DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1923, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS.

OAKURA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) I suppose no two annual events are so eagerly looked forward to in the lives oi school children as the school concert and picnic. The preparation for either event is a work of pleasure, and as the ‘‘big day” approaches, excitement is gradually working up to fever heat. The annual school concert was held in the hall on Friday, 14th inst. For the past two years concert night has been marked by a downpour of rain, which kept away a large number of people, but on this occasion the evening turned out fine, with the result that there was a record attendance. To one looking from behind the scenes the hall and adjoining rooms resembled a beehive, and, of course, the larger part was filled with children, some of whom arrived an hour before the time to commence. Seating accommodation was available for the early comers, but those who came late had to find standing room wherever they could, and the school committee funds should benefit considerably as a consequence.

For some time past Mrs. Harris had taken great pains in assisting the teachers with the musical part of the programme, and although the work was arduous and occupied a good deal of her valuable time, her efforts were welj repaid by the way in which the children performed on Friday evening. Every child gave of his or her best, and more than one in the audience was heard to say that there was not a dull moment during the presentation of the programme. The following were the items: Opening recitation, “Welcome,” Leo Jans; opening chorus. “Keep on Hopin’’ school children; recitation, “A Little Cock Sparrow,” Ray Jury; song, “Where My Caravan has Rested,” which evoked a well deserved encore. "The Prayer/’ Mrs. Harris; dialogue. “The Babes in the Wood”; recitation, “The Man from lionbark,” Theo. Smith; dancing steps, 'ey junior girls; recitation, “A Big Bite,” -Jackie Rusling; quartette, “The Merry Pedlars,” Misses I. Haskell, A. LEiith, V. Gower and D. Jury; recitation, “If No One Ever Marries Me,” David Macgill; "Ten Little Nigger Boys” (the event of the evening)i dialogue, “The Sewing Society,” senior girls and "Johnny Smith”; duet, “Won’t You Come and Play with Me?” Misses A. Smith and V. Gower; “Chinamen Song,” senior boys; chorus, “The Wind in a Hurry,” school children; recitation, "The Alarm,” Tom Jans; “Good Night,” junior girls. At the conclusion of the concert, a presentation of a silver backed comb and brush with initials engraved was made to Miss A. B. Fleming by two of the senior girls, while another made her the gift of a pretty bouquet. Miss Fleming is about to sever her connection with Oakura school, and the esteem in which ."he has been held by the children during the past two years was voiced by a special request from themselves that they might be allowed to make the presentation. Following Miss Fleming’s reply, cheers were given, and “She’s a I Jolly -Good Fellow" was sung.

Then came the .distribution of school prizes, which was carried out by Mr. W. K. Morris, chairman of the school committee, who also presided during the concert. In addition to the ordinary prizes special awards were made by the members of the committee to the following pupils for special diligence during the year: Standard TIT.. Annie Huzziff; Standard IV., Maggie Thomas; Standard V.. Theo. Smith; Standard VI., Maisie Rusling. When the children were finished with their part of the programme a dance was held to give the adults an opportunity of enjoying themselves. Mrs. Harris presided at the piano, and was assisted by one or two extras, and Messrs. L. Brown and C. West acted as MC.s. This year, for the first time since the competition was inaugurated, an entry was made by Ron. Haskell in the calfrearing competition. Messrs. Ridling, Honeyfield, and Luxton acted as judges, and awarded this budding young farmer 105? marks for his calf.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI

URUTI BEACH PICNIC CLUB. ('From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Uruti Beach Picnic Club was held in the Urer.ui Hall on Thursday. Mr. R. H. Pigott presided over an attendance of about forty. The report stated that the picnic meeting on the Wai-toi-toi beach on March 31 was most successful, the racing being good, and the fields averaging eight for each race, whilst the quality of 5 the horses competing was improving eqcn Near. All the officials are to be -> mnlimcnted on getting the whole pro•w ihme through in good time. The • ’i again owed thanks to the Press and the sporting writers for many kindly noffeA gh'<*n, to which are due in a measure the attendance of so outside visitors. The annual ball was most successful, the arrangen . r 3 being in charge of the hon. treasurer (Mr. Geo. Fuller), and the club .• indebted to the ladies who so kindly attended to the supper. A pleasing feature of the dance was the presentation of the bracelet won by Mr. L. R. Skelton and jockey’s whips won by Messrs L. Cramer and F. Marsh. Mention was ■'i-'.o made of the kindness of the Tararaki Jockey Club in loaning saddle e’otbs for the day. The balance-sheet showed the receipts amounted to £149 2s 4d, including a credit balance of £6 6s 3d’from 1922; sweepstakes, £66 10s; emergency riders’ fees, £55; members’ tickets 'lss; donations at gates, £25 2s sd; other donations £7 12s; profit from dance, £lO Os 2d. The expenditure was prize money (including £-25 10s added), £92; N.Z. Racing Conference, £5 5s 6d; advertising £lO 12s 9d; other expenses £26 12s sd, leaving a credit balance of £l4 Ils Bd. It was decided to reimburse Mr C. Barnett some £3 <>dd advanced by him to make good a deficit on a former meeting. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to" all those who had assisted by contributions and otherwise to the success of the gathering, the hon. sec. (Mr. L. O’Neill), making special mention of the manner in which his duties had been lightened by Mr. G. iFuHar, E. K. Blundell and others. It was resolved that providing the necessary -permit could be obtained that /':e picnic be held again on March 20, -‘.>j The following officers were ap:,Hnted:—Patron, Mr. J. C. Rolleston; p-es : dcnt, Mr. A. A. Halcombe; vicepresidents, Messrs. Newton King, W. G. Glassfcrd, R. H. Pigott, A. Gibson, J. S. O’Neill. C H. Bernitt, C. Dunbar, E. O'Neilt w - P' ,r(:l ’ a5 ’ J - Zimmerman, Geo. Day and Cu ; -V —wmitUS,

Messrs. E. K. Blundell, S. Sutton, G. Salway, H. Blundell, Geo. Baker, C. Putt, Kapinga, G. N. Skelton, C. ’Rumba), G. Fuller, D. George, T. Taylor, J. Fitzgerald, A. Spurr, C. H. Barnitt, R. Luxton, P. Carey, S. Moody, J. Edwin, F. Rowe, E. Zimmerman, O’Riordan, Christiansen, and R. Breddow, with power to add to the number. Mr. L. O’Neill was appointed hon. secretary, and Mr. G. N. Fuller hon. treasurer. The appointment of stewards was left in the hands of the committee.

After some discussion it was agreed that it be a recommendation to the committee that the nominations close for the principal races a week or so before the meeting; also that a similar programme to that of last year be adopted. Mr. Pigott referred to the excellent manner in -which Mr. O’Neill had carried out the duties of hon. secretary, the success of the meeting being due in a gieat measure to that efforts. -After votes of thanks had been passed to the secretary and chairman a most successful meeting terminated.

MIMI SCHOOL BREAKING-UP CEREMONY.

The fancy dress ball held’ in connection with the breaking-up ceremony of the Mimi School was an unqualified success, there being a large number of visitors present from Uruti, Okoke, Pukearuhe and Urenui. For several weeks past the teachers and pupils had been hard at work preparing for the event, and the result fully justified their efforts, the manner in which the grand march (with which the proceedings were opened) was gone through being highly creditable. The room had been’ nicely decorated with ferns, flowers, streamers, etc., and this, together with the handsome dresses worn by the children, produced a most pleasing effect, and many congratulatory remarks were ■ passed by the large assemblage on the l manner in which the arrangements had - been made. Supper was served in the i shelter shed and full justice done tp the ! excellent bill of fare provided. Miss ! Frost (assistant mistress) presided at i the piano, whilst the head teacher (Miss ' Simpson) superintended the arrangement of the dances, and both are tn complimented on the smooth manner xu which the programme was gone through. A very pleasing feature of the evening was the presentation by the chairman of the committee (Mr. Chas. Musker) of the cash prizes won at the recent earro: and mangold-growing competition by Hazel and Amy Phillips. Mr. Musker ' congratulating the winners upon their success in the competitions, and expressing the hope that their names would figure prominently in the prize list on some future occasion. Reference was made to the fact of the great improvement effected in the schoolroom by the removal of the partition and the substitution of folding doors, whilst the old committee were deserving of great praise for the manner in which they had persevered towards this end. It had been decided that in honour of the occasion the evening’s entertainment should be given free of charge. Another matter which was contemplated by the committee was the institution of classes for the further education of those who had left school, and the building would be most useful for this purpose. Mr. Musker also congratulated the teachers and pupils upon the manner in which the programme had been carried out and thanked all those who had in any way assisted to make the function so successful.

'Following is a list of the 1 fancy costumes worn:—Hazel Phillips, Mimi School tennis player; Edith Baker, Pierrette; Susie Marsh. “Christmas in New Zealand”; Olive Spurr, Japanese lady; Violet Baker, “Folly”; Charlotte Sanson, “France”; Kathleen Zimmerman.

“Night”; Elsie Mooney, Stars and Stripes; Ellen Rowe, Gipsy girl; May Mooney, Red Cross nurse; Annie Baker, “Christmas Tree”; Kathleen O’Hanlon, Irish girl; Alice Butler, “Box of Chocolates”; Delia Spurr, “Little Miss Muffitt”; Barbara Kapu, “Ace of Hearts”; Miro Willison, fairy; Loris Taylor, ‘Fftiry Butterfly’; Joyce *Collin.s, Little Red Riding Hood; Ivy Mooney, “Gum Blossom; Etta Mooney, “Powder Puff”; Pat O’Hanlon, cowboy; R. Marsh, “Mr. Pickwick”; Eric Spurr, “Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Chib”; Alex. Phillips, “(Father Christmas.”; Allen Ridgley, “Golliwog”; Mick O’Hanlon, sailor boy; J. Kapinga. Sinbad the Sailor; C. Baker, "Tweedledum”; H. Phillips, “Pierrot”; K. Musker, “Mephistqpheles”; K. Phillips, butcher; Jim O’Hanlon, footballer; H. Sanson, clown; Jim Kapinga, Maori boy: Nicholas Willison, “Puck”; Henry Rowe, “Tweedledee”; Leslie Taylor “Punch”; Allen Phillips, “Kew-pie”; E. Baker, "Gam Mit”; Wolf red Taylor, “Elf”; Hector Collins, "Father Christmas.” At the conclusion of the children’s dance, the elder ladies and gentlemen occupied the floor for a few hours, the music being supplied by Miss Edwin, and the duties of M.C. carried out by Mr. G. Salway.

The judges in the calf-rearing competition held in connection with the Boys’ and Girl’s Agricultural Club -paid a visit to the Mimi School on Tuesday. There were three competitors, and the result ii).order of merit was: J. Burfitt 1, P. O’Hanlon 2, and M. O’Hanlon 3. The winning animal was a fine looking Jersey, and although the cost of rearing was £1 2s fid it waa well worth the time and money spent upon it. Haymaking operations are now becoming general in this district, and from all accounts there should be some fairly heavy crops harvested.

PUNGAREHU.

(From Our Own Correspondent-)’ The tennis courts were opened on Wednesday afternoon in glorious weather, and in the presence of a large gathering. A number of visitors were present from Rahotu and Opunake, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent by all. Mr. M. Beti+Xe, a very keen enthusiast and chairman of the club, in a short speech welcomed the visitors, and expressed regret that owing to the dry weather the courts were not as favourable for play as had been expected. He then called upon Mr. M. Fleming to open the courts. Mr. Fleming, in a few well-chosen words, took the opportunity of congratulating the club on the picturesque spot chosen, and on the creditable condition of the courts. He remarked that the site of the present courts was rather an historic spot, as forty years ago it formed part of the old Pungarehu racecourse, where many a good day’s sport was witnessed. After briefly eulogising the good work done by the committee in preparing the courts in such a short time, Mr. Fleming declared them opeu and delivered the first service.

Two exhibition sets were then played between Pungarehu and Rahotu, consisting of a gents’ doubles and a ladies’ double*- The l«x>al gents had no trouble > X'xßWtfW opponents, but jfee

Rahotu ladies gained t-he verdict by a narrow margin. After several more games a dainty afternoon tea was dispensed hy the ladies, after which play was continued until nightfall. A meeting of the Hall Committee was held on Tuesday evening to discuss the advisability of installing electric light in the hall. It was decided to defer the matter till a future date as several minor improvements to the Hell are being carried out at present. Miss Morecraft, of Mokoia, was the guest of Mrs. IL Pennington for the week-end.

The electric motors were turned on for the first time at the local factory on Saturday last, and, by all accounts, promise to be very successful. Very dry weather is being experienced here, as elsewhere. Farmers are eagerly looking forward to a good, day’s rain as young crops are beginning to suffer. The rivers and creeks are also low.

We are pleased to be able to record the success of Master Harvey Taylor in the calf-rearing competition, in which he secured first in the Shorthorn-Friesian class in Group 11.

NEWALL ROAD,

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The old year is fast going, and the festive season is approaching, and may it be a merry one to ell who read these notes. Preparations for Christmas are to be seen on all sides, and before a fortnight has passed a New Year will be upon usl We have enjoyed an unusually long spell of dry weather, end grumbles and grouches were to 'be heard on all sides. But it was thoroughly enjoyable while it lasted, and up in this wet spot the phenomenon of a whole three weeks without rain was highly appreciated by those fortunate enough to have hay ready for cutting and stacking. However, we’ve now had two inches of rain since Sunday, and the weather wise predict more to come. We hope that the holidays will be fine, at any rate.

The milk season is at present about its highest point, but the extra dry weather had its effoct on the supply. The factory has been going at full swing, and it was unfortunate that the first assistant (Mr. H. Larking) had to have a few days off for medical treatment. Mr. Kitchingman, filled the vacancy, and we are glad to notice that Air Larking is sufficiently recovered to resume duties.

There are few changes to chronicle in the district. Messrs. Jones Bros., who were share-milking on Mr. Olds’ property on upper Puniho Road, have given it up, and the farm has been taken over by Mr. W. A. Bailey, lately in the employ of Mr. Mills. The sawmill is still idle, and we hear of nothing in the way of negotiations for its sale or its recommencement. We would like to see it going again, and we hope that someone will be able to stars cutting at the bush that is still in sufficient quantity to warrant another start. The local school broke up on the 20th, when prizes were distributed. The school has had a fairly satisfactory year, and is doubly proud at having annexed the North Taranaki championship in the calf-rearing competition. Eight calves were judged, and two. Dorothy and Marjory Raven’s, were placed first and second in the Jersey section for this group of schools, while Madge Biscoe secured third place in the Shorthorn section. Dorothy Raven's calf was taken to to be judged with the other group winners, and came home with the much coveted red ribbon round its neck. It is really a splendid calf, and should be heard of again when it is to be judged again as a yearling. We are all greatly pleased at the honour gained by the school. Congratulation,? to Leslie Hoskin, Ruby Bailey and Madge Biscoe on their success in the proficiency examination. Florence Smith gained her competency, while practically all the children have been passed as a result of the headmaster’s annual examinations. The following is the .prize list:—Standard VI.: Dux of school. Ruby Bailey; Leslie Hoekin, 2nd; Madge Biscoe, 3rd. Standard IV.: Victor Bailey, Ist; Edgar Hoskin, 2nd; Rose Green*, 3rd. Standard III.: Margaret Green, IM.; Laurie Luckin, 2nd. Standard IL: Jessie Minchin, Ist; Vai Bailey, 2nd. Standard I.: Trixie Bobieh Ist; Rita Bobieh, 2nd. Sewing—Standard VI., Madge Biscoe; Mrs. Mills’ prize (special) Marjory Raven; Standard 111.. Margaret Green; Standard IL, Jessie Minchin. Home Work.—Standard VI., Ruby Bailey; Standard IV., Arthur Green; Standard 111., Margaret Green (prizes presented by Mrs. Frazer Jones).

Our assistant teacher (Miss V. E. Schieb) has been appointed sole teacher in the Denbigh School, and leaves us this year. A gifted teacher, the children, regret her departure exceedingly, and the esteem in which her pupils bear her, and the high quality of her work, speak for themselves. The children are taking this opportunity of presenting her with a small token of their regard. We take this opportunity of wishing her health, wealth and prosperity in her new district.

Miss Schieba successor is to be Miss Jessie Cassie, who has recently returned from Otago University, where she has been studying for her BjA. degree. We hope she is successful in her examina, tions, and that she will have a happy and successful year in Newall School. We hear that Professor and Mrs. J. B. Condiiffe, of Canterbury College, are to visit Mrs. Condliffe’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Mills. Miss Leila Mills has been in Christchurch for the past two months staying with friends. We understand she intends to enter the teaching profession.

Rumour hath it that several of the local bachelors are shortly to join the ranks of the benedicts, and that our schoolmaster would be bringing a wife from Otago if the Education Board would only come to light with the longexpected school residence. The dominie says 'boarding is all right for a year or ttfo, but after about fourteen years of it it begins to pall somewhat, and

“batching” isn’t by any means the game it’s cracked up to be. The Newall Road, and all the other roads round here, are still a source of grievance to all and sundry. The Egmont County Council can borrow no end of money to tarseal the main roads within its 'boundary, but it does not oeem able to carry out its obligations with regard to the settlers on a few of our back roads. The top of Newall Road has been patched and drained, and it is certainly somewhat improved to what it used to be, but no attempt whatever has been made to improve the Okahu road, although the Council promised to spend about £3OO in forming and metalling a portion of it. The better the back roads, the more settlers will there be, hence the more revenue for the Council. Wake up, Egmont, and render us our just dues! The compliments of the season to the residents of Newall from your correspondent. [A kindly feeling which is heartily reciprocated by all concerned in the .production of the Daily News.