OTAKAU.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11925, 25 December 1900, Page 7

OTAKAU.

A most successful year's work in the OtaJcau School was brought to a close on Wednesday lest, the occasion being marked by a concert in the evening. The programme was provided exclusively by the scholars of the school, under the leadership of their teacher, Mr Hardy. JVIr Bishop, chairman of the school committee, occunied the chair. The, holding capacity of the school was taxed to' its utmost, for the people take considerable interest in their school. The entertainment was of a most enjoyable character, the action songs and gymnastic displays being especially appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Hardy for the pleasure he had provided was moved by Mr Jones and. seconded byMr Bayne, both gentlemen expressing the very high esteem in which Mr Hardy is held by the residents. On behalf of the parents they expressed pleasure at the manner in which the school. was. conducted, and the success achieved—a success that was mirrored bythe admirable manner in which so interesting a programme was carried through. Mr Hardy briefly and appropriately expressed his thanks. The hall was then cleared and the usual dance commenced, the young people enjoying themselves heartily,, the proceedings lasting, till -the; " wee, "siha! ""hours." One would have thought that the foregoing would I have sufficed, but the people of the Kaik are' nothing if not enthusiastic-, so a whole day's picnic was arranged for the following Saliir day. The clay was perfect, and the arrangements complete. The residents of the district mustered in full force, all bent on enjoying themselves, and they did. . Sports of various ;kinds were arranged and liberal" prizes given. Sports and games, by the seaside usually tend.to develop the ai^petiteof those, thus engaged. This occasion was no exception; but there was a bountiful supply of provisions, which were partaken of in the aiall and handed round by old pupils, who still cherish fond memories of the days of " aukl laug syne." After dinner the prizes won during the year were presented by the chairman of the committee, and, looking'at the books, one could not but be struck by the splendid liberality of the residents and the excellent selection ma.de by the teacher. Beeides^ the ordinary prizes, Messrs Whiteombe and Tombs generously gave a handsome booktor the most popular scholar in the school. Jhrs was won by Master 13. Ellison, who was congratulated by the chairman upon gaining a. prize so much coveted, and was heartily cheered by the .audience. liverybody was happy, but the teacher evidently thought that to make their happiness complete they should do something to make others happy. . He therefore brought forward the case of Mrs Edwards, of Kaitangata, and offered to take charge of any subscriptions on her behalf. The result was that something over £2 was speedily collected. Altogether, the proceedings were highly successful, and the committee are to be congratulated upon their efforts, the secretary and the teacher being specially deserving o"f