TE PUKE NEWS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13333, 21 December 1943, Page 2

TE PUKE NEWS

PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY (From Our Correspondent) The children and parents of the Presbyterian Church gathered at St. Andrew’s Hall on a recent evening, the Rev. Norrie officiating. The function opened with games and competitions for the children, after which they sat down to tea provided by the parents. This was followed by tea for the parents. The evening programme took the form of a social, during which Mr Norrie called on each child individually to receive his or her prize. A very delightful character sketch by Shirley Mitchell was well received, while Avis Brownlee surprised the audience with her gift as a pianist. Rene Bennett’s recitation, a song by Joan Stewart and tap dancing by Gaylene McCracken were warmly received by the audience. A play by the Bible Class students caused much amusement. The children had a great surprise when Father Christmas walked in, carrying a large container of ice cream. After supper the parents and children all joined hands in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” New Showgrounds Since the Education Board purchased the ground originally owned by the Te Puke Agricultural and Pastoral Society, this body has been endeavouring to secure a new area in the district. Two sites were available, namely, the racecourse at Maketu junction and an area belonging to Mr A. E. Spratt, practically opposite. A large gathering of the members of the society met at Maketu junction on Sunday, when the question was thoroughly discussed and the grounds examined. It was finally decided to lease the racecourse area, but as the roadway to the property was very narrow, it was further decided to widen this to two chains and sow it in grass. Personal Detective Stewart and Mrs Stewart, of Christchurch, have been spending a few days’ holiday in Te Puke. During this period they saw many of their old friends and were the guests of Mrs Stewart’s parents* Mr and Mrs J. Collins. They left for the south on Monday morning.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING The final meeting of the school committee for the year was held at the school last week. Mr Stevenson (chairman) presided and those present were Messrs Whitehead, Robertson, Searle Mitchell, Mrs Keys, the secretary (Mr Dowhes), and the headmaster (Mr Cook). Accounts amounting to £ll 17s lOd were passed for payment. Mr Whitehead of the visiting committee gave an outline of the various repairs needed and these were left in the hands of the secretary to attend to. The headmaster in his report stated that three teachers would be leaving the staff at the end of the term. They were Miss McDonald, Miss Hutchings and Miss Williams, the last named retiring after four years service in Te Puke. It was decided that a letter of appreciation for her services and the good work she had done be sent to Miss Williams. Owing to the congestion in certain class rooms and inability to secure further accommodation, it was decided to procure a marquee for the beginning of the new year. It was also decided that the secretary write to Mr F. W. Doidge M.P., pointing out ,the necessity and urgency for the new high school to be built. “Paddys Market” at School A large crowd gathered at the school grounds on Tuesday when a “Paddys Market” was held. A wonderful assortment of vegetables, flowers, plants, fruit, etc., were collected by the children and sales of the produce kept going during the day. Mr Cook, headmaster, in his address sketched the growth of the school and impressed upon all those present the necessity of close cooperation between parent and teacher. It was his desire to see a Parents’ Association formed in Te Puke, an association that could meet at stated periods to discuss matters bearing on school affairs and also those dealing with children. Mr Cook received an excellent hearing and those present were impressed by his suggestion. Refreshments were obtainable as were ice cream, and cordials for the children. The approximate nett results from the day were close on £SO.