DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 221, 30 December 1910, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) TATARAIMAKA. Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of the iwather, a large crowd assembled at the Tataraimaka schoolroom on Thursday, the loth inst., when the annual school concert was held. A very lengthy programme was given, the items of which had been carefully and thoroughly prepared by the children under the supervision of the headmaster, Mr. Edgar Turner. The concert was voted by all the best ever held here. Mr. J. Gyde presided, and the following took part:—Pianoforte duet, Misses Adlam;tableau, younger children; song, "The British Flag," Mr. Bint; Indian club swinging, Mr. E. Turner; recitation, "Two Little Stockings," Winnie Gyde; song, "Only a Leaf," Mrs. Bint; "Ten Little Niggers" and dumbell exercises by the little boys were very good, as- were the wand drill by the young ladies, and the maypole dance, with Miss Doris Watson as May Queen. The song, "Drummer Boy," by Alethea McHardy, with march chorus, was excellent, as was the song 'Let me die on the Deep," by Miss Ethel McCormick. Mrs. Jarley's waxworks were also staged very effectively, the following characters taking part: Mrs. Jarley, Mr. E. Turner; Cinderella, Mrs. Turner; Mrs. S. A. Winslow, Mrs. Allardice; Britannia, Miss E, McCormick; Joan of Arc, Alethea McHardy; Grace Darling, Miss Williams; Little Jap, Violet Gyde; Spanish dancing girl, Ruby Munroe; Red Riding Hood, Winnie Gyde; Captain Kidd, Mr. T. Morris; 'his victim, Grace Smith; cannibal, Sidney Gyde; Yankee, Charles Smith; Chinese giant, Mr. A. Mackay, The comic sketches by Messrs. A. Turner and M, McHardy caused great amusement. The Misses Adlam supplied the greater part of the music for both concert and the dance which followed. The committee deserves the congratulations of the householders upon the concert, which was generally conceded to be the best held in connection with the school.

OKATO. From and after January 1 Mr. Jury's coach is, it is understood, stabling in the township, instead of at Stony River. The new house that is being erected for Mr. W. Lind is rapidly approaching completion. There is no doubt our township is progressing. Several members of our Rifle Qui) journeyed to Wanganui. Rifleman Jenkins was very successful, winning the Masterton Match.

On Tuesday, 13th inst., Mr. and Mrs. Metcalfe, whq are leaving for Palmerston North after ten, years' residence amongst us, were tendered a farewell in the Hampton Hall. There was a large attendance. The farewell took the form of a s ocfal, item? being contributed by Mesdames Metcalfe and Vincent, Messrs. E. Andrews, F. Burke, and Goodin. Mr. J. S. Fox presided, and in a neat speech presented the guests of the evening, on ibehalf of the residents, with a tea and coffee service, suitably inscribed. Messrs, iJ. O'Connor and W. Forbes also spoke. Mr. Metcalfe feelingly responded. Sup-, per, provided by the ladies, was then dispensed. Dancing was continued, and lasted until the wee sma' 'oors, Mr. H. Corbett being an efficient M.C., and excellent music being provided -gratuitosly by the ladies. In order to provide funds for painting the Anglican Church, the ladies held a Christmass tree in the hall on the Thursday before Christmas. This seasonable novelty was a great success. The Rev. Addenbrooke, arrayed in a red tablecloth, and with a sheep-skin mat as whiskers, made an ideal "Father Christmas." Excellent business was done, and everyone seemed happy, particularly the youngsters, judging by the noise they obtained from many so-called musical instruments. Mrs. Wooldridge kindly attended witli her phonograph, and gave several nice selections. The following were in charge of the various departments:—Christmas tree, Mrs. Levinge and Misses Levinge, Sterry and Clark; bran tub, Mrs. W. Clark; fish pond, Misses Clare, Putt and M. Clark; refreshment room, Mesdames J. Clare and W. Corbett; fruit and refreshment stall, Mrs. J. H. Wooldridge and assistants.