ARTHURTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 39

ARTHURTON.

January 7. — During Christmas week we havo had some most welcome rains — in fact, the long spell cf dry weather broke the day after Christmas Day, and much to everyone's delight, heavy rains have fallen more or less during the whole of last week. This interferred considerably with outside work. The benefit, however, derived from the downpour amply compensates the farmers for the break in their work. The old saying, "no nows is good news," is true in my case at present, for I have very little to report, and therefore everything must be prospering hereabouts, as indeed it i 3. The crops with this last rain are looking- well. Turnip sowing is about completed, and shearing has begun. School.— The school closed on December 18 for its summer holidays, and the annual picnic and distribution of prizes took place on Christmas Day. The following is the prize list: — Standard Six, Olive Trusler, Aima Benson, and Joseph Walders, equal ; Standard Four, Phillis Hocking; Standard Three, Sydney Trusler first, Charles Beecard second; Standard Two, Joan M. E. Bagrie first, William Beeeard second ; Standard One, Elsie Benson first, Charles Wennerbeck eeoond, Tina Beocard third; Class Three, May Trusler first. Frond Trusler second. A prize was awarded to each child in Class P. Two prizes for " Diligence " were given by the teacher. These were well earned 1 by Miss Olive Trusler and Master Joseph Walders. Picnic. — The picnic was held in the school grounds. The day wa s perfect and the place was an ideal spot for such a gathering. Variou3 games were played during the afternoon, and after lunch had been partaken of the race 3 were run. The following are the winners of the various races : —Young Ladies' Skipping, Miss It. Speden; Young Men's Skipping, Mr R. Bagrie ; ; Children's Skippiiig, Miss Alma Benson ; Married Men's Race, Mr J. Mason ; Married Ladies' Ra.c3, Mrs J. Mason. The committee worked very hard to make the picnic a success, and after tea everyone wended their way home thoroughly pleased with their da\'s outing. In the evening a dance was held in the school. Visitors flocked from far and near, and one and all seemed to enjoy themselves to the utmest. Sin.ging. — The singing class is now ended, but there is some talk of Mr Thomas returning '" after harvest is over " to resume bis work in the district. At present practises are held once a week in the various . houses of the district.