COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 63, 16 March 1910, Page 3

COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

[OWN corbespondents.] WAIONE. The annual Pukohinau School picnic" was held in the school grounds 4m Saturday, the 12th instant. The attendance was large ; the afternoon was chiefly taken up with races and athletic competitions. Mrs Black carried off first prize in the married ladies' race, and Miss K. Voss first in the single ladies' race. The.sawing competition,' for wlvk-Ii there was a large number of entries, caused much merriment amongst both performers and spectators. Mrs E. C. Murphy, who seems quite aii expert at the business, secured first prize, and Mrs E. W. Clemens (Waione) second. Mrs Moriarty took first prize in the nail-driving competition. Several onlookers remarked "she could handle the hammer perfectly." Mr Murphy won the married men's race, and Mr W. Sounness was first in the single, securing a special prize presented by Mr A. Wilcox. The school prizes were presented to the children in the evening. Mr Blake (chairman) and Mr Rose (schoolmaster) attended to the distribution of tlie prizes, each child receivings book. ""TChe first attendance prize, for children who live over a mile from school, was taken by Henrietta Voss, and for those living less than a mile, first prize went to Grace

Green. In the evening, a dance was held in the schoolroom, and as the night was perfect, a large crowd assembled, there being 28 dancing couples and a fair number of onlookers present. The duties of M.C. were carried out to perfection by Mr "VV. Holden, the music being ably supplied by Messrs E. Blake and W. Lillas; extras were kindly played by Messrs Hunt and Kustege. Mr W. Bishop, of Waione, received vociferous applause for a comic reci- » tation "Mary's Little Lamb." A > large number of visitors from Waione were present, and from their jovial expressions seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The catering for both picnic and dance, which was excellent and bountiful, was done by the ladies of Pukehinau. The floor was in exquisite condition, being put in order by the members of the committee, who deserve great praise for their Untiring efforts in making the "turn out" a complete success.

As it was Saturday night, the dance came to a close at midnight, everybody having thoroughly enjoj'ed their outing. The trial of brickmaking at Pukehinau has proved so satisfactory that Mr Green, proprietor of the works, has recently erected new machinery, and proposes to proceed with the work on a large scale. Mr Weavers (Waione) has recently installed shearing machines in his shed, which he has enlarged, in readiness for next wool season. Bishop Wallis, of Wellington, who came through to Horoeka on Sunday morning by motor car, conducted service in the school room there and returned to Pongaroa in the afternoon. The Bishop's visit Avas much appreciated by all members of the church. HOROEKA. The annual picnic and dance has again come and gone. Unfortunately the weather was most unfavorable and necessitated the postponement of the picnic. The dance took place on Friday evening, but not many turned out owing to the heavy rain. However those who were there had a moat jPemjoyable time. Miss .Ross and Mr Stafford sang. Messrs Hunt and Gilbert supplied the music, whilst the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr Thomas. The picnic was held on Tuesday, and the weather was perfect. Although there were not so many present as Avould have been had Friday been fine, the children bad a most enjoyable time. There were numerous races and coiripetitionß to keep ei-ery one amused, young and old. In the evening an impromptu dance was held to clear up the iremains of the food suippllies, which bad been abundant. Messrs Hunt and Gilbert again supplied iJlie music, and Mr Thomas acted as M.C. The many friends of Mr and Mrs M'Leod will be pleased to learn that their son Harry, who fractured his arm badly some two weeks since, is rn.ia.king good progress towards recovery. On Sunday Bishop Wallis, who is visiting the Pongaroa district, held service in the school to a good congregation. Bishop Wallis, .accompanied by Mrs Wallis and the Vicar (Rev. G. B. Stephenson) motored from Pongaroa. Mr W. Dove, the contractor for the erection of the N.Z.' Loan and Mercantile Co's saleyaords at Waimiro, has started and is making good progress. It is intended to hold the first sale in about a fortnight's time. Sales at Waimiro might to be very successful, as it is the centre of an extensive and closely settled district. Mr F. J. Gilbert, who has disposed of his property to his brother, will be leaving the district in a few weeks' time. Mr Gilbert is one of the early settlers and has taken an active part in t'he welfare of the district. He has acted on the School 'Committee and as. people's warden at the church. As a musician bis services have been greatly in request an dbave been freely given. Mr Gilbert has been a very successful pbotogra.ph.er, and I understand he will ; devote more time to this art in his new home at Teawamutu. I am sure the settlers join me in wishing Mr and Mrs Gilbert every success in their' new sphere of work. The Pukehinau people suffered in.

the same way as Waione and Horoeka, in having a wot day for their picnic, and it was postponed until to-day (Saturday). The woathor is fine and evervthivg points to the children having a . ~al good time.

HERBERTVILLE. Mr Jesse Herbert, who is leaving the district for his recently acquired property, bad a clearing sale en Saturday last. There was a fair attendance of the public, and although some lines went very cheap the sale was on the whole satisfactory. A commencement Avi'll very shortly be made with the erection of the new hotel. The building is expected to be completed within, six .months. Mr Thos. Aitken, the present licensee, has disposed of his interest in this property to' Mr Pacey. Mr Aitken has met with considerable ill-luck since coming to Herbertville, and we trust that when he settles down afresh that his efforts will meet with a greater measure of success.