ANNUAL PICNIC

Southland Times, Issue 21002, 7 February 1930, Page 5

ANNUAL PICNIC

FLEMING AND COMPANY, LIMITED. A GIGANTIC SUCCESS. SOUTHLAND AT ITS BEST. Begone dull care. This was the spirit with which a riotously happy band greeted the first beams of rising sun of Wednesday, February 5. The heads who control the affairs of Fleming and Company Ltd. have long ago found that men and women work best when happiest, moreover one of the sages has said that there is ’a deep unsubtle reason governing the quality of articles produced by human labour. Let a man be filled with satisfaction because his work is appreciated and the brightest energy become part of the product of his hands. “This is the real reason” so claims the heads of the above-mentioned firm that "Creamoata” holds its head so high in the land: that the Dominion housewives working with “Snowball Hour” break into poetry and call it “As light as the desert air.” Therefore it was decided that there should be put aside one day when happiness and gaiety should rule supreme. The day should be unique and form the brightest of links in memories chain. Nature entered joyously into the scheme, called in all her helpers blue skies and sparkling waters made “Ngapohatu” (for such the Rocks at Riverton should be called) a scene of happiness that Oliver Goldsmith would love to write about. Arrived at Ngapohatu the sea claimed first attention then the sporting fraternity delighted the visitors with their athletic events for nearly two hours. Then a pause. Didn’t someone say something about roast pig? Is it true that Frances Howells and Mamaru Te Au are preparing pig for us? A rush was made to the spot, .laggards were bidden to hasten. Quick, quick, he’s going to be unearthed and as the succulent beauty came to view', oh he was a beauty right enough, there rose the shout three cheers for “Fances and Mamaru.” What a cheer. ‘‘Kapi te Poaka.” Who could resist that delicious morsel, the first taste of roast pig cooked in true ancient native custom in a Maori oven. What a feast for "camera” men who were there in multitudes. A ‘'Maori oven” is a trench dug in hard ground about 5 to 6 feet in length and two feet in width. The trench is half-filled with medium sized flat stones and in the centre is built a large fire with the object of bringing the sfones to what is termed “red hot.” When the stones have come up to the desired temperature they are all removed and brushed clean, half replaced on bottom on trench, a heavy layer of green leaves placed over the hot stones the “Poaka” is placed on top of the leaves and nicely covered up with another layer of leaves, on top of the leaves is placed the other half of stones then a thick layer of earth or clay, finally sealed over with matting to retain all heat. After about six hours steaming the oven is opened “Ceaser” unearthed, and placed upon the operating table in perfect cooked condition to delight of all privileged to participate in this ancient native custom. Immediately upon arrival at the Rocks a running track was pegged out and a most interesting programme of events carried through with the following results:— Girls’ race under 12 years, 50 Yards: Dorothy Pearce 1, Mary Hamilton 2. Girls’ race over 12 years. 50 Yards: Mabel Wilkinson 1, Mavis Hall 2. Boys’ race over 12 years. 50 Yards: Norman Morrison 1, R. Hamilton 2. Single Ladies’ Race. 50 Yards: Mabel Wilkinson 1, Marion Robertson 2. Single Ladies Race. 50 Yards: Tui Saunders 1, Miss Homing and Miss Stewart (tie) Married Ladies’ Race. 50 Yards: Mrs Moirison 1, Mrs Cathcart 2. Tiny Tots Race. 25 Yards: Phyllis Drysdale 1. Bryan Hickey 2. (Special prize donated by Mrs Walker). Hop, Step, and Jump (ladies) : Mabel Wilkinson 1, Tui Saunders 2. Hop, Step and Jump (men) : Gordon Glennie 1, Ewan Amos 2. Walk to object blindfolded men to be turned round once at starting [Kiint: Tui Saunders 1, J. Small 2. Kangaroo Race. 50 Yards: A. Walker 1, G. Glennie 2. Married ladies’ race, second event: Mrs Small 1, Mrs Robertson 2. Relay race, Invercargill v. Gore: Won by Invercargill. “Old Buffers” Race (over 40) : J. Scott 1, J. Glass 2. “Old Buffers” Race (over 50) : W. Collins 1, J. Glass 2. Long Jump for single ladies: Mabel Wilkinson 1, Tui Saunders 2. Married Ladies to step out one chain: Mrs Stewart 1, Mrs Robertson 2. At conclusion of programme handsome prizes were presented by the president, Mr A. S. Heming.