DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1923, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI TOI—URENLI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual breaking-up ceremony in connection with the Urenui school took place on Tuesday evening last, and, a»s was anticipated, there was an exceptionally large attendance of parents and friends of the children; in fact, there wa«s not standing room in the hall, and many were unable to gain admittance, whilst the number of cars and ’buses which were parked in the street in front of the building were sufficient evidence of the large number of outside visitors who were present. For some considerable time past the teachers and pupils had been busijy engaged in rehearsing the operetta, “Princess Chrysanthemum,” and although the por f cimanee could scarcely be expected to reach the standard of that given by the pupils of tne Central school in New Plymouth recently, yet they made a most creditable showing, and the frequent and hearty applause which greeted the efforts of the children must have been highly gratifying- to both the head teacher (Miss McKay) and Miss Mucker (the assistant mistress), who had spent such a large amount of time and trouble with their charges. The stage (which was undoubtedly small for a performance of this class) was handsomely decorated, and the effect was very pretty as the performers in their handsome Japanese costumes took their various positions. It is needless to describe the plot, but it may be mentioned that all those taking the leading parte showed ..very evidence of careful study, whilst the attendant spirits and fairies all took their parts well. Misses Grace Thompr Gon and Dorothy Newton, as the Emperor and Princess Chrysanthemum respectively, were frequently applauded for their efforts, whilst Master Jeff Carr made an excellent Prince So-True. The part of Prince So-Slie was well taken by Miss Mary Thompson, as was that of Saucer Eyea and Top-Not by Misses joyce Newton and Wynn Sheard. As Fairy Moonbeam Miss Lizzie Handley was also good, and the Maidens (Misses Alice Herbert, Lena Mooney, Elsie Taylor and Rena Howell) all looked and acted their paits The : r«cidental music was nicely played by .sli'SS M. Smith, who got through a ..eavy evening’s work most creditably, whilst the various choruses and solos, etc., were well rendered and received well-merited applause. At the conclusion of the performance those taking part enjoyed a most excellent supper, a number of ladies assisting in the arrangements for their comfort, whilst the convenience, ’of the slipper room was mudh appreciated

A dance for the adults was ,tl‘ en held, and largely attended, the music being supplied by Miss Edwin, and the duties of M.C. being well carried out bv Mr. J. O’Neill.

During the evening Mr. G. Herbert -(chairman of the school committee i announced that the whole of the takings (amounting to some £2B),.after deducting expenses, would be spent on entertaining the children at a picnic and supplying prizes. He also complimented the teachers and children on the really creditable performance given, and thanked all those who had contributed towards the success of the evening. On Thursday morning the examination of those pupils who have been attending the swimming class took place in the Urenui river, the instructress (Miss Musker) being present. Mr. W A. -.iristiansen, who holds a certificate under the Royal Life Saving Society, acted as examiner, and granted elementary certificates as follows; Grace Thompson. Marv Thompson, Dorothy Newton, Wynn S heard, Jeffrey Carr. Alfred Wedge and Murray Wiley. The competitors acquitted themselves most creditably and two have been selected, to enter for the Hughes Cup competition.

In the afternoon the school picnic was held in the school grounds, and although weather conditions were not altogether favourable, there’ 1 was a large attendance of children and parents, A feature of the gathering was a beautiful Christmas tree which was loaded with presents, one of which was given fro each child. Mr- Geo. Herbert (chairman of the school committee) was in attendance, and present' I '] the prizes awarded for the past year with an appropriate remark to each recipient. The succwsful pupiis were: Standard VI., ] toothy Newton: Standard V.. Alice Rattenbun : Standard IV.. Joan Smith, standard ITT., Mavis Elliot: Standard 11, Eva Herbert; Standard I, Ronald Wilson; Primer 111.. Wilfred Rattenbun-; Primer IT., Dick Herbert; Primer L, Pearl Bleak ley; good attendance certificates and prizes, Alice Horbc 1 . t. Mabei Bleakley, Elsie Taylor, Grace Thompson, Mary Thompson William Smith, Alfred Wedge, Leslie Herbert, Maurice Rogers, George Smith; dux of the school, Dorothy Newton. Mr. Herbert also palled for three cheers for Mr. Christiansen, who hud taken such an interest in the matter of teaching the pupils to swim, which were most heartily given- Mr. Christiansen in the coarse of a few remarks, urged upon those present the advantage of being able to swim, thus being enabled, if the necessity arose, of saving their own lives and rendering assistance to other. He was rather disappointed that he had not received more support in this matter from the parents, but hoped greater interest would be taken in future.

Quite a shock was experienced by the teachers and pupils when the news was received of the death by drowning of Master Reggie O’Donnell, a recent pupil of the Urenui school, and a genet al fav ourite with all who knew him. He was a lad of great promise, and had gained his school honours with credit to both himself and teachers. The annual contribution of Christmas cakes by the scholars of the Sunday school of St. Paul's Church, Urenui, has neen forwarded to the children's home, Richmond Road, Ponsonby. Some 1301 b were sent, and the children have been generously helped by friends in this matter.

At the breaking-up of the Mimi school for the mid-summer holidays, arternoon tea was dispensed by the teachers (Misses Simpson and Frost) and each child received a bag of lollies given by Mr. P. Spurr. For the month of November the Wai-toi-toi Dairy Factory have advanced to suppliers Ls*4fl per lb for butter-fat during that period. Although the milk supply is showing a slight decline, the average tests are getting higher, and there are some thirty-one cheese being ir.anufacturcd daily.

There arc some splendid crops of mangolds, soft turnips, maize, etc., to be seen in this district at present, so that a good supply of autumn and winter

feed should be assured, more especially as there are large quantities of hay anil ensilage being made. Besides hay-mak-ing. many farmers are busy getting in th*»ir swede crops, and not a great number are able to take advantage of the holiday attractions which are being enjoyed by those who do not have to earn their living by the production of butter-fat. New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in Urenui by a dance and social given by the tennis club, and there are sure to be a large number of residents end visitors from elsewhere who will take this opportunity of seeing the old year expire and usher the new one into existence with the usual honours. Although Christmas Day will probably have been numbered amongst those uhich have passed before these notnappear, I should like. Sir, to be permitted to wish both yourself, staff and the compliments of the season with every kind wish for a happy and prosperous New Year (a kindly sentiment which is heartily reciprocated by News staff .—-Ed.) •