WAIMATUKU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2236, 7 January 1897, Page 25

WAIMATUKU.

January 4.— Anyone feeling charitably disposed need Dot w»*t<s any time in looking for *n object, worthy of that virtue. If in our own towns there be no poor, if at our own doors there be none who need our charity— wby, there is London, the wealthiest and yet the poorest of cities ; and in London there in, conspicuous amid its many charital/e institution?, L>r Barnado's famous orphanage. Our Waiinatulni Indies, wishing to show their appreciation of the doctor's work, held a sale of work on December 23 and 21. For some months previous all their splits time, and I suppose time that tht-y could not spare, had been devoted to making up articles, ussful and ornamental, some of them wondeifully and fearfully made. Mr J. C. Thomson, after an eloquent address on Bar rudj'a work and reference to the fnngnam icons conduct of the promoters, declared the stalls open for intpection and the goods foi-Bale, andinvl-.ed aheartypatronage. The atolls, canopied «ith beautiful drapery ; the stage, arranged like a drawing room : the Christmas ties, laden with a variety of those things that make the hearts and eyes of the young rejoice ; the hum of voices, the flower girls button-holing the young men — ail gave one the idea of a busy street in an Eastern tcity. After an interval of three hours the doors were again opened at 7 30, and where the crowd that thronged iato the hall came from was a mystery. During the evening the Blue family, so well known nere for their musical talent, gave several selections, which were r pleasant break in the mighty hum of voices selling and buying. Miss M Gilchrist sang two popular songs in her usual masterly style, and 11 yo>ng ladies recited an interesting dialogue in :i manner that showed they entered into the spirit of the piece, and appreciated both the sentiment and expression. Mm B. Robbie was specially good as cbairwonio-a, and Mies M. M Ke&zie as Mrs Blunt caused some amusement by the excellent way iv which she acted hei part. All the other ladies did wonderfully well. The first day beiug so successful, the bazaar was not opened on Thursday afternoon as advertised. Although the articles in quantity aud quality were mostly disposed of, yet a large Towd, probably excited by Christmas Eve. again visited the hall at 7.30 on Thursday night. To give more floor room, the Christmas tree was removed to one side. During the evening Miss Bell and Mr W. Strang gave abundance of excellent mußic Eight of the schoolchildren repeated the trial scene from "The Merchant of Venice," which was well received, and in which the young folk acquitted themselves in a manner that reflected great praise on themselves and their teacher. As Christmas morning drew near, what few things remained unsold were offered for sale on the "cheap John" system, Mr T. Dyke making a good salesman. The ladies, tinder great pressure, were induced to repeat their dialogue; but those who persuaded them were sorry, because a few of the hoodlums were, to say the least of it, rude and unpolite in their remarks fflid interruptions. The proceeds amounted to above £00, a sum that will encourage the ladies who took so much pains to make the concern a succesi. Though £60 is but a drop in the ocean to Dr Barnardo, it will be thankfully received and acknowledged. Were it given to some New Zealand charity, it would be a mighty item, both in the benefit conferred and the reputation of the promoters.

School Break-up.— Our school broke up for the holidays on Wedneiday, the 23rd. Owing to the great interest taken in the bazaar, but few parents accepted the invitation to be present. Mr D. M'Kenzie, head teacher, in his address said • that the school year ended on examination day, September'll, on which day 48 pupils were presented in standards (of whom 46 were promoted to a higher standard) and 29 in infant classes ; that the committee had approached the board to grant another room, which, considering that there are two teachers and 77 pupils in a room 32ft by f|Bft, seems to be necessary. Mr J. Fraser, chairman of the school committee, gave out the prizes. All who passed their standards received a prize and all others a gift book. A dux prize was awarded to each class, and several special prizes were also given. Mr Fraser addressed the pupils, and made reference to the excellont book-, given, advising them to read them with care and profit, find to enjoy their holidays so as to return with renewed vigour to further study and thus attain

success. He then called for three cheers for the teachers, Mr M'Kenzie and Miss Fallow, which wero he-irtily given Mr J. C. Thomson also addressed the children, and said many nice and wise things, telling them ths teacher was their best friend, though they might sometimes think otherwise. Mr M'Kenzie invited hearty applause for the school committee, who procured the priz's All beiug anxious to witness the opening of the bazaar, the proceedings terminated by the chairman declaring the school closed till January 25, 1897. Flowing are the names of pupils who received dux and special prizss :— Dux prizes— Henry Southern, dux in ■ Standard VI ; Maggie M'Leod, dux in Standard V ; Annie Dawson. dux in Standard IV ; Lizzie Buchanan, dux in Standard III ; Agnes Stobo, dux in Standard II ; Agues Robbie, dux in Standard 1; A lick Fraser, dux in Primer If I; Nellie M'Kenzie, ciux in Primer II ; Jessie Fraser, dux in Primer I. Special prizes -John Fraser, for diligence in Standard VI ; Maggie M'Luod, for diligence in Standard V : Annie Daweoo, for diligence in Standard IV; Lizzie Buchanan, for diligence in Standard III ; Agnes Htobo, for diligence in SfcanHa-d II ; Nrrlli" Clerk, diligence and cood co-.duct, awarded by the head master; Maggie M'Leotl and Willie M'JLeod, the moat popular girl aud boy in the school, awArdrd !>.• Mi-s S. Fraser, the result boing decided by vote of the pupils.