Main Highways Annual Picnic.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 12 February 1936, Page 2

Main Highways Annual Picnic.

ENJOYABLE OUTIHG

With the big storm that ushered in the first of February all hope of holding the Main Highways picnic as previously arranged for Saturday last was immediately abandoned, and there appeared to be no hope of getting through the Dome Valley for probably two weeks. Yet by Herculean efforts the staff by working night and day had the road, safe and cleared for traffic within five days. OiK. those who saw the men battling through the storm for the safety of barges and boats, and releasing of flood waters to avoid.greater damage can realise what this effort meant. In "the eleventh hour Mr H. G. Littlejohn, the engineer, realised that the men who were called out must have a,rest, and having the road safe for traffic decided to hold the picnic as first arranged.

It was indeed a sight to cheer one when on Saturday morning the happy gathering of families numbering over two hundred travelled to Mahurangi Heads in beautiful sunshine to the. strains of a string orchestra, supported by an excellent chorus. By the kind permission of Mr Wynyard the party .landed at Dairy Bay, one of the most charming seaside spots speuial y suited'for beach racing with splendid pohutukawa shelter. The conditions were ideal with just-a gentle breeze from the sea, a>nd the arrival of another party of contractors and staff from ivlotutara Island completed a happy gathering.

On the return trip competitive singing for prizes by the children supported by an orchestra and chorus, made a, perfect ending to the day. \ .- •

Before landing three cheers were given for Mr Littlejo'.in, Mr Colebourrie, and the business firms of :W ark worth, who had so generously donated prizes.

Following are the results of the day's programme :—'

Girl's Race, 6 to 9, 50 yards; H. Whelan, 1, N. McGrath 2, M. Brown 3; Boy's. Ra/ce, 6t09, 50 yards, D. Jones 1, B. Walls 2, L. McClifford 3 ; Single Ladies' JUa. c Miss Clark •1, Miss Brown 2 ; Needle Race, 50 yards, Mrs Skullander 1, ;Mrs Bailey 2; Boy's Tyre Race, 75 yards, L. Leaf 1, B. Campbell -2 ; Girl's Sack Race, 50 yards, D. McClifford 1, M. McClifford 2; Men's Obstacle Race, 120 yards, D. Taylor 1, G. Mackie 2 ; Men's 100 Yards, R. McPliersoiv L, A.. Bailey and W. Walls (dead heat), -2 ; Men's High Jump, G. Mackie 1, R. McPherson 2; Hop, §tcp and Jump, D. Taylor 1, G. Mackie 2 ; Tug-of-War, Motutara Island beat all Yearns, Silverdale, Warkworth,J3itumen Staff and also the combined Mainland teams; Relay Race, Silverdale 1, Motutara Island 2 ; Tiny Tots, Girls, 20 yards, M. Walls 1, M. McGrath -2, M. Carter 3 ; Tiny Tots, Boys, 20 yards, R. Cox i, R. Rhodes 2, N. Whelan 3; Girl's Race, 75 yards, 12 to 16, J- McGrath 1, B. Brown 2 ; Boy!s Race 100 yards, E. Walker 1, J. McGrath 2; Girl's Race, 75 yards, 9 to 12, D. Peters 1, G. Wood 2 ; Boy's Race, 100 yards, 9 to 12, B. Campbell 1, L. Leaf 2; Old Men's Race, 75 yards, G. Robb 1; Mar-

ried Ladies' Obstacle Race, 100 yards, Mrs Slcullander 1, Mrs Whelan 2, Mrs Anderson 3; Single Ladies' Obstacle Race, 100 yards, . Miss Hunter l f Miss Clark 2. ,

[Matakana Show, continued]