MATAKOHE: SCHOOL FETE.

Referring for a little to the sterner realities of bush life, I may say the recent superabundant moisture— something beyond a Scotch mist — has considerably injured the maize harvest. Our deservedly esteemed and enterprising school committee projected ft very complete school fete. As the sth of June drew near, many an eye was significantly turned up cloudward ; the weather, however, proved beautifully fine, and about noon a thoroughly lively scene presented itself in the large paddock of the chairman of the school committee. There were, in juxtaposition, the infants and the rather ancient, the sunburnt beau and the blushing belle, all bent upon a little exciting innoceit mirth. While the swinging was proceeding the little lads and lasses ran races for handfuls of figs, lollypops, &c, &c, kindly provided by the keen lovers of old English sports. The centre of the field was devoted to a cricket match between the elevens of Paparoa and Matakohe. It would require a master of the art to graphically describe the running-oufe, the bowhng-out, the catching-out, the laying-out — sometimes at full length on the sward — which was witnessed with such thrilling interest by numerous spectators on this interesting occasion. The Matakohe eleven obtained a masterly victory over their severely-earnest antagonists. Then came the stirring game of football, which was kept up until the company gave in from sheer want of breath and light. If business was brisk outside, so waa it also within ; for many an attack wa3 made upon a round, of beef. When it became dark both old and young trooped off to the premises of our obliging friend (Mr. Cooksey), where a public tea Was prepared to meet the necessities of the inner .man, cake and tea receiving due attention. The tables were removed, and everything prepared for an, eVeWHg's entertainment of a new order, whiclji gaye universal satisfaction. In addition to numerous pieces very nicely performed b#r the choir— some o£ which, „ beinghumorous, i elicited loud laughter — a charade in character was introduced- and well executed, one part being very ablyVkustainedby jbheboys of jfclp school -^dorres-. poucUiafcl ' "V '