EXCURSION TO THAMES

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14592, 16 February 1921, Page 7

EXCURSION TO THAMES

SCHOOL CHILDREN’S OUTING. A combined school children s cxcurUun to Hie Thames was carried out on Friday last and was a great success. The number of children and adults going on the trip was estimated at 1600. The special train which started from Putaruru at 6 a.m. picked up all along the line to Wailoa, which was the last school taking pari in Hie picnic. The schools joining in Hie outing were as followsrPularurii, Tiraii, Okocoire, [ Hinucra, Malamala, Waharoa, Gordon, | Walton, Kiwilahi, Morrinsvillc, Tata-

nut, and Wailoa. The trip was run to a prepared timetable and was carried through by Hie railway officials without a hitch of any kind. The Walton School Committee was responsible for Hie organisation of Hie excursion and Hie successful issue was due to the sympathetic response from Hie other schools, which were all represented by members of the several committees. Mr A, E, Gillingham, secretary of Hie Walb.n School Committee, had previously communicated with the Thames citizens and a very hearty welcome was arranged for Hie excursionists. The Mayor, Councillors and other citizens entered into jjie proposition wholeheartedly, and gave every assistance to Hie visitors. In a very short lime after arriving at Cue railway station the whole excursionists were conveyed hy motor |o Hie beach, a distance of one and a-half miles, where hot wafer and other necessaries were in readiness, and all settled down in the shade of tents and hedges and enjoyed the refreshments from Hie well-filled baskets of good Hungs. The Mayoress and oHut local ladies were on Hie ground and did everything possible I" make the visitors welcome. Air A. Chapman, Hie town clerk, look the mailer up in a business like manner and nothing was wanting Ho provide that all should thoroughly enjoy the outing. After lunch hundreds donned Hie bathing costume and waded into Hie hriney water. Before Hie return journey was commenced, Mr J. Lawson, chairman of Hie Walton Committee, thanked the Mayor and Mayoress 1 for all the kind-

Hie citizens of Thames. He said il had proved a very interesting and pleasant trip. The Mayor in responding said that they were only too pleased to do what they could for the excursionists. However, Hie notice had been short, and if it was intended to make Hie trip on annual one further preparations could be made to show the visitors some of Hie historic spots and oilier objects of interest, also to more suitably rater for 11 ic pleasure of (he visitors. On Hie return .journey. Mr A. K. Gillingham, organiser of the excursion, received a very hearty vide of thanks from members of (he several school committees taking part. Thanks are due to the railway officials for (he painstaking and obliging manner in which (hey carried out their duties on the trip.— (Walton correspondent).