DOUGLAS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 299, 16 December 1914, Page 3

DOUGLAS.

[from our own correspondent.! The animal concert in aid of the public school prizes was held in the Douglas Hall on Friday evening to one of the largest audiences held here. Mr E. Walter, chairman of the School Committee, presided, and stated that owing to the great suffering caused by the war the school children unanimously expressed their desire to forego their prizes, and devote the memey to the'British and Belgian Poor Fund, to which the Committee agreed. Showing that the children possessed tne spirit of their fathers, they desired to give the contents of their- money boxes, and brought gifts to the meeting for sale. Mr A. Needham donated a fat sheep which brought £2 2s, Mr Thomas, pig, £3 3s; Mesdames Watson and Smith, fruit and vegetables ; the total takings for the evening being £l6 10s. Our M.P. (Mr J. B. Hine) and Mrs Hine andLMiss Hine received a hearty reception'on entering the Hall. Mr Hine ably disposed of the gifts. The Douglas school children rendered with credit to themselves and teachers several action songs, character dialogues, and recitations. The Tututawa children also gave two character pieces. , 'These items wero received with great applause. The Misses Needham, Watson, and Bredow rendered pianoforte duets. ' Solos by Mesdames Bocock, Brickie, Thomas, MissesInnis and Young, and also Mr Younp were received with hearty applause. At. the conclusion of the programme refreshments were handed round. Tin Chairman expressed thanks a.d appre. ciation of the Committee to'tne teachers, Mr J. W. Jones and Miss Cameron, for the efficient training of the children, ialso to Mrs McMillan (Tutu tawa) and the singers who provided so delightful an evening's entertainment.

The Chairman drew Mr Hine's attention to such a large number of children being confined in a ' small school, and expressed the hope that the Department will effect enlargement during the recess, as an increased attendance is expected at the reopening, after the holidays. y This small district has done nobly towards the various funds hi connection with.the war, having given approximately £IOO. A social evening was held at Kiort on Friday evening in aid of the Br and Belgian Poor Funds, and a p'essent evening was spent.' Local talent contributed songs and recitationsj, and' dancing also added to the enjoyment Gifts were disposed of, and with the dooi\ money totalled £9 10s. , A concert is also being held at Huiroa on Friday evening, the proceeds to go towards the British and Belgian Poor Funds. The ladies ol Huiroa have recently sent large pack ages of (warm winter clothing to assist the suffering caused by the war.. Keen disappointment was felt al the action of the postal- department ir refusing, to seud out information to tin' country offices on election night. Mam people had come miles to hear the results, expecting the Usual privilege - as in former elections.