On 4 May 1899, an excursion to Te Aroha was arranged by Messrs R R Menzies, J M Foy, and Thomas Cantley. Along with other committee members in Thames and Te Aroha.
(see Photos below)
“At five minutes to nine the train, which,
consisted of 22 carriages and two engines, left the Grahamstown station. Quite a number also embarked at Shortland and
Kopu, until there were about 600 on board, some 25 or 30 more joining the train
at Paeroa.”
During the day the Hauraki Rifles Band played
to the crowd, who were joined by 400 residents of Te Aroha and the surrounding
district. Money was raised from the train tickets, and also gate fees. The
Thames Amateur Athletic Club acted as handicapper for the amateur events.
Events ranged from running to bike races. The
75yds Handicap Final Heat was won by Leonard, with Coote second and Lloyd
third. The Schoolboys’ Championship 75yds was won by Rickit of Thames High
School. The one-mile Bicycle Handicap was won by Hayward, with Herival in
second place. There was a tug-of-War for schoolboys between Thames and Te
Aroha, which was won by Thames. Results of some of the other events are shown
below.
Photo sources: Auckland Weekly News 12 MAY
1899 p005
'Sir George Grey Special Collections,
Auckland Libraries, AWNS-18990512-5-1'