COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19434, 24 December 1924, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS

MANDEVILLE. GENERAL NOTES. (From our Correspondent). At last we have had most beneficial rains and the land has had a fair wetting, but by no means a soaking. Nevertheless it has been just the thing for turnips and young grass. Grain crops were prematurely coining intp ear, but the rain will, no doubt, assist it to grow a little higher. Quite a number of early-sown turnips have proven a failure, and resowing is not singular by any means. Shearing is general, and several clips were forwarded to Dunedin in time for today’s (Monday) sale. Keen interest is being taken in its results. Unless Invercargill can arrange to hold its first wool sale much earlier than the last two seasons, the bulk of our wool will probably go to Dunedin. It is unreasonable to expect growers to wait so long before having an opportunity to dispose of their wool. Last Sunday evening the children attending the Sunday School received their prizes. In spite of the fact that the rain was teeming down there was a good muster of children, some of the little “tots” being attired in two overcoats, whereas their older comrades obtained some protection from the use of the umbrella as an extra. All were present at the appointed time and eager eyes watched for the coming of the reverend gentleman who was to make the presentations. The situation was brightened when it was agreed that the Superintendent should act in his (the minister's) stead. After the distribution had been made Mr J. H. McLeod, in a few well-chpsen remarks, thanked Miss Cross for taking charge of the Sunday School during the past year, and hoped she would continue as superintendent. Miss Cross thanked Mr McLeod for his kindly sentiments, and conveyed her sincere thanks to Misses Jessie and Islay McLeod for their assistance. She also thanked the children for their attendance, and concluded by expressing regret that the Minister was not present, which, she said, was, no doubt, due to the heavy rain. The present indications point to a happy time during the Christmas and New Year holidays. That is, generally speaking, but we still have no electricity to aid our annual illuminations. It will be noted that we supported the County Council £50,000 loan, so who can tell me we might have the latest form of main streets in time for the electric lights. The children are anxiously looking forward to the Christmas Tree and the distribution of school prizes, which takes place on Christmas evening. A meeting is to be called shortly to arrange matters in connection with the annual sports. KENNINGTON. SCHOOL CONCERT. On Wednesday evening last the annual school concert took place in the Kennington Hall, before a record assemblage for such functions locally, many being unable to gain admittance. The school committee, headed by the chairman, Mr R. J. A. Clarke, and aided by lady helpers, had the hall and stage artistically decorated with streamers, greenery and flowers, while the lighting effects were also favourably commented oil The audience throughout showed their appreciation of the efforts of the children and other performers by recalling most of the items. The long and varied programme was got through very quickly, there being no delay between the various items. The following was the programme: Whistling songs, “Come Follow Me” and “Ye Banks and Braes,” by senior pupils; songs, “Cathedral Chimes” and ‘Wee Willie Winkie,” junior pupils; songs and stories by Mr Ijjastlake (all recalled) ; action song, “Robinson Crusoe,” seniors; recitation, . Nicolas Nye,” Haldane Philpot; English folk song, “My Man John,” juniors; male quartette, “A Catastrophe,” Messrs W. Moncur, W. G. Moncur, Wm. Swale and D. F. Leckie; action songs (a much appreciated attempt by the little chaps), “Three Tin Soldiers” and “The Bunny,” primer boys; part song; “Blue Bells of Scotland,” 4 senior girls; song, “Impudent Barney O’Hea,” Mrs Caldwell (recalled); play, “Fairy Silver,” juniors; humorous recitation, “The Light Brigade,” 4 senior boys; action song, “Throe Jolly Barbers,” seniors; recitation, “Cats’ Tea Party,” 5 juniors; recitation, “Nursery Rhyme Folk,” Ray Henderson and juniors; trio, “The Little Farm,” Messrs Moncur, Swale and Leckie; dance, First Set, by the Tiny Tots (an item which received much applause); song, “Lullaby,” junior girls; action song, “The Chinaman,” seniors; song, “Maoriland,” Mr G. McGavock. Miss Rose, Mrs Galt and Mr Horder ably played the accompaniments. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr Geo. Henderson thanked all present for turning out in such record numbers to assist in augmenting the school funds. He judged by their instinted applause throughout the evening that they had thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the scholars and others. He thanked the teaching staff, Miss Parry and Messrs Leckie and Oleine, for going to so much trouble in preparing the children and fitting out their many and varied costumes for the concert. He also wished to thank, on behalf of the committee, Miss V. Rose for her help at the piano in the children’s items, and all those who assisted in making the concert such a great success. A verse of the National Anthem was then sung and supper was handed round, after which the hall was cleared for dancing, whjch was carried on a crowded floor till an early hour. Messrs G. Warren and A. McLean were floormasters, while Miss V. Rose and Miss McDonald provided excellent dance music. FdORTON MAINS. SCHOOL CONCERT. A concert in aid of the school funds was held in the Morton Mains Hall last Wednesday evening, being the first of its kind that has been held here. There was a very large attendance, the hall proving inadequate to accommodate the large audience. Mr A. H. Sheat (chairman of the school committee) presided and in the course of his opening remarks expressed his pleasure at the large attendance. During the past year the school expenses had been steadily mounting up. Gardens had been laid out, but fencing and concreting remained to be done. Hence the necessity for raising money apart from the prise funds, During the fint term of the past year Miss Randall was in charge of the school, after which Miss E. McGearty resumed her duties again. Good progress had been made by the pupils and of the three in Standard VI., namely, Betsy Munro, Donald Hunter, and William Hewitson all had passed their profficiency examination (William Hewitaon being dux for the year). Continuing Mr Sheat said the majority of them were aware that Mr de la Perrelle, MR., was present that evening and had promised to present the children with their prises at a later stage of the proceedings. The first part of the programme was provided by the school children, who acquitted themselves remarkably well, reflecting great credit on the training given by their teacher. Following is a list of their items:—Opening song, “The Barefoot Trail,” school; recitations, ‘Would You,” Norrie and Kenny Sutherland ; Charlie Withington and Willie Dwyer; “Two Little Kittens,” Oli'Ve Dunn; “A Secret,” Olive Smith; “Loraine, Lorria,” Margeret Falconer; “The Forest Fire,” Betty Munro; “His Excuse,” Alec Hamilton; dialogues, “Family Financing,” Maisie Munro and Charlie Falconer; Tm No Particular,” Donald Hunter and James Tbbin; “Aunt Sara’s Presents,” Betty Munro and Margaret Falconer; solos, “Daddy’s Sweetheart,” Dulcie Sheat; “Catch Me," Edna Briggs; “A Farewell,” Ellen Sheat; duet, “Look for the Silver Lining,” Nancy Munro and Eddie Edie; quartettes, “Plymouth Hoe,”

J. Tobin, A. Hamilton, E. Edie and Wilfred Sutherland; “Santa Claus,” Nancy Munro, Dulaie Sheat, Maisie Munro and Thelma McGowan. The singing of “Kentucky Babe” by the school concluded the children’s items, all of which were attentively listened to and heartily applauded. Miss Margaret McGearty acted as accompanist for the children in a very capable manner.

The chairman then introduced Mr de la Perrefle, MR., who expressed his gratification at receiving an invitation to be there that evening, after which the following ladies and gentlemen from Winton contributed the items for the second part of the programme. Trio (with violin accompaniment by Mr de la Perrelle, junior), Mesdames Cowie and de la Perrelle and Mr de la Perrelle, MR.; songs, Mrs de la Perrelle and Mr Clark; duets, Mrs Cowie and Mr Clark, and Mesdames de la Perrelle and Cowie all being vociferously applauded and encorde. Mrs de la Perrelle acted as accompanist for the senior singers. Prior to distributing the prizes Mr de la Perrelle, MR., said he was always very interested in educational matters and stressed the advantages that the child of to-day received in comparison with that of his parents. He also touched on farming interests and from his point of view considered that the farmers’ prospects were very bright. Further, when the Morton Mains people built a new hall he would be very pleased to assist at its opening, as it was very evident that the present one was much too small-for the needs of the increasing population. He concluded by wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. After the prize distribution the chairman moved a comprehensive vote of thanks (which was carried by acclamation) to all who had assisted in making the concert the success it undoubtedly was. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the concert. Supper was then passed round, after which a dance followed to music supplied by Misses M. McGearty, Tobin and M. Calder. Mr F. Ross ,senr, carrying out the duties of M.C. in his usual capable manner. The school was dismissed for the annual holidays last Friday afternoon. GUMMIES BUSH. SCHOOL CONCERT. (From our Correspondent.) The school concert held in the Gummies Bush hall on Friday evening was a most enjoyable one. The items given by the children were appreciated by all, and their teacher, Mr Lewis, is to be congratulated on their performances. A quartette of girls from the Edendale school gave a fine exhibition of clubswinging. Songs were contributed by Miss Flora McKay, Miss Hazel Humphries, and Mrs C. McFarlane, the last-named lady having to respond to several recalls, her singing and playing being a delight to aIL Mr C. Stalker gave two very enlivening recitations, fairly “bringing down the house,” with his Irish brogue. Items were also given by Messrs Dawson and Yates, of Otautau, and a very pleasing violin and pianoforte duet by Miss and Mr McKay. Miss Annie Playfair charmed the audience with her step-dancing, giving a hornpipe and a sword dance, for which the music was supplied by Mr F. Anderson on the bagpipes. During the evening the accompaniments were played by Mrs Taylor and Mrs McFarlane. After supper had been handed round, the hall was cleared for dancing, and a very pleasant time was spent tripping the light fantastic to music supplied by Messrs J. Bell and A. Wright, extras by other friends. During the interval for supper, the company was entertained by stirring music supplied by Mr J. Miller and F. Anderson, with kettledrum and bagpipes respectively. All present agreed that the school concert had been a great success, and voted that it be an annual affair in the future. Mr James Cormack as Chairman and Mr Taylor as secretary, are to be congratulated on the success of the evening. DIPTON. VALEDICTORY SOCIAL. (From our Correspondent.) The friends of Mrs H. Hamilton met Jit the residence of Mr P. Goble at Dipton on Monday night to bid farewell to Mrs Hamilton on the eve of her departure for Ry al Bush, where Mr H. Hamilton has taken over the school. A splendid social evening was spent by a large number of friends. Dancing, cardplaying and games were indulged in. During the evening songs were contributed by the Misses McCurdy, Mrs P. Goble and Mrs H. Hamilton (duet), M. E. McCurdy and C. Clark (duet), and Mr P. Giles. Mr J. Harrison gave a recitation, Mr A. McDonald humorous stories and Mr H. Hamilton a violin solo. These items were well received. During the evening Mrs Jas. Milligan spake of the good qualities of Mrs Hamilton, and was supported by Mrs D. who presented Mrs Hamilton with a Doulton afternoon tea set on behalf of her friends. Mr J. Milligan endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. Mr Hamilton suitably acknowledged the presentation, and thanked all on behalf of Mrs Hamilton. The music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Calder (piano), Mr M. Craig (piccolo), Mr Hamilton (violin). Miss I. McCurdy played all the accompaniments for the songs. A splendid evening was brought to a close by Mr S. J. Collie thanking Mr and Mrs P. Goble for the use of their rooms, and also all those who helped to make the evening a success, after which “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem were sung. At the break-up of the Dipton school, Mr H. Hamilton and Miss MacDowall were made the recipients of presentations from the public on their departure from Dipton. On December 30 there will be a farewell social to Rev. Tyler, who intends going to Akaroa. KAUANA. GENERAL NOTES. (From our Correspondent.) After a very dry spell of weather, we have had very welcome rain. Crops of oate and turnips are looking well, although some of the turnip crops have had to be re resown. There is now an abundance of feed for stock, which are looking well. The wet weather of last week flattened out a few of the grass crops, and unless the weather takes up soon these crops will be badly damaged. Harvest will be very early this year; some of the early sown crops of oate showing signs of colouring now. Our local Athletic Society has all ar rangemenfs well in hand) and intends having a big day on January 14.