Children's Gala Day
23 July 1914
The second annual children's day took place yesterday in delightful
weather. Children to the number of 1,200 gathered in the Public Park where
they were quickly formed into processional order, and headed by the Newtongrange
Lothian Silver Band, set out by a circuitous route for the Victoria Park.
The route taken was through the principal streets and the whole distance was
thickly lined with spectators. The youthful processionists made a pretty picture
as they marched to a bright tune played by the band, their banner of floral
design with the inscription 'Newtongrange Children's Day' floating merrily
in the breeze and adding a touch of colour to the scene which was further
enhanced by a number of the children carrying bouquets.
On arrival at the park, which was entered by the top gate, the children were immediately squatted in rows on the turf, and supplied with a bag of cakes and milk, and judging from the manner in which they attacked the viands, they enjoyed them to the full. A prompt start was made with an extensive programme of sports, which included flat racing, high jump, egg and spoon race, jockey race and various others, The spectators, of whom there was a large number in evidence, applauded the efforts of the children in their perspiring endeavours to gain a prize, while the antics of the boys in the jockey race drew from them loud bursts of laughter. The efforts of the girls in the egg and spoon race were particularly meritorious and in the flat race many of them showed remarkable speed, which compared more than favourably with the boys' efforts.
During the sports the band discoursed music, which delighted the adult portion of the gathering, and later in the day dance music was played when a large number 'tripped the light fantastic'. The prizes were presented to the successful children in the sports by Mr A.C. Marshall and Mr A. McKenzie. The Rev. A. Hardie addressed a few words to the gathering in the course of the day, and apologised for the absence of Provost Brown and Rev. Wm. Lindsay. He concluded the remarks with a word of encouragement to the children and thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the afternoon.
During the day a floral competition was held in which a number of the children took part. Prizes were awarded to the makers of the best bouquets of garden and wild flowers. In the rustic section, a beautiful model house, made principally with the bark of trees, evoked flattering criticism for its remarkable ingenuity. Handsome prizes were awarded to the winners. The arrangements of the day worked with perfect smoothness and the efforts of Mr. Anderson, who acted as secretary, and his committee were appreciated by all.