COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10328, 31 December 1896, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

» ' DRURV. ( A vkky successful concert was held in the- ( Public Hall here on December i't, in aid of c fencing the site of the Presbyterian Church. | The Rev. T. Norrie presided, and the follow- , ing excellent programme was exceedingly well | rendered, to a large and appreciative audi- , ence:—Pianoforte solo, "The Trout," Miss . Eutricttii; song, "The Colonel's Command,' ; Mr. Lees (encored, "Father O'l'lynn);" . recitation, "Widow Curmachrec," Miss J Webley; duct, "Pilot Brave,'' Messrs. ( Wetberalland McClyinont; song, "The Holy < City,"MissSmyth; Scotch reading, the chair- [ man; song, "The Three Wishes,'' Missßamsay; , song," London Bridge," Mr. Burrell; quin- ( tette, "The Happy Farmer,'' Mrs. Dixon, ( and Misses S. ,], and Carrie Cossey, and Messrs. R. Flanagan «ud W. Dixon, Part II.: Violin solo, "The Bine Bells of Scotland," Mr. R. Walton (encored); song, " The j Parson and the Clerk," Mr. Burred (encored); J song, "Ben Bolt," Miss Smyth; duet, : "List to the Convent Bells," Miss ' Lougmuir and Mr. Wetherald; recitation, ' "Kiss in School," Miss Webley (encored); l song, The River of Vears," Miss Ramsay ; ' song, "The Mighty Deep," Mr. Lees i (encored); dialogue, " No Followers Al- ' lowed," Mr. Mcllurnie and his company. ' On the motion of Mr, Dixon, seconded by ! Mr, R. Flanagan, a hearty vote of thanks J was given to the performers. The singing 1 of the National Anthem brought the concert to a close. Miss Entrican ably acted as J accompanist. ' On Saturday, the 'Jo'th of December, the Annual Drury Sunday-school picnic was held ! in the picturesque grounds of Mrs. Chamber- j lin, who showed her usual kind interest in the large gathering of parents and scholars, j who all much enjoyed he pleasant outing. On .Sunday, the 'J7th December, in the ■ midst of this joyous season, the remains of ! the late Mr. Albert Isaac were interred in j the Presbyterian Cemetery, There was a large attendance, and the Rev. T. Nome was ] the officiating minister. The deceased resided for a time in this neighbourhood, and ' then at the Bombay Settlement, and latterly '• at Auckland, where he suddenly died on Christmas Day, at the early age of AS years, leaving a young widow and child to mourn j their loss.—[Own Correspondent, | HUIA. A LARGE party of visitors are staying in two of the cottages on Mr. Kennedy's property, Mr. Ball, the well-known artist being among , them, Mr. Ball is a great admirer of Huia , scenery. He was telling me that some of his party had discovered tin the lluia river one of the prettiest falls lie had ever seen, In the matter of size it is not much, there being several larger ones here, but from an artist's point ot view it is far superior to the others. It is passing strange that the most beautiful spots in this place have nearly all been ' discovered by si ranters, natives hern only knowing of their existence on being shown by strangers, Bushmen, of course, may i have seen them, but as a rule when passing ' even the most lovely spots, " eyes have they and see not." The s.s. Weka ran a large excursion here under the auspices of the Oiieluuiga Fire : Brigade on Boxing Day. About two hundred people landed, and judging by the ' sounds of merriment heard all about, the- I roughly enjoyed themselves. No mishaps I occurred, and as the time and place of start- " ing homewards were plainly announced, no ' one was left behind. , Service was held in the schoolroom by 1 Mr. Ball Sunday, at six p.m., he taking ' for the subject of his sermon, "Christmas- i tide," He reminded us that in such a place '■ as the Huia, where service is seldom held, people were very apt to forget the tirst Christmas, and think of the present Christ- ] mas simply as a time of amusement. Bis I sermon was much appreciated, 1 believe, by all. His words about forgetting the cause of ' keeping Christmas were very true, Mr. Bill ' is the lirst who has preached to us for nine months. Things are looking very parched just now, the rainfall being insufficient for our hills. Several of our settlers are complaining of losing their cattle, and not finding the bones as is usual when cattle are lost. Our respected postmaster, Mr. W. Higliam, has beensnffering from a severe illness. I am glad to learn he is surely, if slowly, recover- J ing. Mrs. Barr, who is also in bad health I has gone for a trip tip the Wairoa to sei what travel and a change of air will do for her.—[Own Correspondent. 1 OMAHA. Till-: best and most varied entertainment that has yet taken place in this district took place on December 17th in the ball. The Building was filled with a large ami appreciative audience. Mr. Thomas W, linages presided, ami said the proceeds of the entertainment were for the school library. An interesting programme was successfully gone through. During the evening Miss Fordham came forward and in a fe;v well chosen words presented Miss Harding with a silver toast rack or. behalf of the members of the Orchestral Society. Miss Harding has performed the duties of conductor ever since the society had been established, and by her kindness she had won the respect and esteem of all, and as she was going to leave the district they could not allow her to depart without showing that they appreciated her kindness, and as there was no one to take her place as conductor, it had been decided to discontinue the society. The chairman thanked the members of the Orchestral Society on behalf of Miss Harding, after which the second part of the programme was rendered. Miss Annie Harper read an address from the school children to Miss Harding, accompanied with a splendid double album, as a small • token of the respect and esteem which the school children had for their teacher. The . Chairman in a few words thanked the chil- [ dren on behalf of Miss Harding. She would i keep the present they had given her as a souvenir of the pleasant time she had been . with them. The Chairman thanked the com- . pany for their attendance, ami thought they had been both amused and instructed. Great ■ credit is due to Miss Harding, and those who j assisted her, in getting Up such a good enterI tainment. The action songs by the children ' were excellent. In the tableau " Britannia" f the company sang " Rule Britannia " and , " trod Save the Queen." Everyone was well ! pleased with the entertainment, every detail I being well carried out. The singing was first- '. class, and all had to appear again. Dancing ! was then commenced, and kept up till morn- ! ing. Mr. McDonald was tho violinist. ! Abundance of refreshments were handed j round by the young ladies and gentlemen, . and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 3 I understand the gross proceeds amount to over £8.-[Own Correspondent.] . ( PAPAKURA. . A Good Templars' picnic was held here on 3 Boxing Day, when the local Mystic Tie Lodge . were joined with about thirty members from the Star of Newton and the Victoria lodges, who came by train from Auckland. After dinner, which they partook of in tho school grounds, they went for a walk through the 1 beautiful grounds of the Messrs. Kirk, after 1 which they went back to tea in the school 3 grounds, where games were played, and all 1 seemed to make themselves at home. The 3 visitors left by p.m. train for Auckland, being very well ribbed with the, district

and peoplA The day concluded by a social held|jn the Library I* Mm members of the Papakkra Lodge uaj their friends.-** [Own Correspondent.] 7 plakuka tALLBY. The childrca of the dJtrict spent a very exciting day bi the 21st woember, the occasion being til breaking u l> of the schools. The two quhotf) combined and held sports in Mr. Collins'. laddoek,[»"d great was the energy diaplawl in conn iet ' t 'R for the various events. Mr. V. ,J. Jones, of the No. '2 school, had well groat in'incsa purchased several poundrworth ii prizes for the winners, and had irrai ,n{a long list of events, of such variety, that all the children oi whatever size or 'p: luH an opportunity of entering for r'ntic pf them. The performances surtwbat lo.IKi a.m., and a lengthy 1 1 -imilffle of sports was pone through Hicresjinlly. Tim members of the Sclion liiifliflittcc and a number of other at'ills were present, M)( | u || did their utmost to'iJako tin- affair puss off successfully 4iiip|e food things in eatables anil (IrinkallcsiH'irel'roridcd by the paicuta ' and others, ant mstice wat done to th, ln . I At the elosi, tfn-'siicccsslul competitors received thcii prjzes, and in addition, eve.iyu child atteiulng< -ydio"l was presented with .1 | nice volumi,wniol>™d been purchased wild the proceed) of a subscription raised for th* ! purpose, fir. S.' 11. Keid, chairman 'it the School Committor, made the presentations, ami be also performed another pleasing dun, I namely, presenting '" Dr. Bodlc, from lie I children of theJNo. '2 school, two very nice ' books for In kftr-lness in allowing them the use of his paldock for a playground. Th, doctor thauted-tb' in for tln-ir expression 01 good-will. If.-artv cheers for the sclwol. masters ami the other friends terminated tha proccedingST-jOwii Correspondent. 1 BOMBAY. On December SWtli the anniversary services in connectim with the Wesleyan Church were held, tic R*v. Mr, Watkin preaching morning nnil!cvi'hing. On Monday afternoon the usual jifeni'' following tin- services was held Irftil; chinch paddock. The welcome showers|ieveotcd it being such a success as it has neeoiiiotli'T years. However, there « 18 a very faiMttondance in the evening at the I meeting iilthe chapel. The Rev. Mr. Old- | ham pressed. The meeting was opened with the ihvthein "Blessed is He" by the 1 choir, and | raver. Mr, IV. oindsay read the annual rrpoit, which was highly satisfactory financially. Addresses were given by the chairman, B-vs. Messrs. U',.tkin and Findlay, and ('mttiu Clemoul, .S.A. A number of anthem) \wie nicely rendered by the i Paparatachpir.MrAYor-ely accompanying on the organ andllr. T.W'iignt clarionet. Solos were sung by Ill's. Oldham and Mr. Dent, ami duets by Mis. Oldham ami Miss Usher, and Messrs, Kind A French. Before pronouncing the Ijuediction a hearty vote of thanks was liuliosed by Mr, S. Smith,and seconded Ijy »lrjl,ong, to the ladies who hud catered for tin iliier man, and to all ho had rendered assktai'e that evening, which was ' carried by acclimation.—| Own Cotrcspou ' dent.] [ _ i '• HELBNSVILI.E. • Miss VVIi.KINn' convert took place in the | Foresters' Hall here, on the Kit December. j Miss Wtlkiiis was assisted by the best local talent, and her |npi\s, the latter showing j marked progress, i'luv e was a very appre- j ciative audience. Mi. Metge win stage managed The nianiPi in which tap pro- ' graniiuovas gone throjgli gave evid-nce of j frequent and careful rehearsal. Willi so ; many excellent items, it would be dilh'jjlt to : enumerate the praise ol .each. The following is the programme; — Action mug, "Trolls." children: viola soVi, "Tie Mill Wheel," Master Lyle McLeoA: son:, selected,' Mr. K. Douglas; pjino duett, "Scotch Memories," Missei 1. JlcUod and W. Meiue: violin solo, "life lee us j Cherish,'' Miss Violet Travels; sag," Home, ' Dearie Home," Miss Hook; pane. duet, ' " Hillside Memories," Miss Minnie N'l-wmn.i and Miss W'ilkins;' oichesttil selection., ".Maritana," string band: img, "The Mighty Deep" (Jude). Mr. Drjjhml; piam 501,,, "Grand Valae" (T. Mattei)|diss Mabel Stewart; song, "Asthore," Jiss Hand. The second part: - " String] i|uartetie, 'Huntsman's Chorus," pilljls; snog, "Apart-" Miss Minnie Rawi|m; violin duet, "Air de Ballet," Ml). Stewart and Miss W'ilkins; song (selLtcd). Mr. K. Douglas; violin solo, "Hone, Sweet Home," Miss Amy Turner; sou:, "Wait. ing," Miss Hand; orchestral: .-.,. ii„n, "William Tell," string band; kxis, "Tor Hurler,'* Mr. Dryland; piano . " l.» ilarpi IvdieniP'," Miss W. Mtee; son;, " Dream Memories," Miss Willow (vi„lm olilijato, Miss Amy runic:); aSi.m Muia, •'The Drummer Boy," children.l Altlmu; 1 ! tha |irogramme was so long, the ablieiice in siated 011 a number of encores. '1 hi hall waithen cleared, and (lancing kept Li for an hour or two,-[A Correspondent.]' BROOKLYXN. ! On December 17, the children of Bt'ioklyun .School gave their annual concert aji entertainment. The school-room was bcamiully decorated tor the occasion. The Bclltol was crowded with parents and liiends,l is llie children's conceit is looked on now U. quite an institution. \\ c missed tliceenial |ttjsence of our chairman, but Mr. LeLean, mil local storekeeper, made an abb' substitute! Mr. K. Angel had kindly lent his piano, ind a long and excellent programme was gone ' through, retlecting tile greatest eredi on Miss Francis, our teacher, who musttiave taken great phtiencc with the childnh to have them so well trained in their vanoua pieces. The action sones and the dumbbell exercise were particulariy admired, The It lit tots, in the action songs. " Cock Robin,"'lnd " See Saw," gained loud and deserved tip. plause, as did also the "Queen Ann Dm Song," by the older girls. Indeed, tie general feeling was I hat we wfc« all sorry when tiie concert was ov4, At the close a very hearty vole of thank was accorded to Mist Francis for tneven pleasant cvciiine she mil the children Inl given us. Mrs. M. Liing lio-n distriliutel the prizes to the boys and gills, and th| meeting was brought to a close by the singiof of the National Anthem. Friday morning, the morning of our inmml picnic, dawned 'mid smiles and tears, and though the beautiful rain was very muck needed, we were glad, for the Bake of tin bairns, when the mists rolled uwav. I hit year we had a large gathering atom picnic friends coining from the Huia and alst 1 Titirangi. Mr. M. Kelly had brought » number of Hags, and their blight O'lonri flying in the breeze added to the picturesqueness of the gay scene. He also thouglitlully had swings erected for the children. Indeed it is bard to say who did the most, for everybody seemed vieiug with eacl "ther to make the day pass pleasantly, Miss Francis was the moving spirit. She never seemed to fire, and was nlways finding out new games for the visilirs ami children. The races were a great adirce of amusement and attraction, In the tarried ladies' race, Mrs. J, Ivilgonr came firs, Mrs, Clark," Waikomiti," second. Marricl men ; Mr. Lockwood,Coinwalli", 1: Mr. IlLrau, '.'. There was a walking match for Wonug ladies. A good nun.tier eeier-d toe tins, and il was won easily bv mr teacber,\Miss Francis, Miss Jennie Kilgntr, t'oruAillis, making; a good second, i'here weraaiso young men's races, a wheelbarrow We, three-legged race, and numerous other rices. As the evening was drawing to a close, the young people had a dance on the grVn, which looks prettier, 1 think, than any bjillroom, and afterwards they went up to Hie schoolroom and danced tor a few hourstte the music of Mr. Kelly's piccolo,—[Ovin Correspondent! \ MAUNGAKARAMFA. A PICNIC was given recently to the children! by Mr. Howard, our district schoolmaster, on : breaking up for the Christmas holidays. Though the weather was inclined to be [ showery, everyone enjoyed themselves, and the prizes given for the several races seemed ' to be entirely satisfactory to the winners ! thereof. In the evening a concert was held ! in the Public Hall, Mr. U. 'ii>n»"ii pro- ; siding. Most of the music was particularly 1 interesting, being rendered by youthful per--1 formers, some of them appearing or the lirst 1 time before, the public. The pillowing pro- " gramme was gone through :-S«"g, 'In ' Summer Time," children; piano solo. Miss 1 Martha Crawford ; song, " Kathleen," Miss ' K. Snell; piano duet, Miss D. Crawford and ' H. Crawford; recitation, H. Cawlord 1 ! piano solo. Miss 1). Crawford; song, "Take Mother's Advice,'' Miss Gertrude Sih'll ; song, " Bav of Biscav," children : recitation, "Well of St. lveync,"Hai"ld He 1 ward; piano solo, Miss M. Vinson ' song, Mr. H. Cook ; song, " Swine' River, : Miss (i. Snell ; recitation, " BuriVi of Sit 1 John Moore," .John Cook ; soul'. "The Song .' that Reached my Heart," Mrs. ''. O'Carrol!: 1 duet, " Won't Yon Buy Mv IV" Flowers, ' Misses M, and D.Crawford; recitation," Mary • ami her Lamb," Mr. J. 0. Miller, in character 3 and most ingeniously rendered. The conceit being over, the time-honoured wist.'in of a dance did not eventuate, thereby showing that the promoters have a most practical way of looking at the hours of precious sleep ihaj I are lost in gyration on the candle-greased 6 floor, to say nothiugof the headache contain! J II in the next day's programme.-[Own i ones ' pomlcnt.] .I Mr. Grierson inspected the Paparou. Scliu>' l 0 in Standards recently, when nineteen ivi' r passed and nine failed. There were several J who were not examined through wsotncifi" II attendance, and also a number of primers, e The roll is now over 40, with an average I. attendance about equal to the appointment « of a pupil tCMher.-lQwu. Correspondent;