RAILWAYMEN’S PICNIC.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18875, 20 February 1933, Page 8

RAILWAYMEN’S PICNIC.

TRIP TO THE MOUNT.

EXCURSION TRAIN CROWDED

A SUCCESSFUL OUTING. One of the biggest events of the year as far as the raihvaymen in this district and their families are concerned took lace yesterday, when the annual railway picnic was held at Tauranga. It was an ideal day, and when the long train drew out of the Frankton station it carried a large and happy complement of passengers. A big contingent boarded the train at Hamilton, ancl further excursionists were picked up at various points along the line on the outward journey, until there were ’nearly 1500 aboard" the 20 carriages when the train pulled into Tauranga. On the trip small parlies got together in many of the carriages and entertained the passengers so that the time passed quickly on the long journey to The Mount. The children had a great time, liberal helpings of icecream and sweets being the most popular items on the day’s programme for them. Through the generosity of Messrs. R. T. Reid and 11. D. Caro, toys were distributed among the tiny tots.

At The Mount the picnickers soon became scattered, a large number finding the surf an irresistible attraction, others of a more energetic turn of mind climbing the long,steep track to the summit of The Mount, where a magnifleient view was obtained. Many were content to lie on the silver sand of the beach, or in the shade of the nearby trees, but one and all spent a most enjoyable day, and it was generally voted the most successful picnic yet held by the raihvaymen. During the day a children’s sports programme was held. The Return Journey. It was shortly after 5 o’clock that the homeward journey was commenced, and, although most of the picnickers were tired after a strenuous day, all responded to the merrymaking’’ of the Railway Entertainers Band and concert party which visited every carriage on the way home. They were given a great reception everywhere, and contributed in no small measure to the success of lhe outing. The train reached Hamilton at about half-past, nine, and at Frankton the singing of Auld Lang Syne on Iho platform concluded a most enjoyable day. Credit was due to the railwayman's committee, headed by Mr E. It. Roskruge, for t lie exeelleiiUy-organiscd picnic. Nothing was let'! undone to ensure an enjoyable lime for qvrryone, and the success of thji ouliiig was Indicated by the many complimentary remarks heard among ll\e exoursionists.