WAIPIATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 23

WAIPIATA.

February 23. —The weather continues hot and dry, and tho country presents a very parched appearance. Rain is badly wanted, particularly" now that tho majority _of tho farmers have finished leading in their crops. School Concert.—A very successful concert was held in the Waipiata Hall on Thursday, 21st inst. The proceeds wore devoted to the Prize Fund and tho School Committee's expenses. It had been the intention of the committee to have held this concert at the break-up at Christmas time, but owing to an epidemic of whooping cough the concert had to be- abandoned at that time. The programme of 22 items was given entirely by the children, who performed their very creditably indeed, and much praise is due to their teacher, who took a great deal of trouble to make the concert.a success. The prize-list is aa follows: Standard VII: Evelyn Clarke 1. Standard VI: Annie Patecrson 1, Agnes Miacdonald 2, Margaret Hosie 8. Standard V: Margaret Clarke 1, May Lothian 2, Eivelyn Hall 3. Standard III: Margaret M'Bride 1. Standard Hi Dorothy M'Bride 1, Hector Sinclair 2, Vio toria Butler a. Standard I: Jennie Campbell 1, Phvllis Clarke 2, Arthur Howell 8. P III: Robert M'Bridle 1, Clayton Jones 2. Infants: Thelma Jones, Robert Gibson, Mona Johnston, Jessie Gibson. Eileen M'Bride, Maisie Sinclair, and Ronald Butler. Special prizes and certificates were given for attendance: Jennie Campbell 1, Phyllis Clarke 2, Annie Paterson 8, Margaret Clarke 4, Dorothy M'Bride 5. The chairman (Mr James Howell) donated a special prize for the most popular and best-behaved boy or girl in the school. By the votes of the scholars themselves Annie Paterson secured tho highest number of votes, a-nd was therefore awarded the prize.

Sale. —The first of the series of stock salea was held in the Waipiata Saleyards on Friday, 22nd inst. High prices were realised for all stock offered. Personal.—Mr M. Graham has received word that his youngest eon, Private A. Graham, is on his way home suffering from gunshot wounds and affected hearing. The eldest son, Private T. Graha.m, is at present undergoing treatment in the Hornchurch Hospital for a fractured leg. A third son, Rifleman P. J. Graham, who was wounded in the back, has gone back to the front.— Mr J. G. has received word that his son, Private \Louia Pearoe, who was making a recovery from wounds received while in action, had contracted pleurisy and bronchitis. Another son, Private ¥m. Pearce, participated in the last big battle, and was fortunate enough to come out unharmed.— Mr Robert. Peterson is back again in the district, having been discharged as medically unfit. Mr Paterson is, unfortunately, suffering from a, bad knee, the effects of an old strain. Gift Parcels.—During August of last year the children of the Waipiata School held a gift day, when each child brought a gift to be sent to a soldier. Thee© gifts were sent through the Otego Women's Patriotic Asso-' ciation, and by the last mail two or thi'ee of the children received letters.of appreciation from soldiers for their gifts. Red Cross.—The members of the local branch took advantage of the school concert and the stock sale to bring before the public the object of their society, and appealed for funds to carry on their good work. JNTumeroiis ladies, armed with boxes, mingled with the crowd and obtained over £9. Ml' G. Mathias. also sold fruit to augment the funds, and the effort was so- much appreciated that between '£2 and £'A was obtained.