D.L.F. PICNIC AT WANGALOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 101

D.L.F. PICNIC AT WANGALOA.

The first picnic held by the D.L.F. of Kaitangata was celebrated on the 29th February at Smith's Beach, on the Wangaloa, I Coast, a distance of five miles from Kai- ! ta.nga.ta. As the day was an ideal one for such an occasion, a large number of D.L.F. attended the function for the purpose of having a day's enjoyment and a breath of invigorating sea air. Besides the L.F. in Kaitengata, we had th« pleasure of welcoming Jessica and several L.F. on the coast. The place chosen for the picnic was the favourite paddock overlooking the broad Pacific Ocean. Away in the distance Nugget Point could be seen, while to the east and north nothing but the mighty roaring Pacific met the- eye. A start was made from Kaitangata. at 10 o'clock, and all those who were not fortunate enough to possess a cycle or other means of transport were obliged to walk the whole distance, under the scorching sun. The coast was reached at about 12.30, and after a short spell the billy waa placed on the fire, and preparations were macte for the first lunch. Alas! for once the reputation which L.F. enjoy for the superiority of their tea. was nearly lost. By some mischance the tea, instead of being the proper colour, was a pure white mixture instead. As this caused j general dissatisfaction another attempt was j made, and I am glad to say that the second brewing was the best tea that I have ever tasted. After disposing of the eatables, a start was made at playing the old-fashioned picnio games, " Two's and Threes," " Dusty Miller," and " Space." I have had the I pleasure of attending picnics for the last 15 years, and at every one the above games have been played. Why is it? D.L.F. picnics don't seen* to be an exception to the rule either. To add interest to the function an announcement was made that A. F. F. would try and photograph the group, which is an ordeal few photographers care about. After ten minutes' strenuous work, employed in arranging the group in decent order, a snap was taken 'midst trying circumstances. After I this races were organised, but the competitors were very unwilling, and consequently the I athletic part of the programme was a failure. Even prize money in the form of copper coins did not seem to have any effect in stimulating the crowd to display their athletic abilities. At 4 p.m. the billy -was again brought into use, as Jessica and some of the others had to leave for home at an early hour. The tea this time was a success. owing no doubt to the united efforts of Jack and The Gramaphone, who had charge of this part of affairs. Why did the Gramaphone look so serious when he came back with the water, which he got half a mile away? Was it fatigue or that tired feeling, chum? After farewelling the departing L.F. the remainder had an enjoyable game of rounders (?) If some of our city friends had seen us then they would have been amazed at the implements used in playing this game. A piece of board six inches long did duty for a bat, while a .piece of round seaweed served as a ball, and biscuit tins j and 1 bicycles acted as bases. Later on, a stroll to the beach and a final snap taken of the party on the top of a huge rock brought the happy proceedings to a close, except the tableaux acted by the Gramaphone and Co. j as a parting salute. As this was the first D.L.F. picnic at which I have had the •pleasure of being present. I hope that all L.F. will enjoy themselves at such future occasions as I did at the first of these happy gatherings that fell to my experience. , HAPPY WAG.