PICNIC AND SPORTS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 936, 13 February 1908, Page 20

PICNIC AND SPORTS.

On Saturday last the employees of the Campbel 1 and Ehrenfired Company, Ltd., held their annual picnic and sports at Pine Island, a most enjoyable day being spent. Usually the meeting is held at Motutapu, but owing to the recent death of Mr James Reid, Pine Island was chosen to take the of the usual rendezvous. A lengthy programme of sports was gone through, results of which appear in our athletic report columns. In addition to the laid down programme of ''vents for the adults, Mr W. Griffiiths, :he head brewer, was busily engaged throughout the day in carrying out a long programme of races for the young members of the party; also extra races for the ladies. All the events were eagerly contested, bringing forth a large number of competitors, and providing unending amusement. As on previous occasions, the barrel rolling race for ladies proved th' most exciting contest of the day, the fair competitors not wanting for plenty of shouts of encouragement and advice from the spectators. For the adult races, Mr A. O. Bankart, the company’s secretary, acted as judge, being assisted during the dav by Mr B. M. Myers. The starting was in the hands of Mr C. F. Bell, who discharged his duties in an admirab e manner. The journey to and fro, in the ferry steamer Eagle was most enjoyable, beautiful weather prevailing and abundance of good music provided by Burke’s orchestral band, tending to add greatly to the general enjoyment. Most complete arrangements were made by the Ferry Company for landing and taking off again the large party from the island, this part of the outing being carried out comfortably and expeditionsly. On the return journey, the interesting business of presenting the prizes to the successful competitors in the races, was perform°d

by Mr Bankart, who in the course of a little speech, voiced the regret felt by the company’s employees at the recent death of Mr James Reid, of Motutapu at which is and the employees had usually held their reunions, and all had always carried remembrances of the late Mr Reid’s kindness and hospitality. Remembrances which nothing can efface. Speaking of behalf of Mr A. M. Myers, Mr Bankart expressed great regret that Mr Myers could not be present, owing to the recent injury to his leg, but that Mr Myers, as managing director of the company had by substantial assistance and the granting of a full day’s holiday to the employees, had shown a pleasing appreciation of the annual sports and picnic. Hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Myers, and also for Mrs Myers, senior, the employees recognising that the generosity of the heads of the firm was the prime factor in a day of hearty enjoyment.