COAL MERCHANTS' PICNIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22825, 9 March 1936, Page 4

COAL MERCHANTS' PICNIC

OUTING MARRED BY RAIN Although weather conditions were ideal when the special, train engaged by the Dunedin and. Suburban Coal Merchants' Association for its annual picnic left Dunedin on Saturday morning for Kaitangata, heavy rain, which set in shortly after mid-day, marred the enjoyment of the 447 excursionists who made the trip. This year, at the suggestion of . the directors of the Kaitangata Coal Mining Company, the mining town was chosen for the venue of the outing to afford the city visitors an opportunity to inspect the mines'-as well as to enjoy the attractions of a picnic in the domain. Despite the unpleasant weather in the afternoon the excellent arrangements of the committee ensured that the excursionists spent an enjoyable day. The children were especially catered for, and the toye and refreshments distributed by the committee did a great deal to compensate them for the pleasures of which they were deprived by the weather. On arrival at the domain, the excursionists partook of a picnic lunch, after which they were shown over a section of the coal mine. The modern electrical machinery and equipment created much interest, and, later, armed with electric safety lamps, the sightseers inspected the 1000-foot tunnel and part of the network of well-ventilated shafts and drives that comprise the No. 2 mine. Although the showery weather and wet ground necessitated the curtailment of the afternoon's sports programme, numerous races were held for the children and adults. Several of the excursionists attended the local kinema. entertainments, while others visited friends in.the village, so that all managed to, fill in the remainder of the day pleasantly before the return journey was commenced. - The following are the results of tba principal races held: — Young Men's Race.—B. Miller" 1, G. Robinson 2. W. Ballock 3. Young .Women's Race. —Miss Ramsay 1, Miss M. Carson 2, Misg J. Carson 3. Coal Merchants' Handicap.—H. Hodges 1, F. M'Cullough 2, M. Campbell 3. Married Men's Race.—A. Balloch 1. T. Robinson 2. , Married Women's Race.—Mrs Leo 1. Open Handicap.—P. Dysart 1. G. Robinson 2. Old Buffers' Race.—T. Robinson 1. P. Dysart 2. Cigarette Race.—G. Robinson and Mrs Leo. Largest Family at Picnic.—Mrs T. Morris (eight children) 1, Mrs ,'Mulholland (five children) 2. . ' .