AN ENJOYABLE PICNIC

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 38, 18 February 1929, Page 5

AN ENJOYABLE PICNIC

ANNUAL OUTING OF S.T.A.A. AT ETERETT PARK.

A total of 287 motor cars were parked in connection with the annual picnic of the Squth Taranaki Automobile Association,- held yesterday at Everett Park near Inglewood, and the number of people present was estimated at 1400. The Stratford branch of the Asso-

ciation was responsible for organising the outing, and By arrangement with the Everett Park Board, and the Inglewood Chamber of pony merce they were able to provide adequate facilities for the picnickers. Flags by the roadside guided 'mlotorists to the park, and cars wer.e parked in a fine level paddock kindly lent by Mr Johnson for the purpose. Hob water was supplied free and was in continuous demand. The Inglewood Band, augmented by (members of [tjhe; StrdiXord Band, enlivened proceedings wilh selections. ' Swimming races were held for young and old in the fine stretch of deep water, there were canoe races and in a good-humoured game of water; polo an Inglewood team beat a Stratford team by one goal to nil. For the swimming races Messrs Smith and Lyons acted as starters, and Messrs D. J. Malone and Armstrong as judges. THE ASSOCIATION'S WORK. During 'the afternoon, Mr S. C. Tonks, vice-president of the Asso- ' ciation, in the unavoidable absence of the president, addressed the gathering. He said he was pleasantly surprised at the large attendance, and he extended a specal welcome to the visitors from North Taranaki. Since the last annual picnic the Asociation had linked up with the Motorists' Insurance Association, and already some 230 members had Placed their insurances with the association, thereby securing lower rates. In connection with the "safety first" campaign, the Association' had .Had posters printed and distributed to schools, by which means it was hoped to educate young people in the proper way to walk along roads and to cross roads, and otherwise to avoid

accidents. STRATFORD BRANCH.

In conclusion, Mr Tonks paid, a tribute to the energy of the Stratford branch, and especially its chairman, Mr S. A. Ward. The responsibility of arranging the outing had rested entirely with them, and all present must be pleased with the splendid arrangements made. Mr Tonks also thanked the Everett Park Board, the Inglewood Band, and all others who had contributed to the success of the gathering. He announced that. the Association would donate ten guineas to the B Thunks were due to the Ingiewood Chamber of Commerce, who had arranged for the erection of temporary bathing sheds and had otherwise largely helped * make toe

fixture a success. Oiv behalf of the Everett Park Board, Mr Armstrong- returned thanks. He said the Board 'had only been constituted about a year and had hardly got U work yet However, they thoroughly realised the possibilities of the Park, and, with Oae help of the Government and friends, they hoped before long to make many improvements.