THE SEASIDE PICNIC

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 221, 30 December 1910, Page 8

THE SEASIDE PICNIC

ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. The meeting convened by His Worship the Major (Air. G. Tiseh) of residents willing to assist at the New Year's Day picnic at Moturoa was held in the Town Hall last evening. There was a sparse attendance. His Worship said the meeting had been called with the object of asking those willing to assist in carrying out the programme. He had been instrumental in inaugurating the picnic three yeai-s ago, and he was pleased to say ii had become very popular. He considered that anything done in the direction of attracting people to their town was a very desirable and worthy object. All the picnics had been very successful, and he believed it had come to stay. No movement had done more to popularise the town as a seaside and bathing resort. From 5000 to 7000 people had been present on these occasions. The Seaside Improvement Committee was still in existence, His Worship explained, but arrangements had to be made for a supply of hot water, as well as tea and sugar, free of cost to the picnickers. It was found last year that owing to unforseen circumstances a number of those who had promised to assist were unable to be present, and the work fell on a few of the workers. The programme would be the same as last year's. The services of the Rarawa had been secured, but other -matters, such as the selling of tickets and the providing of prizes, had to be arranged, and they would take some management. Such a • function without music would be very tame, and altogether a good deal of money would be required to be found. It was a question, seeing that only a few persons were running the affair, whether it would not be desirable to institute a canvass of th« town for funds. The movement was beneficial to the whole district, he pointed out, and he wanted to know if the town was going to let a few carry the whole burden on their backs. His Worship referred to a letter which he had received from the Tradesmen's Association, the members of which had passed a resolution approving of his action in promoting the picnic, which was in the interests of the place, and pledging themselves to assist the movement. That was all very well, he said, but who was going to make all the arrangements, and provide the prizes, and do all the work? He would yery much like to have 3een a larger meeting, so that they could appoint committees, as there was a lot to do. If it was expected that the secretary (Mr. A. L. Humphries) and himself would find the money, get the tea" and sugar, run the sports, and attend to the selling of the tickets, and all other kinds of things, it was rather a big contract. In conclusion, His Worship said he had received an apology for non-attendance from Mr. Skinner. In the course of the conversational discussion that followed, the secretary said there was 110 money in hand. He considered it should be made generally known that the burden of carrying out the picnic rested on a few persons, that it was too much for them, and that the assistance of any willing helpers would be much appreciated, a small sum by way of donation would be acceptable, but it would be rather too much to expect Mr. Tisch and himself to- canvass the town, besides looking after the train arrangements, boat excursion, etc. To show the growing popularity of the beach, Mr. Humphries said that on the occasion of the first picnic there was only one tent there, while now fifteen families were camped. His Worship good-naturedly said he would stand the expense, and whether the amount was subscribed or not he was prepared to carry out his programme, ' but the meeting in one voice would not hear of this.

Mr. Tisch, continuing, said he would like to say that the Earawa would cost them £3O for the half-day, making two trips in the afternoon. The Garrison Band had been engaged, and the money would have to be got somewhere. It was only right that the people of the district should put in a litle to help. The secretary said that a great portion of the funds of the Improvement Committee had gone in keeping the Esplanade in order. Mr. W. Weston: And it is in very good order, too.

It transpired in further discussion that bathing costumes ; had been arranged for. Also, as an instance of the few doing their turn every year, that the advertising was done by the newspapers, free of charge. As usual, the committee would provide hot water, tea, milk and sugar free of charge. The fares by rail will be: Adults: First-class, Is 3d, second-class, lid; children, 8d and 6d respectively. The meeting discussed ways and means, and it was arranged by a small committee to make a canvass to-day, limiting the donations to sa. Tradesmen desirous of having booths on the beach are requested to communicate with the secretory at once. It was decided to advertise the picnic, per medium of x the newspapers in outside districts. Other routine matters were dealt with, and the meting closed with His Worship thanking all for their attendance.