PICNICS ON THE SANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1926, Page 13

PICNICS ON THE SANDS.

HOLIDAY BY THE SEA. WEATHER MARS PLEASURE. NGAMOTU AND EAST END. The two organised picnics by the seaside, wliich have become the cheif attraction in New Plymouth on New Year’s Day, were held at Ngamotu beach and at the East End reserve yesterday. The surprising thing about both picnics was that, despite bad weather conditions for a day on rhe sands, such a large number of people patronised the resorts. It speaks volumes for the respective picnic committees that their efforts can induce holiday-makers to patronise their attractions under such circu ni stances. One could sincerely commiserate with tlie Ngamotu Committee that the gods of the weather should have treated them so hardly. In collaboration with the. committee of the Now Plymouth Rowing Club, the members had set themselves out to make this year’s picnic more attractive than ever, and bad made all the necessary arrangements. In addition to the usual attractions oi the picnic in the way of coconut shiesilie treasure hunt in the sands, and numerous competitions, which all supplement the premier attraction of the

beach and the bathing, this year t regatta was to be a star item. Ihe adverse weather, however, put an end tu this project, although the pic makers were able to see racing crews in action wiun the McLeod shield was competed for by crews from Aramoho, M anganui. and New Plymouth. Another promising source of revenue that had to be abandoned owing to the weather was a novel ducking tank. Here for a modest sum marksmen with a small hard ball were to have the plea-sure of seeing a boy precipitated into a tank of water as a reward of prowess in hinting a mark.

The picnic, however, was not by any means altogether spoilt. Those who attended made the best of things, and found pleasure in so doing, and were wholly appreciative of all that the committee had arranged for their benefit. The revenue, of course, was below that of last year, the drop being from £l6O 3/'S to £lOl IS/S. The gate revenupe was £5B 4/6. compared with £9l 15/last year. Messrs A. J. Dearc and IL O. Ellis were tlie principals in looking after the seaside committees’ part of the picnics, while Messrs R. G. Howell, P. W. Wright, €. Smart, T. Campbell, and L. Frewin officiated on behalf of the rowing club.

ACTIVITY AT EAST END. SPORTS OI- ALL KINDS Undeterred bv the unfavourable weather, the progressive East End Com- > mittee. decided to carry on with their programme of sport and entertainment tor the children, and though the attend- . ance of adults, as was only to be expected, was nof up to that of previous years, children came hundreds strong from all parts of New Plymouth and outlying country districts to spend the day in the reserve. During the morning tlie weather was warm in spite of a lowering sky and freshening breeze, and many Lathers took advantage of the great rollers, for tvhich the East End beach is so well known, to indulge in surf-bathing. With the approach of afternoon vamc a cold snap, and bathing was to a large extent abandoned. Of other delights and attractions, however, there were plenty. A fish pond, coeoanut shies, a treasure hunt. ■ children’s races, lollie scrambles, ami ! ice-cream all drew their crowds of youthful patrons. By the more elderly people two concrete tennis courts were well patronised, and the committee state that they have received many expressions of praise for the success of the courts. hi addition to these extra attractions there wore the permanent appointments, such as merry-go-rounds, see-saws, and ocean waves, which provided the won derful “empty and dizzy” sensations so dear to childhood. An innovation this year whirl) was attended by great success was an afternoon dance in the pavilion. 'Die committee are'so pleased with the patronage extended that another dance will be held in tlie pavilion this afternoon, if the weather is fine, and ice-cream and other booths will also be open. Many admiring comments were made by the Visitors about the pohutukawa or “Christmas tree” groves, which are a feature of the reserve, and arc at present in full bloom. A ladies’ committee, consisting of Mesdames Milne and Clow, and the Misses T. Berge and Patricia Milne, were in charge of the afternoon tea arrangements. and gave considerable help m other directions. The men’s committee. which organised and conducted the 1 unction, comprised the Mayor. Mr F. E. Wilson (chairman), and Messrs >M. Zemba. A. Milne, J. S. Lister. II Sharrock. W. Brown. C. Warren. T G. Sole. McLean, J. Finikin, and Milne, pi nr.