COUNTRY NEWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 17, 19 December 1927, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS

TIAKITAHUNA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) TIAKITAHUNA, Dec. 17. The annual sports gathering- and break-ing-up ceremony took place at the school on Friday. There, was a large attendance of parents and friends. The sports wore held in Mr Richardson’s paddock. The weather was showery, but nevertheless all the events with the exception of the relay race were got off. Results were as follow: — Boys’ 100 yards senior handicap: S. -Rowland (syds) and T. Rogers (syds) dead heat 1, S. Richardson (sor.) 3. Girls’ 100 yards senior: Marjorie Rowland (4yds) 1, Vera Parker (4yds), 2, Eileen Sadd (4yds) 3. 75 yards boys’ junior handicap: Innis Rowland (scr.) 1, Alan Nielsen (3yds) 2, Leo De Cleeno (syds) 3. 75 yards girls’ junior handicap: Thelma Sadd (14yds) 1, Vera Jeffrey (4yds) 2, Iris Morley (scr.) 3. 440 yards open handicap, boys: D. Parker (6yds) 1, S. Richardson (ser.) 2, S. Rowland (12yds) 3; this was a fine race, the winner putting in a strong finish and just managed to stave off the scratch man. 220 yards open handicap (girls) : Nellie Fletcher (Byds) 1, Vera Parker (6yds) 2, Joyce Morley (6yds) 3; tho winner ran a very heady race. Thread-the-needle race, 50 yards (boys being handicapped) : Raynor Vossand, Eileen Sadd (6yds) 1, Hugh Dampney and Nellie Fletcher (3yds) 2; the first hoy and third boy in were disqualified, having dropped their needles. Senior three-legged race, handicap (girl and boy) : Vera Parker and S. Richardson (scr.) 1, Barbara Parker and T. Rogers (2yds) 2, Clarice Jeffrey and A. Morley (syds) 3. Junior three-legged race: V. Jeffrey and I. Rowland (scr.) 1, I. Morley and D. Dampney (2yds) 2. The judges were Messrs D. Rowland and B. Morley, and tho handicapper and starter Mr Garner.

The company then adjourned to tho school where the prize-giving ceremony took place. The teacher read his annual report as follows: —“Our attendance now consists of 12 boys and 15 girls, this being the average for the year. Sickness has this year had a detrimental effect upon a good average attendance. Only one girl managed to record a full attendance. As tho averago attendance has exceeded 21 for the past school year, there is every possibility of the grade rising. The annual examination brought forth some very good work. The passes were 90 per cent. Having no sixth standard, consequently there was no proficiency examination.. The junior Red Cross circle correspondeded with schools in England and # Japan, also with several children of the Chatham Islands. The home nursing course was under the capable supervision of Miss F. Matheson who very kindly came along and gave fortnightly instruction to the girls. In sport we were represented by a girls’ basket, ball team and a boys’ Rugby seven-aside team. We tried conclusions with Longbutm School in both branches and, although defeated on all occasions, the experience, gained was great. On December 13th a special wireless test was broadcast and we listened in to this very first lesson by wireless. As to the future of wireless lessons I am at present unable to say. From our point of view the test had both good and bad points. Our thanks are due to Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame for the loan of wire and extra loud-speaker. In conclusion, I would like to thank tho members of the school committee for their help, to express to the parents our appreciation for their presence with us to-day, and lastly my heartiest thanks to the boys . and girls of our little community for their co-operation and loyalty during the year.” The chairman of the School Committee (Mr D. Rowlands) on behalf of the committee, said that he wished to thank the teacher for his appreciation of their efforts to give whatever assistance the teacher required. Teachers would always find the Tiakitahuna School Committee ready to assist. He asked that a hearty vote ot thanks by acclamation be given for the teacher. In conclusion, he wished to thank tho several donors of prizes for their interest in school work.

A hearty vote of thanks was then given by acclamation for the donors. Tho prizes were then presented as follow:

Boys' aggregate, Mr M. Richardson’s annual, Selwyn Rowlands; girls’ aggregate, Mr M. Rihcardson’s annual, Iris Morley; Messrs G. H. Bennett and Co.’s- prize tor runner-up (boys) Alex Morley, (girls) Nellie Fletcner; Miss L. Nielsen’s sewing prize, Vera Barker; Mr E. B. Nielsen’s conduct prize, Raynor Voss; Miss F. Mathesqn’s Rod Cross prize, girls, Barbara Barker; Mr F. Garner’s' Red Cross prize, boys, Stuart Richardson; girls’ conuuct prize, Barbara Barker; plodder’s prize, Hugh Dampney; senior attendance (girls), Vera Barker, (boys) Donald Barker; junior attendance (boys), Alan Nielsen, (girls) Bhyllis Voss. At the conclusion of tho prize-giving icecream, fruit and afternoon tea were served by the ladies. The function concluded with songs by the children followed by the National Anthem. BULLS. (From Our Own Correspondent) BULLS, Dec. 17. Schools of the district "broke up” for the summer vactation yesterday. The pupils of the Bulls School were provided with afternoon tea, while picnics were held at other schools. On Wednesday evening the Bulls troop of scouts held a wind-up social in Chiton Hall. There was a good attendance, including Girl Guides in cnarge of Captain Jones, and a number of scouts from Marton. Assistant Commissioner Miss N. Wilson presented the badges won during the year, and each scout also received a diary and a Testament, the latter being a gilt of an anonymous Wellington donor. Mrs F. Ralfe, who has been instructing the boys in basket-making, was the recipient of a’ gold swastika. Competitions and games concluded with a dance and supper. Mr Clark McConachy, the champion billiardist, gavo an exhibition here on Wednesday evening. Conceding Mr N. Williamson 450 in 750, the champion played bright all-round billiards, registering breaks of b 7, 127, 99 96, 84, and 48 unfinished, running to game while his opponent only reached 606. McConachy averaged 10.25. Conceding Mr S. Sharp 28 at snooker, McConachy lost one game (57 —38), but won a second game (56-51). He afterwards gave an exhibition of trick shots. The cue competition was won by Mr D. Westwood, who scored 12 cannons.

On Wednesday afternoon four rinks of bowlers representing the Oroua (Feilding) club visited Bulls, and were defeated by 76 to 68. A strong wind made bowling tricky. Details of the games are as follow, Bulls players being mentioned first: — Aldenvick, Haughty, Schaab, Roberts (skip) 24 v. Young, Andrews, Jensen, Mason (skip) 11; E. Stevens, McDonell, E. Wilson, H. Stevens (skip) 23 v. Haybittle, Stewart, Simpson, Chappell (skip) 16; Betrie, Trickcr, F. Wilson, Walker (skip) 16 v. Aitken, Hicks, Pearce, Spence (skip) 17; Ellery, Brookic, Berrett, Ingram (skip) 13 v. Gray, Fowler, Roach, Oakley (skip) 24. At the conclusion Mr Oakley returned thanks for the very enjoyable afternoon, and extended an invitation to Bulls bowlers to visit Feilding early in January. Mr J. H. Perrett, in accepting the invitation, referred to the hospitality for which Feilding clubs were noted.

The Yankee tournament was concluded on the tennis courts on Wednesday afternoon, and resulted in Miss Z. Ralfe and P. Hollis winning with 16 games. ,Miss Gi Green and F. Ralfe were runners-up with 12 games. The men’s senior medals changed hands on Wednesday, F. Ralfe and J. Tricker defeating V. Edwards and L. Homes 9-6, and Mrs Marumaru and G. Bertram created a mild surprise by taking the secondary combined doubles medals from F. Ralfe and Miss G. Green. ‘

At this month’s meeting of the Rangioto Rabbit Board the Inspector (Mr W. Sutherland) reported that there were fewer rabbits in the district than there were at this time last year, but the farmers must not be allowed to relax their efforts to keep the rabbits down. It was decided to order another half ton of phosphorised pollard. Ten per cent will be added to all rates unpaid after January 31st, 1928. It was resolved to publish the inspector’s dairy. The next meeting of tho Board will be held on February 6th, 1928. Members of the local branch of the Plunket Society were pleased to welcome Nurse Gillies, of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association. and Miss Mary King, daughter

of Sir Truby King, this week. Owing to indisposition Lady Wilson was unable to be present, but Miss Nancy Wilson attended, and little Miss Hilaire Wilson presented Miss King with a handsome bouquet of carnations. Nurse Gillies is greatly interested in the working of the Blunket Society, particularly in the small, country towns, and has picked up valuable information for use in Victorian bush districts. She rocounted the growth of the V.8.N.A., which was inaugurated by Countess Dudley in 1910, and now comprises 59 centres and has 11 hospitals and 72 nurses, all of whom are double-certificated (general and midwifery). About two-thirds of the nursing staff also have baby welfare certificates. Nurse Gillies has spent about two months in New Zealand studying Blunket nursing and leaves for Sydney on Monday. ; PRIZE-GIVING AT PAREWANUI.

The prize-list at Barewanui School is as follows: —

Standard VII —Rex Holmes; Standard VI, Vida Hacking (proficiency certificate); Standard V, Nopera Edward 1, John Holland 2, Eileen Murphy 3, Ernost Yardley and Reginald Bracken (equal) 4; Standard IV, Saxton Voung 1, William Tua 2; Standard 111., Tamehana Rogers 1, Allan Young 2, Ira Bracken 3, Rihitihuia Rogers and Marjorie Tua; Standard II Catherine Edward 1; Standard I, John Klatt 1, Albert Klatt 2, Stanley Bracken 3, Nolan Bracken; Brimers, Douglas Young, Hazel Young, Delphina Teki, Betty Young, Waki Warbrick, Leslie Bracken, William Bowen, William Apirana, Sam Tua. Special prizes—Needlework (Mrs M. M. Munro), Hazel Young and Vida Hocking; progress (School Committee) William Bowen and Tamehana Rogers; progress (Mr M. M. Munro) Nopera Edward; good conduct (Mr H. Bowen) Vida Hocking and Stanley Bracken; good conduct (Mr C. H. Edwards) John Klatt and Albert Klatt; perseverance (Mr M. M. Munro) Ernest Yardley. COURT SITTING. Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., presfded over a sitting of the court in Bulls on Friday, Mr L. M. Taverner, J.P:, also being on the Bench.

Meads Bros, obtained judgment against S. Sharp for £l2 5s lid (costs £3 Is). Nicol Bros, obtained judgment against Bert Hobbs for £8 7s 8d (costs 15s). W. C. Erickson was ordered to pay S. Steer £3 6s 6d forthwith, in default seven (lays. F. Hill was ordered to pay S. Steer £1 15s forthwith, in default three days. J. Cole was ordered to pay V. Edhouse £l2 11s 5d forthwith, in default 14 days, warrant to bo suspended as long as defendant pays £1 a week (costs £1 ,1s). C. J. McDonell was ordered to pay Kingstone Motors £ls 15s 7d forthwith, in default 14 days, the warrant to be suspended as long as defendant pays £1 a month. In the defended case the Public Trustee (Mr Graham) v. G. W. McKenzie (Mr Mackay) an adjournment was granted till January 27 owing to a solicitor and witness being engaged at the Supreme Court. The hearing of the action for damages by R. L. Henderson, of Bulls, against G. Harvey, of Marton, was commenced, the evidence of Harold Victor Wood, a curbside petrol pump supervisor, of Wanganui, being taken. Mr Mackay appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Winfield for defendant. H. V. Wood deposed that on tho date in question ho followed defendant’s car for übout a quarter of a mile. The car was on the wrong side of the road. He tried to pass the car, which did not move to tho l ight‘side after he had sounded his horn. Witness slowed up, but defendant’s car proceeded until it bit a motor cyclist, Victor Guinan, who had a passenger,, the plaintiff in the case. On pulling up, witness found the front left wheel of the car on the cycle, and the cyclist was underneath. The cyclist was under the bicycle, and a •man: (plaintiff) was getting up off the road Plaintiff’s hands and knee were badly lacerated, and his ..trousers torn. Witness asked defendant why he did not put his hand out. Defendant replied that he thought the cyclists would see that he was .pulling up. Witness asked: “Did you think that wo were all thought readers ?” Even had defendant put his hand out at the last minute, the cyclist would not have had a chance to pull up. The cyclist made an attempt to get clear, but skidded in loose metal on tho middle of the road, but, very close to the car.' Witness was the first one ion tho scene of the accident, of the accident. , 1 *■

In reply to Mr Winfield, witness said that there was less loose metal on the wrong side. The accident occurred not more than 10 yards on the Wanganui side ,of the cottage gate. Tho hearing was adjourned until Janu- : ary 27, 1928. RANGI'£IKEI DAIRY COY., LTD. Over £IO,OOO was paid out on Friday to suppliers to the Rangitikei Dairy Company, the rate being Is 5d per lb of butter-fat, which is a record, bcing'l4 per cent, higher than any previous record, and 20 per cent, above that of the corresponding period last year. During November the supply of second grade cream was under 21bs. per 1000 lbs. —a remarkable record. SHANNON. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SHANNON, Dec. 17. Tho annual concert for which tho local school teachers and scholars have been practising so long was given in the Maoriland Theatre on Thursday evening. Long before 8 o’clock the theatre was crowded to its limit, and the lengthy programme was given a most attentive and appreciative healing. The dressing in the “Tales From Storyland” ‘ operetta, Scene from “Hiawatha,” and several country dances was specially worthy cf mention, and must have meant many hours of ardous work, though tho result must surely have been pleasing to all responsible. The programme was carried through without a break of any kind and was in every way a credit to both teachers and pupils, while the assistance of Mrs Clifford-Jones at the piano played no small part towards the success of the ontortainment. In tho storyland operetta, which lasted for half-an-hour, a number of tiny vocalists were discovered, and in every case they were able to make themselves heard all over tho theatre. The words of tlic solos, choruses and dialoguo were indeed perfect throughout the entertainment. The scone from “Hiawatha” was a very ambitious item for Standard 111. children to attempt, but tho presentation was ono for which the children and their teacher aro to bo highly congratulated. Tho country dances were exceedingly pleasing, the children being excellently trained and a ventriloquial turn by three Standard VI. pupils was a most fitting wind up to an enjoyable programme. Tho full programme was as follows: —Burlesque band, infants; song, “Moon Boat,” • Std. 1; solo, Betty Gunning; recitation, Doris Tremewan; operetta; scene from “Hiawatha,” Std. 3; dances, Std. 1; “The Village Blacksmith,” _Std. 6; chorus, “Jingle Bells,” Std. 4; recitation, Gretchcn Tippler; danco, Bhyllis Patton; grotesque drill, Std. 6 girls; class song, “Shannon- River,” St, 4; solo and chorus, “Cornin’ Thro’ tho Rye,” Std. 4; snog, dance and novel danco, Std. 5; class song, “The Deathless Army,” Std. 6; song, “Old Black Joe,’'’ Std. 4; ventriloquism; "Good Night”'; “Good Savo the King.” During the evening Mr R. Tippler, chairman of the school committee, thanked the public for their patronage and also publicly expressed ,tho thanks of the committee towards the, teachers for producing the entertainment. Mesdames Evans and Bryant, of the Manakau Croquet Club, played the Shannon holders of the Nicholson Mallets (Mesdames Franks and Mason) on the local green. After a very enjoyable game Shannon proved victorious by 26 —12. In accord with the rules governing these matches, the trophies had to be handed over to tho visitors as no pair can hold them for more than three matches. Thus tho Nicholson Mallets are now held by Manakau.

The “wind-up” of the Wdinenjs Institute euchre parties • was an enjoyable function. After the usual games the evening took the form of a social and a very pleasant time was spent with items and games. The points prizes for tho season, which were presented by Mrs E. Butt, were won by Mrs Ellwood and Mr Pritchard. A dainty supper—during which a N handsome Christmas cake was partaken of—concluded the evening.

In the recent Wellington Diocesan Sunday School examinations the following scholars of Ven. Bede’s Sunday School secured passes: —Nine years, Phoebe Small; 11 years, Betty Eagle, Irene Sahdo, Agnes Hausman, Molly Jenkins, Betty Richards; 12 years and over, May Exton, Joyce Ellwood, Gretchen Tippler.

Mr and Mrs W. Barker left for the south on Wednesday. . Mrs McLachlan and family left on Wed-

nesday for Dunedin where they will spend some six weeks’ holiday with relatives.

The school break-up ceremony on Friday afternoon was largely attended by parents. The presentation of tho prizes and certificates won was made by the chairman of tho committee, Mr R. L. Tippler. The medal presented by the Mayor (Mr E. Butt) for tho dux of tho school was won by Allan Bowler. In making tho presentation. His Worship complimonted tho winner and he hoped that in years to come the trophy would serve to remind him of his teachers and school companions and of tho many happy hours spent in the Shannon School. The teachers presented Mrs Clifford-Jones with a token of their appreciation of tho many hours she so generously devoted to helping tho school concert. The children performing in “Hiawatha” also took the opportunity of show, ing their appreciation of their teacher Miss Dillion by making her a small presentation. Tho school will reopen on February,l, 1928. LONGBURN. SCHOOL SPORTS AND PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. (From Our Own Correspondent). LONGBURN. Dec. 17. Tho Longburn School sports and presentation of prizes was held yesterday afternoon when, despite the threatening weather conditions, a large number of parents were present. Sports day in Longburn is becoming very popular and yesterday’s function was the most successful of its kind held to date. After the sports programme was completed the prizes won during tho year were presented by Mr Mellor, chairman of the School Committee. Mr Mellor in his opening remarks congratulated the winners on their success and hoped they would go on to still higher achievements. The staff was thanked for its splendid co-operation with tho committee at all times and congratulated on tho high state of efficiency obtaining in the school. All those who had worked so hard to mako the sports a success were thanked, it being mentioned that an appeal on behalf of the school always met with a generous response. Mr Mellor took tho opportunity of referring to the impending departure from Longburn of Mr C. Balmer, who had been a member of the School Committee for many years, and expressed the regret of the committee at losing tho services of such a popular member. After wishing tho children, staff and parents seasonal greetings,- Mr Mellor presented tho prizes. Subsequently all present were entertained at afternoon tea.

The prize list was as follows: Class prizes.—Std. VI., Connie Cooksley 1, Willie Aldersley 2, Fred Ilearsey 3; Std. V., Joan Campbell 1, Doris Mahoney 2, Isobel Fell 3; Std. IV., Gwladys Hughes 1, Willie Weddell 2, Chrissie Learmonth 3; Std. 111., Bhyllis Hughes 1, Marjorie Bainbridge and Violet Zurcher 2, Maggie McKay and Lola Ilearsey 3; Std. 11., Alice Oliver' 1, lan McEwen 2, Bernard Cooksley 3; Std. 1., Noel Bratt, Willie Bainbridge 2, Norma Terry 3; Br. 4, Norman Wilson 1, Thelma Bishop 2, Roy Ewart 3: Br. 3, Charlie Osborne 1, Betty Campbell 2, Lindsay Brouso 3; Piv 2, Robert Olsen 1, Margaret Oliver 2, Joyce Holland 3; Br. 1, Marna McLelland 1, Doreen Teague 2, Ken. McEwen 3. Special prizes.—Behaviour and diligence, Viron McGill and Margaret Bell; best monitor, Julia Shirriffs : and most popular girl; also rapid progress, Richard Waldegrave and Ruth Cossentinc; courtesy and willingness, Willie Aldersley; cooking class, Ilaidee Hills. Sewing Brizes. —Std. VI., Una Chamberlain 1; Std. V., Betty Meehan 1; Std. IV., Milly Holland 1; Std. 111., Violet Zurcher 1, Gwen Mellor 2; Std. 11., Joan Ilearsey 1, Betty Wilson 2; Std. 1., Norma Terry 1, Leila Weddell 2. Sample Work, Rene Marshall 1, Mavis Foss 2. The sports events resulted as follow: Senior boys A grade, 75 yards. Hr Jensen

1, F. Hearsey 2, W. Aldersley 3; 220 yards, J. Hall 1, R.. Walker 2, F. Hearsey 3; 440 yards, J. , Campbell 1, H. Cadby 2, J. Fletcher 3, F- Hearsey 4 ; high jump, J. Fletcher 1, J. Aldersley 2, W. Aldersley 3; sack race, .R. Walker 1, R. Meehan 2, J. Fletcher 3. Boy’s B grade 75yds, R. Rowland 1, W. Weddell i 2, G. Bell 3; 220 yards, C. Weddell 1, B. Johnson 2, D. Meehan 3; 440 yards, J. Marshall 1, D. Meehan 2, G. Mitchell 3; sack race, G. Bell 1, D. Meehan 2, D. Jensen 3. Boys C grade, 75 yards, B. Marshall 1, A. Harrison 2, L. Oliver 3; 220 yards, P. Dobson 1, N. Shirriffs 2, R. Cosentine 3: 150 yards. I. McEwan 1 K. Guthrie 2 L. Oliver 3; Girls A grade, 75 yards I. McGill 1, R. Marshall 2; 150 yards’ Y. Chamberlain 1, P. Davison 2, P. Oliver 3; throedegged race, P. Davidson and I. McGill i, V. Chamberlain and R. Marshall 2. Girls’ B grade, 75 yards, L. Cooksley 1, J. Shirriffs 2, M. Bell. 3; 150 yards, D. McGill 1, J. Shirriffs 2, J. Campbell 3; three-legged race, J. Shirriffs and V. Zurcher 1, P. Hughes and M. Ray 2, 11. Hills and J. Campbell 3; Girls’ C grade, 75 yards, F. Walker 1, V. Zurcher 2, M. McKay 3; 150 yards, E. Teague 1, B. Zurcher 2, J. Biel 3. Tug-of-war (town v. cowitry( Country won. Relay races: Senior boys v. girls, girls 3 • junior boys v. girls,. girls 1; thirds boys v. girls, girls 1. In the primer races all the competitors were awarded prizes. R. Walker and J. Fletcher tied for the points’ prize. The judges'were Messrs W. Rowland, A. Sansont and R. P. Jensen and the handicapper Mr C. C. Hills. On Thursday afternoon all the teachers of Longburn were the recipients of useful little Christmas boxes from their pupils. The gifts wero presented by the pupils themselvos amid much enthusiastic cheering. TOKOMARU. (From Our Own Correspondent). TOKOMARU. Dec. 17. The school closed on Friday for tho Christmas vacation, the chairman, Mr R. W. Guy, attending to present the proficiency certificates. Miss J. Reichel returned to duty at the hospital last week after sick leave. The euchre and dance held. in aid of tho Tennis. Club funds proved a very successful function on Friday evening, about 80 taking part in the euchre. Tho first prize, a china salad set, was won by Mrs Cron. The second prize, two china jugs, were played off for by Miss Galloway and Mrs Peach, the latter winning. The consolation prize, a box of chocolates, was won by Miss Nancy Larapard. Messrs A. Drake, Rizzi and. Peach played off for the first prize for men, Mr Rizzi proving tho winner. Tho two losers played off for the second prize, a 10s 6d order, Mr Drake being the successful competitor. The consolation prizj of fifty cigarettes was won by. Mr Patrick. The bottle of maize competition' was won by Mrs Rizzi, who, in guessing 1095, was the nearest to the correct number, 1091. Through this competition the funds will benefit to the extent of approximately £6 12s and Mcsdames Todd and Osman have earned the gratitude of tho club for their strenuous efforts to make a success of the competition. Mr H. Parr presided at the piano, .Miss K. Williams kindly supplying extra dances. A, dainty supper was distributed by club members, and a very pleasant evening concluded shortly after midnight.