages 12 to 13).—Ed. King 3, It. Cassey 'J. Clirla' ilate (ages 1- lo 13). —(trace Uoot-ten 1, liily (ircjn 2, Gir.s' Usee liges 11! to 11).—Maggie Fitzgerald 1, Mim Fitzgerald !!. Married Indies' Jiaee — Mrs lJriiteuden 1, itis Miekcison '2. Marrie;!.Ladies' Race.—Mrs Corkin and Mrs M/Alpine (equal) 1. J.adiea' ltucc.—Miss Anderson 1. Miss Pr.gauiny 'J. Youm; Ladies' Huce (short skirisl.-Miss Drake J, Miss Wilson Old Hutters' Haee.—U. M'Lachlan 1, 1). liaird nml J. Trw.i.w 'J. 20!) Yard.-, Handicap.— Pickering 1, Hamlyn Hop, Step, and Jump.—J. Camnbell 1, P. llill i — Some rather remarkable figures liavo boon published concerning Ihe iiumher o; empty houses in Kdiuburgh. Tho burgh assessor's books show that in May last thole were 4179 tenant less liou«>s—a' record for tho city. Nearly four-fifths are houses under £20 rent, and therefore for Ihe most part working-clars houses. The total valuation of unoccupied houses is £121.251, against a tolal valuation for the city of £3.191,505. On all hands it is agreed thai the chief causes of llio large e.muunt of property standing empty are over-building end want of employment.