COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7007, 2 May 1884, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

MAUJ_U,

The annual soiree and church meeting in connection with St. Bride's 'Ctmreh, was held in the hall, Patumahoe, en Thursday evening, April 17, and it was in every way a success. The hall had been decorated with a large number of flags and ferns, evergreens, to., and wben the tables were laid ior the tea it presented a very pretty appearance. Wben the doors were opened the seats were filled in a few minutes. The tables were presided over by the following ladies:— Meadames Crispe, Pigeot, Wily, Hill, Hogwood, Crawford, and Misses Cook and Cox. Subscription trays were kindly presided over by Mrs. Fullerton, and last, the bachelor tray (Mr. John Stubbs) was presided over by Misß JNotte. Tea being over, the tables were cleared away and the forms re-arranped foi the meeting. The Rev. Mr. Frith having taken the chair, made a few appropriate remarks on the benefit to be gained by such gathering*, and called on Mrs. Wily to open the musical part of the evening's proceeding* by playing an overture. Rev. P. Smallfield then spoke on. the work and- good done in New Zealand by the Church of England. Mr. H. Crispe read a paper on the e»rly history of St. Bride'i Church, which traced it from the first comuiittte meeting held regarding a building in 1859 to the present time, including an account of the restoration which had just taken place, and also read the subscription list for the above purpose, aad the expenditure. The Rev. W. Calder, in his humorous style, kept the company full of fun and life for some time while giving hie description of a recent journey from Pukekohe. Tne next part ot the programme was the presentation of a white mamle time-piece to Miss Taylor (on the occasion of her leaving the district), for her services as organist at St. Bridee Chnrch, ' for the past seven years. The following address was presented by Mr. Crisps with a few suitable remarks :—Dear Miss Taylor,—We, the undersigned members of St. Bride's Church, and other friends, feel anxious to present yon with a slight testimonial on the occasion of your leaving the district. We therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying clock as a slight recognition of your kiud services as organist at St. Brides' Church, Mauku, during the last seven years. (Here follow thirty signatures). Miss Taylor requested Mr. Rogwood to reply for her, which he did in a few remarks. The speeches were intersported with songs, recitation", ftc. The udual votes of thanks were pissed, after which "God Save the Queen" ' w»b sung by the company, which brought to a conclusion an excellent entertainment.— [Own Correspondent, April 23. j

WAIHEKE ISLAND.

Although anything in reference to this island seldom appears in your columns, it is nevertheless going ahead in a quiet way. There is now a very nice public school on the island. Saturday, the 19ch April, was a gala day here for young and old. A treat (the first of its kind here) was 'given to the district school children in the form of athletic sports and picnic, which took place in Mr. Mclntooh's paddock. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and thoae children who ran badly at the sports made better running when the bans and cakes were.distributed. Great praise is due to the teacher and committee for the manner in which they conducted the fete. The moat distinguishable event of the day was the jumping with the pole by Alexander Migan, a boy under eleven years ef age, who jumped sft. llin. over a bar. It is the intention of the teacher and the committee to hold the children's sports every year if possible. Great praise is one to Mrs. McDonald, who was entrusted to choose the prizes far the children, for her very good selection.—[A. Correspondent, April 23 ]

MANGAWAL

A FEW Sundays ago the Rev. Mr. Abernethy was" presented by the members of the Weileyan ilenomination and others, as a mark of regard, with the " Life and Works of Dr. Arnott,' , in three volumes. Much regret is felt at the retirement of Mr. Abernethy from this district where his services as Wealeyan minister were much appreciated. The eiection of two road trustees takes place on Monday, May 5, at the office of the Board. A large portion of the Tara was sold some time ago, the price being a good one. The scholars of the publio sohool were inspected by Mr. Goodwin. the result, I believe, was very unsatisfactory. None parsed in the third standard but the teacher's brother, and he can scarcely be called a regular scholar. Mr. Gittos attended at the schoolroom on Tuesday, the Bth instant, for the purpose of jnveeting those willing with the " blue ribbon." The rev. geutleman addressed those present in a very telling manner, and by his persuasive eloquence was the means of twenty-four joining the Blue Ribbon Army. A two-boree buggy, driven by Mr. J. B. Russell and friend, passed through from the North, en route to Waipu. This, I believe, is the first, of the kind, showing a vast improvement in travelling to what it was twenty years ago. , ' There have been several alight frosts already, and some tender plants show the signs of the same.—[Own Correspondent,]