TOPHOUSE.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13520, 14 July 1914, Page 3

TOPHOUSE.

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

A long looked for event took place at Tophous© lasl week, the opening of the new school house, the only public building within a radius of twenty miles, and the occasion was made one of great rejoicing by the parents and settlers generally, who can now, after so much agitation, disappointments, and delay, get. their children educated locally, and not have- to send them into other districts., as was previously the case. The school has been built in a snug little spot, and a great amount of time was spent, not only by the committee, but also by others not directly interested, in levelling, clearing, and gravelling, under the supervision of Mr D. Kerr. This fact alone goes* to prove that the residents generally have considered a school an absolute necessity in the district In the absence of any representative of the Education Board (the members, I am informed1, of that body were invited, bub none arrived in time to tako any part in the ceremony); the school was declared, open by Mrs Tpjalinson in the presence of a large gathering of parents and residents, and after the school mistress, Miss Flowers, and her future pupils had been introduced .into the school, all partook of afternoon, tea, provided by the wives of the school committee. The little folks, were treated to lollie scrambles, etc., and thoroughly enjoyed themselves/^ A social and dafice was held in the evening to celebrate the event, and the gathering of settlers and friends con-1 stitutcd a record for this district, and the accommodation was taxed to the utmost. This fact also gives one the impression that the rumour to the! effect that the district was not un-! animous in regard to school matters 'was totally unfounded. The committee in charge of the entertainment are to. be congratulated on the success achieved. Mr E. Russ thanked the school committee for their work and success in obtaining the school, and Mr D. Kerr replied on behalf of the committee. A long and varied programme was presented, and was contributed to by Misses Banks, Carlsson (2), and Solomon, Messrs Russ, Cummins, Brough, and Vendore. The gem of the evening was a recitation by little Miss Solomon, who had ridden over that long and lonely road from the Rainbow to be present. Dancing followed the concert. One and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves,, and fittingly celebrated an occasion unique in the annals of old Tophouse. .