Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 10

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent. School Committee. On Monday evening the school committee held its final meeting before the annual meeting of householders, to be held on April 13. Mr W. J. Amies presided. The following matters arising from the report of the head teacher, Mr W. A. Churchill, were then decided upon: The school floors are to be treated with a further dressing of oil stain during the holidays, this having proved very successful in getting rid of the dust nuisance. The trees near the bicycle shed are to be topped and trimmed at the earliest possible moment, and arrangements for erecting a wire-netting and “brush'’ fence were left in tne hands of Mr F. C. Saxton. The matter of a sand-pit for the younger children was fully discussed' and Mr H. Rowe agreed to take charge of this. It was decided to build more shelves in two of the classrooms. It was left in the hands of the chairman to make arrangements for boxing in exposed parts of the artesian pipeline, which provides part of the school water supply. Already this year, books to the value of over £l3 had been added to the school library, and it was proposed to spend more for this purpose when the school could claim a further subsidy from the Education Board. The secretary was also instructed to write a letter of thanks to Mr Hughes for his generous donation of books, which had been fully appreciated by pupils. Gymnasium Club. The initial practice of the Gymnasium Club was held on Saturday evening, when the promoters of the movement were rewarded by an attendance of between 40 and 50 pupils. Under the able guidance of Mr J. Haneox, squads were soon organised, and with the assistance of Messrs E. •Simonsen, C. Donovan and M. Wright, were quickly in full swing. Pupils passed a strenuous but enjoyable evening and are all looking forward to the further weekly practices. Methodist Church Anniversary. The 57th. anniversary of the Rongotea Methodist Church was celebrated on Sunday, the preacher being the Rev. R. Grice, of Foxton, who took for his subject, “What the Church Stands For.” In an eloquent sermon, the minister pointed out that the church was a memorial to those who had gone before, the fruit of their labour and self-sacrifice, and was hallowed by the hymns which grateful hearts had raised within its walls. The establishment of the Methodist Church synchVonises with the earliest settlement in Rongotea, when a number of settlers, among whom were Messrs T. Bull, T. Mitchell, T. Coker. B. Gray and Mrs N. Turner, arranged for cottage meetings to be held throughout the district. Of these pioneers, Mr Gray, now resident in Feilding, is tha only survivor. Shortly afterwards the Rev. T. Sadler made regular visits and the church was organised. Many of the pioneer families are still represented, and the morning services become a time of reunion. The evening service was again well attended. when the Rev. Grice preached on "Character Building.” Anzac Day Commemoration. The attention of readers is drawn to a public meeting, to be held in the Coronation Hall on Friday evening, when all those interested are asked to attend and discuss arrangements for the Anzac Day Coming of Age Party. A pleasant party was held on Saturday evening, the occasion being the twentyfirst birthday of Miss Gwen Eades, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs A. C. Eades. Some fort> guests were present, quite a number of young people coming from Palmerston North, while Mr and Mrs Sehneideman thavelled up from Wellington to do honour to their niece. The time passed quickly in games, dancing and novel competitions. During the evening Mrs Ron Aird delighted everyone with her singing. Miss Caverhill played pianoforte solos and Mr J. Smith also sang several songs. A novel item was also given by Messrs G. Sehneideman and Paul Green, of Wellington, this being much enjoyed. Competitions were won by Miss D. Claasen and Mr Duncan Fraser. Mrs Eades received her guests wearing a gown of navy and white, Miss Joyce Eades wearing a lemon floral georgette frock, while the guest of honour looked charming in a smart green cocktail suit. During supper. Mr J. Guthrie proposed the toast of Miss Eades, who was then handed a large gold key to commemorate the event. Mr A. C. Eades responded on behalf of his daughter, but the guests were most insistent and Miss Eades finally replied in a very happy little speech. The toast of the hostess, Mrs A. C. Eades, was proposed by Mr D. Lunn. A happv function was brought to a close at midnight, when all present joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne.”