ANNUAL PICNIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 9

ANNUAL PICNIC

MANAWATU COUNTY STAFF. In glorious sunshine, with Ihe heat tempered by a fresh breeze from the north-west the staff and employees of the Manawatu County Council held its annual picnic at Onepuhi on Saturday. So large was the attendance, and so beautilul was the river and its surroundings, that some of the older employees voted it. one of the very best annual outings ever experienced. Most of those who attended travelled in the county lorries and enjoyed the experience. Although an ample spoils programme was provided, the majority of the picnickers preferred the allurements of the river. This picnic ground is well known for its wonderful swim ming pool, it also being so safe for the young children. The children were given so many races that nearly every child won a prize of some description, and those who did not were amply provided for by a hard-working committee which was determined that every one should have a good time. 'There were plenty of races for boys and girls of all ages, for men under fifty and over fifty, also married and single women’s races. During the lunch hour milk and cordials were issued and during the day ice creams were given to the children. Hearty cheers wcie given for Mr. and Mrs. Signal lor the use of their beautiful grounds. Among those present were Or. and Mrs. W. E. Pearce and Mr. W. H, Barling.

After afternoon tea, the. county clerk, Air. A. K. Drew, in addressing all present, stated that he felt sure everyone had enjoyed the day tremendously and he was glad to see such a fine spirit prevailed, which he was sure meant that a good fellowship existed. An opportunity was taken by the county engineer, Mr. H. V. Bond, to present to Mr. Ray Pearce, who recent, ly left the council’s service, a handsome dining-room clock as a token of remembrance from his fellow workers. Air. Pearce suitably replied. The success of the picnic was due largely due to the efforts of a hard working committee, consisting of Messrs. A. K. Drew, H. V. Bond, 8. L. Bickford, J. Conway and E. J. Davey. Results of Races. The following are the results of the principal events of the day:— Single Ladies’ Race. —Miss Jean Butler 1, Miss Audrey Tostevin 2. Married Ladies’ Race. —Mrs. B. Young I, Mrs. F. Tostevin 2. Married Men.—A. Sanson 1, W. H. Sanson 2. Single Men.- J. H. Smith .1, S. L. Kent 2. Men over 50. —P. McCabe 1, AV. Leat Three-legged Race, boy and girl. Molly and Nelson Butler .1. Joyce Levitt and Harold Dawson 2. Three-legged Race, man and lady.— J. H. Smith and Miss A. Tostevin 1, S. L. Kent and Miss M. Sadler 2. Thread the Needle.—W. H. Sanson and Mrs. Cockburn 1, M. Sanson and Jdrs. Sanson 2. Staff Race—AV. S. Drew 1, S. L. Kent 2. Apple and Spoon. —Airs. S- Reeve L Airs. R. George "2. Tug-of-war. —This event is always an exciting and well contested one, but the drivers, the holders of the “Bone of Contention,” again proved their superiority bv finally defeating ihe roadmen after nn exciting contest. The following teams competed.—Office staff: Messrs. IT. V. Bond, J. 11. Smith, AV. .1. Jenkins, S. 1,. Kent and W. S. Drew. Drivers: Messrs, If. J. Davey, T. A. Adams, 8. G. Scandlyn, S. 1,. Hiekford and S. Sanson. Roadmen: Messrs. W. McCallum, U Young. G. Richardson, JConway and 1). Harris. Crushing plant: Messrs. 1,. A. Sadler, 1.. N. Butler, IT. Sanson, J. Meyer and A. Nesbit. Visitors: Alcssrs. S. Quarrie. B. Clark, 1.. Hickford, J. Mcllroy and G. Don bow. Ex-employces: Messrs. R. Pearce, AV. Sanson, G. Hope, R. George and K. Dwyer.