WAIPORI NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13208, 15 February 1905, Page 5

WAIPORI NOTES.

(Fboji Oua Own ConraspoNmT.) _ . February 13. Affairs have now resumed their wonted routine after the holidays, and tho dredges and sluicing claims are all in regular work. There Ims been no lack o( water for mining purposes all through the slimmer so far. Tho salo of tho O.P.Q. mino property took place in Dunedin last week, and resulted in most of the plant being disposed of in lots to various purchasers. It was hoped that tho property might have been bought as a going concern by soma syndicate who would resume operations at no distant date; but now, to all _ appearance, that desirable' consummation is indefinitely postponed. The school reopened after the holidays with a considerably-reduced attendance, due to the lessening of employment and ihe departure of several families from ihe' district. Tho average attendance for the wholo of last year was only one or -two points above the murnber required to retain the services of a mistress as well as a master, and unless the'parents bestir themselves, and send their children regularly there is an absolute certainty that the board will reduce the staff. This would certainly be'an event much to bo regretted,_ as it -would of necessity greatly impair the efficiency of the school. By a, little earnestness on the .part of the parents, even with the roll number reduced as it is, tho average required to keep the mistresß-mav yet be maintained for a little while lonßCr. It in truo that a child may be kept at homo- ono day in the week, without rendering the parents liable to prosecution under the truancy clause of the act, biit better than this is required in the present case to prevent our school going down. 'l'he school picnic, which took place on . the 2nd inst., was a great success, and as the weather was perfect,.everybody, young,and old, greatly enjoyed themselves. Between £3 and £4 was spent in prize money for the various athletic events, and, as is usual with juveniles, they were well and horiestlv contested, The wrestling afforded a good deal of interest, and showed that the youngsters are interested observers of .the feats of their elders, several of whom are widely known for their prowess in this hrihch of athletics. An attempt is being made. to reestablish the Waipori Brass Band, which hiis been dormant for soine years. The old instruments have been furbished up and several others have been loudly lent by the L-iwrence ■ Biirul from its 'spare stock. - The. training of the new members is in the-hands .of Mr Kerr, schoolmaster, and Mr Wm. 'Wilson, both of whom are experienced players. With st little perseverance and self-denial on the part of the new members, and regular attendance and steady home practice; they, should in a short time be a{>le, not only to greatly add to the sum of their own happiness, but also to thaf of their fellow residents ih this rather dull' and remote centre; but witholit: these necessary qualities it ia'impossible to look for any measure of siiccess. There is no royM" road to learning either in anisic or any other art, An example of tho pleasure to' be derived from, well-rendered music , was afforded on Saturday night last, when-the. well-known Black Family appeared in the Public Hall. It is unnecessary to give a description"*)? their refined, and artistic performance. 4* this hag been done over and over again by almost every coontijr correspondent in'/thi,'"colony; An. interesting feature in the programme was the playing of a solo by Miss Nellia Black oh a violin made by a youiij man in tho

township,- Mr II: Hill, 'J'hb instrument had ~ olily bsen finished a. few days before and -was - .s.tLll-UiMinisHcdi biit ill thß hands of Miss . Black.it was shown lllat Mr Hill'is capable of .turning but ru article that, for power and > ■■ (itiali.tif 1 of.lone Sill, eoiiiprtre .favdiitably. \vilh ' tho o( tho best makers of'imported < : .violins,. ..The solo clio3en was -Dr: ElgarV.. " SAllit d'AihoUi-j"' and its rendition evoked lbiid Applause from the. crowded audience. " Mr Black, the leader of .the. party,, reckoned - thp violin.. to. be, wbrin at least £10.' It itjpldijsilig Id knbfa iliiit {lie support hecordwl ibtthis talented coiilpahy oil Saturday highb \Vill lead them to include WaiporiMn. the lisb . (if their. 6ngagoiiiertt3 iii tliij future. .