HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1928, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

HOKITIKA, February 29.

Glorious weather prevailed to-day for the Hokitika Schools excursion to Greymouth. A good number came from Ross and intermediate stations, and the two trains carried over 2000 altogether, including a number of adults. The town observed a close holiday, and the streets were deserted during the day. Miss Ward, who has lately resigned from teaching at the Blue Spur School, was entertained by the parents and children,and Blue Spur, and presented with a parting gift* During Miss Ward’s period of teaching in Blue Spur, the children had improved wonderfully and everyone was indeed sorry to lose such a nexcellent teacher. During the afternoon Mr Maxwell, from

Canterbury, who has taken Miss Ward’s place, was asked on behalf of the residents of Blue Spur to present Miss Ward with a beautiful silver and mother of pearl manicure set, and a silver thimble from the girls. Mr Maxwell, in aking the presentation, said he hoped Miss Ward would benefit by the change. He could see Miss Ward had endeared herself to one and all and could understand how sorry they were to part with her. Miss Ward, in thanking Mr Maxwell and the parents and children, said how very sorry she felt at leaving the children and good people of Blue Spur. She hardly thought she deserved all the kindly expressions and beautiful gifts, but she had at all times tried to do her best and was gratified to know her efforts had been appreciated. She would not be going away from the district, and hoped to visit Blue Spur on some future occasion. During the afternoon Mr Max well delighted those present with his singing, and Miss Olsen ■with music, recitations by Misses Merle and Gladys Schroder, Alvis Joyce and Lorna Williams; song, Billie Stewart; recitations, Masters Herbert and Jim Williams, Misses Joan, Maureen and Master Dick Feeney. An enjoyable afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, after which the schoolroom rang with hearty cheers for Miss Ward and the singing of “She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Miss Ward, who is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Bernard Ward, Arahura Valley, is taking up relieving work, and will relieve the teacher at Totara Flat School.

Consignments of sheep to the Christchurch market are still being well maintained. Over 14 trucks were railed from here to Chrisetchureh yesterday.

The south trader “Elsie,” which left here last evening for south ports, developed engine trouble after going a few miles out, and had to put back to port this morning. Mesdames Wallstrom (Petonc) and Higgins (Upper Hutt) were interested visitors to the Arahura Road School this week. These ladies, -who, by the way, are sisters of the present Minister of Education, attended the school in the early ’eighties. They were very agreeably surprised at the many improvements carried out since their day, noting particularly the playground and the bright interior walls. The children entertained the visitors with several songs accompanied on a piano, the acquisition of which was made possible by the generosity of the present Minister. The ladies, when leaving, very graciously loft a donation in aid of the school funds.

A sitting of the Supreme Court will be held at 10.30 o’clock to-morrow (Thursday) morning. Mr Justice Adams will preside. There are no criminal cases set down for hearing.

Owing to the Supreme Court sitting to-morrow (Thursday) morning, the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court and Licensing Committee set down for tomorrow have been postponed until 15th March.