RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2651, 4 January 1905, Page 35

RATANUI.

December 26.— The weather during the past month has been anything but favourable for the crops. We have had cold winds, heavy showers of hail and rain, heavy thunderstorms, but no heat. There has not been a really hot day this summer. To-day is Boxing Day, and is fine so far, but there are indications of a storm coming on now, though it may pass this part of tie district. It-*is to be hoped that '1905 will prove a. more seasonable year than its predecessor has done. vEatanui School Concert. — The looal school' concert was held on Friday, the 23rd.", There was a record attendance, the evening being fine, and many were present who had never previously patronised an "entertainment of the kind. Mr "White was in the chair, and briefly explained why there had been two concerts for the same purpose— viz., the picnic and prize fund. In the first place, one section of the committee, for reasons of .their own, would not hear of the children being taught or allowed to take any part in the entertainment, while the other half organised a working committee, ably assisted by Mr Bannerman, and backed by the parents, and the result proved beyond expectations. The children went through their various exercises in a very pleasing manner, reflecting great credit on their teacher. It is a grand thing for children to be taught to take part in an entertainment, as it gives them a greater interest in the school and it also induces their parents to come out to show the teacher that they appreciate his work among their children. Unfortunately some of the children were laid up with influenza (which is running riot through the district just now). The piano was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Cooper. Some of the pieces given were highly amusing, -and one would have needed to be of t cynical disposition indeed not to have enjoyed themselves; nay, even to have wished themselves young again to join in the merry groups. The most nurth-provoking item was a dialogue entitled lhe Rehearsal," given by the senior girls, borne of the piano solos were very pleasing The Teviotdale quadrilles," by Misses Scott and Bannerman, was so welLrendered that it needed no great stretch of imagination to fancy one saw the mystic figure being gone through by old-time dancers, when dancing was dancing, a,s our grandmothers would tell us entered into with the greatest spirit and gusto. Another item which deserves special mention was a piano trio by Missea Miller, Cooper, and Bannerman. After the interval, Miss White sang "Why do summer roses fade?" and Mr Jas. Christie contributed two relations. Mr Pollock followed with several selections on the graphaphone, which were greatly enjoyed. Our oJd-time favourite, Mr Williamson, sang "The laird o' Cockpen," and Mr Witte gave several selections on the phonograph, which were greatly enjoyed by young and old. Mr Williamson proposed a vote of thanks to the performers, and Mr Bannerman, on behalf of himself and the pupils, thanked the audience for rallying to their aid that night. Mr F. Pollock proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, after which refreshments were handed round by the young ladies, and, of course, the lads, not to be outdone, attended to the distribution of the tea. A very pleasant half-hour was spent in joke and banter and reminiscences of old-time gatherings. Financially this concert was a success,, and as a. result I understand a picnic will be held during the holidays. At the end of the concert the young people had a dance, which broke up about 2 o'clock. Summer Resort.— Our district is fast making a name for itself as a pleasant summer resort, and many visitors are at present enjoying the beautiful scenery. The bush is a picture fit for an artist, with its many shades of green, brightened with flowers of every description, from the majestic rata to the simple daisy that decks the wayside. What a harvest for the Field Club ! The bush abounds with bird and insect life, and our rivers teem with fish, while for the devotee to the camera here is a perfect wealth of beauty spots. In this conrfection I might draw attention to the charming Purukanui Falls. I still think the Government might well have cleared a decent track to them, for I am sine many would visit them if they were sure of being able to cross the river successfully.