MAUNGATAPERE

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1932, Page 2

MAUNGATAPERE

(From Our Own Corresnomlent.)

Annual School Festival. ’ Our district was en fete again on Wednesdav evening, when the large and enthusiastic gathering at the hall gave* ample evidence that the children’s annual Christmas festival, inaugurated by Air and Mrs Berridge some six years ago, is still the most popular and most eagerly anticipated event of tiic year.

The heavily .laden and brightly decorated tree was as usual the gi’gat attraction for the kiddies who all received useful and seasonable gifts from the hands of Father Christmas (Mr McMurtrie). A nuinbei* of selected items from the previous week’s concert wen' ably rendered by the children and warmly appreciated and applauded by the audience. Mr Cadnian’s talented services as accompanist again contributed greatly to the successful rendering of the various songs and dances. The chairman, Air .T. G. Draper, gave his annual report on school matters. The attendance had been very satisfactory, and the roll number at the end of the year was AS. Of eight candidates presented, seven had gained their proficiency and one a competency certificate. During Air Berridge’s regime 30 pupils had been examined, of whom 2d had gained proficiency, three competency, and two had failed. The general result was most gratifying to teacher, parents and scholars.

Considerable improvements had been effected to the gardens and grounds, although the school had taken second place in the competition for the Wainiate Cap, which had been awarded to om- neighbours at Whatitiri, to whom a vote of congratulation was carried with hearty applause. The chairman presented proficiency certificates to Alarjorie Hargreaves (dux), Gwen Hargreaves, Olwen Hayward, Lynden Pringle, James Timperley, Harold Dilluer, Horace I fen wood and James Dobson (competency), each of the pupils being warmly applauded on coining forward to receive the laurels. Good attendance certificates and prizes were awarded to Ituth Timperley, Kayma Pringle, Desiree Seine, Edna Eyes, Beryl Stevens, Alary Boss, Alarjorie Walker, James Timperley, Harold Dilluer, James Dobson, Beo Kowland, Lionel Tatton, Graham Berridgo, William Kowland and Prank Walker,

The school and the service generally had suffered a loss by the retirement of Miss M. Spiers, avlio had occupied the position of assistant teacher for tlie past IS months with conspicuous success, and who during that lime had endeared herself to all with whom she had been associated, and h<jr approaching departure was greatly regretted by one and all.

On. behalf of the children, Miss Spiers Avas asked to accept the gift of tAvo handsome brass vases and an ornamental table scarf, the gifts being gracefully presented by three liny tots, as a token of the greatest affection and esteem. The committee’s tribute was a silver cake dish, and the chairman assured Miss Spiers that she Avould enter on a ucav phase of life Avith the sincerest good Avishes for her future welfare, happiness and prosperity.

“She’s ;i Jolly Good Follow” was then sung and flu* popular young lady, wlio was greatly moved, returned thanks for the many good wishes and handsome gifts, and hoped that she might lie able to come to the sunny North again some day. Miss Spiers was also delighted with a partieularly handsome lioiKpiet of earnations presented by Iwo lady friends. Mr and Mrs Berridge were presented with seasonable gifts in recognition. of their work for the children’s entertainment and instruction. Needless to say, the inner man was amply provided for by the ladies' committee, and the kiddies (and grown-ups) completed a great ‘‘night out” with a few Jolly dances, the happy function 'being kept lively until well past piidnighl. General. Mr 11. Clifford Fraser, whose name was submitted to the Northern Athletic. Union (inc.), lias been duly approved as an official starter for athletic events, as per N.A. Cnion rales. As this is probably the last contribution for 1932, your correspondent tenders to the editor, stall - and readers of the “Advocate,” .the compliments of the season, and the hope that 1933 may bring brighter and happier times to all