MATAWHERO PICNIC

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 833, 6 March 1903, Page 3

MATAWHERO PICNIC

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING,

Thero v/as beautiful weather for the annual picnic in connection with the Matawhero School, the gathering taking place yesterday in Mr Ewen Cameron s paddock. It was a great success in evory respect, and the ladies of tho district are desorving of tlic warmest commendation for the important part they took in the carrying out of the arrangements. “Their assistance was indispensable,” declared the Chairman. Tho childreji heartily enjoyed themselves, as also diu the parents and friends arid many visitors. During the day fifty sports events were got off. Of provisions there was ample and to spare. Mr Hay and Mr Gibbs kindly had their large waggons in use for the conveyance of the children from the Makaraka portion of ths district, and the loaded waggons, each being decorated with a Union Jack overhead, presented a fine spectacle. Following are the results of the sports events :

Boys A. Flat Race : D. Boyd 1, C. Gray 2, S. Malone 3. Long Jump : P. Hickey 1, S. Malone 2, T. Mclntosh 3. High Jump : T. Baty 1, C. Gray, T. Mclntosh. Three-Legged Race : Ashdown and Boyd 1, Lange and Baty 2, Bnusfield and Judd 3. Consolation (laughing) : V. Currie 1, A. Aislabie 2. Boys B.

Flat Race : K. Mclntosh 1, C. Tidswcll 2, F. Quinn 3. Long Jump: C. Tidawoll 1, J. Jobson 2, A. McCrecdy 3. High Jump : J. Jobson 1, A. McCreedy 2, K. Mclntosh 3. Consolation (laughing) : F. Quinn. Consolation (crying) : P. Marshall 1. Boys C. Flat Raoe : A. Toole 1, N. Gordon 2, F. Ryan 3, J. P. Aislabie 4. Flat Race : W. O’Donnell 1, A. Ashdown 2, R. Boustield 3. Flat Race : W. Gray 1, E. Brown 2, K. Cameron 3.

Three-Legged Raco : J. Lange and W. O'Donnell 1, J. Aislabie and E. Harris 2, J. Gordon and T. Ryan 3. Boys D,

Flat Race : Ryan 1, Mclntosh 2, C Camoron 3.

There were also numerous other races for small boys. Girls A. Threading Needle: N. Lange 1, J. O’Donnoll 2, D. Jobson 3. Nail Driving : M. Sidey 1, A. Jobson 2, M. Wright 3. Walking (gracefully): D. Jobson 1, J. Marshall 2, M. Sidey 3. Walking (speed): F. Knox 1, N. Knox 2, J. Marshall 3. Girls B. Flat Race: H. Gray 1, L. Gardiner 2, B. Mclntosh 3.

Flat Race : J. Baty 1, E. Jones 2, L, Suff 3. Walking (speed): N- Bousfield 1, L, Suff 2, J. Baty 3. Skipping : A. Quinn 1, E. Judd 2, W. Suff 3. Walking (gracefully): J. Farmer 1, B. Mclntosh 2, M. Jones 3, J. Baty 4. Girls C.

Flat Race : N. Knox 1, H. Lange 2, M. Gardiner 3, A. Image 4. Flat Race : M. Knox 1, N. Lange 2, A. Fairlie 3, M. Image 4. Blind Race : H. Judd 1, R. Suff 2, H. Jones 3, J. Bartram 4 Consolation: I. Page 1, D. Harris 2, M. Barron 3.

Married Ladies’ Raco : Mrs Hardy 1, Mrs Davidson 2.

The best prize of tho day was given by Mr W. C. Walsh, being divided into first and second. The first (15s), for the pupil who had made the most progress during the year in Standards IV. to*VI., was awarded to Charlie Judd, and Mary Image the second prize, 7s 6d. The prize donated by Mr Jobson for the most popular boy in the school was won by Pat Cameron, and Madge Sidey won Mr Von Pein's prize for the most popular

girl. The following were awarded prizes for the highest number of honor cards : Florrie Beats, Standard VI. ; Jessie Birrell, Standard V.; Muriel Wright, Standard IV.; Edward Brown, Standard 111. Neatest exercise book : (6) Patton Marshall, (5) Jessie Birroll, (4) Ethel Grey, (3) Jessie Farmer.

The prizes wore distributed by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr R. MeDuff Birrell, who, in his happy style, made an appropriate speech, warmly encouraging the children in their work. He expressed pleasure at seeing so many prizes and in noting the large amount of interest taken in the school by parents and friends. He highly complimented the teaching staff, and heartily thanked those who had assisted in making the gathering such a success.

Mr W. C. Walsh also briefly addressed tho children. Alluding to references made to bis own gift of prizes, he expressed pleasure at being able to assist in such a way, and was glad to see what little he had done was so warmly appreciated. He was so pleased with the success that he promised next year to give a prize for each standard. Twonty prizes were given for good attendance, the prizes including a valuable school bag donated by Mr M. Hall, who annually makes a similar gift. A special prize for the pupil having the highest subscription list was awarded to Fanny Knox, whose list amounted to £1 in addition to valuable gifts, and May Jones was the winner of the second prize. Mr Marshall, the headmaster, Miss Stephenson, mistress, and Miss Macdonald, assistant, were untiring in their i efforts during the day, as were the members of the Committee and the ladies. Before breaking up cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Cameron for the use of the grounds; to those who had made donations, with a spocial cheer for the I townspeople, and for the School Committee I and teachers.