“A WONDERFUL DAY.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18349, 21 August 1929, Page 8

“A WONDERFUL DAY.”

VISIT TO WINTER SHOW. SCHOOL CHILDREN’S TRIP TO CHRISTCHURCH. “It has beer, a wonderful day." That is how the many hundreds of children who journeyed to Christchurch to see the Winter Show and Exhibition summed up the day’s outing on their return to Timaru. The weather in the city was wet and cold, but it could not altogether damp the spirits of the young excursionists. Yesterday’s excursion had been looked forward to by many school children of Timaru, and despite the early hour at which the special trains were scheduled to depart for the Cathedral City, hundreds of children, eager with anticination. met at the railway station at the appointed time. Most of the arrangements had been in the capable hands of Mr W. J. Dickson, who was secretary and chie f on the energetic Excursion Committee, and everything went off without a hitch. It had been found earlier in the wecii uuu. two trains would be necessary to transport all who wished to make the trip, and it was not long before the first train, which consisted of fifteen carriages, had loaded its full complement and was ready to pull out from the platform. It departed at 7.15, and it was not long before the second train was rapidly filling. It, too, consisted of fifteen cars, and these were carrying the capacity load after leaving Temuka. Hearty cheers were exchanged as the trains departed. It is estimated that over 1500 persons travelled on the excursion, and a large majority of these were contprised of the younger generation. Tho schools represented were Seadown, Wash dyke, Rose will, Timaru Main, Timaru South, Timaru We«t, Waimataitai, Technical College, Pareora, Esk Valley and Otaio. The children were marshalled at the Timaru station by Mr W. Garton, headmaster of tho Main School, while the South Canterbury School Committees’ Association was represented by Mr T. Palliser, vice-president, and Mr W. J. Dickson, secretary. Representatives of the Show Executive met the special trains aC points down the line—Mr R. Green the first train at Dromore, and Mr Hi Sweeney the second train at Rakaia—and made known to the excursionist the arrangements made for them i| Christchurch. A whole host of Christchurch friendl and relatives awaited on the station The children were immediately takel to Strange’s factory, opposite thf station, and were provided with refreshments. They were then conveyed in trams to the Bridge of Remembrance, from which point they walked to the Show, arriving there at about 11.30. Mr F. Coop, chairman of the Exhibition Executive, welcomed the visitors. He expressed the hope that the day would prove both instructive and amusing. The object of the exhibition was not advertising in the ordinary way. It was felt that a real and definite move towards co-operation would be In the interests of the people of the Dominion. With this object in view, the A. and P. Association and the Manufacturers’ Association had combined along lines of co-operation for the common good. Mr Marriner then addressed the children, explaining how stockings were made from artificial silk, which was produced from pine wood. He dealt similarly with wool and flax. The welcome was acknowledged by Mr T. C. Palliser on behalf of the excursionists. Inspection of the Winter Show then commenced, and it proved a revelation for the majority of the children. On various stands were products of farm and factory, a wonderful blending of town and country interests, and an eloquent illustration of the fertility of the Canterbury province. Cattle, sheep, dairy produce, cheese, butter, fruit, seed and grain, vegetables, honey, eggs—they were all there. The domestic section provided a great deal of interest for the girls who accompanied the excursion, for the exhibits included cookery, jams, preserves, hams, bacon, home-made soap, and many other things made by the hands of busy mothers. The school section was of exceptional interest to the young people, as here were displayed fancy work, needle work, cookery, and the results of technical and manual education. The absorption of information regarding primary and secondary industries did not occupy all the time, and there was plenty in the shape of entertaining side-shows, which conformed In all respects to the highest traditions of fairs, carnivals, and exhibitions. Stalls where skill of hand and sharpness of eye could be tested, and exhibitions of all kinds of unusual freaks, dear to the showman's heart, occupied their portion of the exhibition. A merry-go-round, with a powerful mechanical organ, which took, in Its stride, anything from the latest foxtrot to grand opera, drew many patrons. A ferris wheel provided further variety in hoisting happy people high up above the crowds, and giving them glimpses of the city from an unusual angle. Punch and Judy also provided the children with much amusement. Prior to embarking on the return journey at 5 p.m., the children were provided with tea. A good trip was made from Christchurch, and tho trains arrived back in Timaru last night shortly after 8.30 p.m. “It was a wonderful education for the children.” declared one of the adults who accompanied the excursion, “and the trip will live long in their memories.”