Overview
Note: Adkin misdated this entry in the diary as 26th.
For Feb. 26.
Mrs Herd, Alice, Maud + I drove out in tramp to picnic at Clive Grange - Mr. Herd followed on bicycle. A lovely day + the country-side looking beautiful. We drove right down on to the beach at the mouth
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of the Tukituki + deposited provision basket etc - then Maud + I took the trap back to a shady place + returned to beach on foot. The beach is shingly + here dips steeply into the sea, so that the river forms the best bathing place. There is a ladies' bathing shed + swings + see-saws for children. The only shelter we could get from the sun was a large thistle-like plant + the ladies' parasols. Before lunch Maud, Alice + I went into the river for a bathe. Alice + I swam right across, but Maud was a trifle timid not being able to swim much + contented herself with keeping to shallow water. She was attired in a pretty bathing costume of blue + wore the most fascinating cap I've ever seen - a blue waterproof one with little wings in front - it suited her to perfection + made her eyes look the most beautiful sapphire blue imaginable. Took a photo (4) of Maud in bathing costume standing on the beach + (5) Maud + Alice in the water. We then had lunch + I took a photo (6) of the party regaling themselves. For some time Maud + I sat under a parasol on the rug + then we walked past the Grange to the River up in the direction of "[Smorgens'?] Bay". We found a "bay" of our own + enjoyed ourselves
Returning to the beach the three of us went in for another bathe. I gave Maud lessons in swimming + took the opportunity of cuddling her in the water - a most delightful pastime so far as I was concerned + she did not appear to object very much, the love. Photos (7) mouth of Tukituki River. Took a photo of (8) Maud + Alice sitting on beach in bathing costume + also a view (9) of Clive Grange from the beach looking SE. After some afternoon tea, we packed up + started for home at 4.30.
In evening I took Maud + Alice to the "pictures" - the star film was "A Message from Mars" + another good film was entitled "If Dreams Came True." A most enjoyable day, Maud is glorious.
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