DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1924, Page 10

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The usual Christmas vacation entertainment of the Durham Road scholars took place on Thursday night last, wnen there was a large attendance of parents and others to witness the children’s performance. On all sides much pleasure is expressed at the excellence of the programme submitted, and at the way in which the children acquitted themselves. The teacher (Miss M. E. James) is to be congratulated on the manner in which she lias trained the pupils in her charge, and the careful way the children went through their various items showed that the praise given her was well deserved. The children carried out their performance without the slightest hitch, and all the items were well received by the audience. At the conclusion oT the entertainment, Mr. T. Shields (chairman of the committee) made a few appreciative remarks as to the care and attention Hie teacher had given the children. He quoted some statistics to show that the school attendance almost warranted an assist_ant, and he hoped that this would come about in the near future. He further stated that three pupils had earned proficiency and one competency certificates, and that 19 had received certificates for good attendance.. IHe also made reference to the fact that'the scholars were going in for growing trees for planting and would no doubt have a try for the trophy. He announced the result of the 1923-24- calf-rearing competition, and then proceeded to distribute a Christmas present to each child and also prizes to the different standards. A special prize (donated by Mrs. Burnip, of Inglewood) went to Elsie Kay.

At the conclusion of the entertainment and prize-giving refreshments provided by the ladies of the road were handed round. Dancing to music provided by Miss E. Dombroski was then indulged in till about 1 a.m., and concluded a most enjoyable evening. The following items comprised the pro-gramme:—-“God Defend New Zealand,” the full school roll; song, “Silver Lake,” Standards V. and VI.; song, “Mulberry Bush,” the juniors; piano duet, Misses E. and K. Gorney; recitation, Jim Hagman; musical drill, “Bowing Low”; violin solo, Mr. Walker; song, Mr. Patchett; dialogue, “T 4 Mad Tea Party,” M. Dodunski, Dulcie Johnston, N. Flintoff, D. Goble; piano solo, Miss F. Flintoff ; song, “Let the Rest of the World Go By,” school girls; recitation, L. Marshall and J. Badland; piano solo, Miss M. Simpson; - song, “Don’t You Remember the Time,” Standard V.; song, "Good Night,” juniors; the song “Coal Black Mammy,” by the pupils, proved a real “screamer” and was highly appreciated; musical drill by the, pupils; ’■God Save the King.” Almost all the items were encored. A senior pupil, Elsie thanked the teachers on behalf of the pupils for the care and attention she had given them, and she admitted that though perhaps they had been troublesome at tirfies the results of Miss James’ efforts were visible to all. The teacher received a number of Christmas presents from the children—valuable and sufficient evidence of the esteem in which she is held.

The prize money in connection with the calf-rearing competition for 1923-24 was distributed at the annual breakingup entertainment at the Durham Road school on Thursday evening last. Miss Madge Flintoff, in the Jersey-Ayrshire section, secured third championship (10s 6d) and first prize in group 1 ( £1), and Spencer Flintoff third prize in group 1 (’ss). In the Shorthorn section, W;'Goble secured first prize ( £1) in group 1, P. Goble second (10s), and J. Marshall third (ss). NG AR IKI ROAD. (From a Correspondent.) A very pleasant evening was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Williams, Ngariki Road, last Thursday evening, the occasion being the coming of age of their eldest daughter (Muriel). The large dining-room made a splendid dance room, and was tastefully decorated in lavender and ?%mon. Dancing was indulged in for the greater part of the evening by the young people, while the non-dancers played cards. About 12 o’clock the guests adjourned to the sitting room, where a sumptuous supper was partaken of and several toasts were honoured. During the evening Mrs. Jensen and Mr. D. B. Blair obliged the company with vocal items, which were greatly appreciated. The guests left for home in the early hours of the morning, all voting it a most enjoyable evening. WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A most enjoyable and successful function was held in the Warea Hall last Tuesday, the occasion being a children’s social t« mark the close of the school year. The hall, which was packed to its utmost limit, was beautifully decorated with nikaus, roses, streamers, flags and lanterns and looked a veritable fairyland. The first item was an opening speech given by eight tiny tots, the smallest cnildrcn in me school. This was followed by the grand march and polka, in which every child in the school took part. Then followed the children’s dances, Sir Roger de Coverley and the lancers. Interspersed with the dances were recitations given by Marge Putt and Ernest Caldwell, both being particularly good ami well rendered. As the clocks were striking the hour of ten Father Christmas, who was on his way round the coast, called in at jthe hall to present each child with a gift. How happy all seemed, for the toys and presents on the Christmas tree were really wonderful. While all were waiting for Santa Claus to make his appearance the Rev. Papakakura delighted the audience with the charming song, “O Sole Mio” in Maori and in English, .and for an encore gave “Marcheta.” Then Mr. Jensen, who has been probationer for the past two years and is now leaving for the training college, where he will continue his studies, was presented with a fountain pen. Ingram Roebuck, in making the presentation, said they all felt very sorry Mr.. Jensen ‘was leaving them, ■but hoped he would be very happy at college.

A sit-down supper had been prepared for the children, and it is needless to say that they all enjoyed the delicious cakes, sandwiches and soft drinks that the thoughtful parents had provided. After supper the adults took possession of the floor and' thoroughly enjoyed

themselves until the small hours of the morning. Thanks- are due to the parents who so kindly provided the supper; to the Rev. Papakakura, who came from NewPlymouth to sing; to Miss Barak, who played the children’s accompaniments and some of their dances; and to Messrs. Parker and Norris, for their music. At the recent calf-rearing competition Marjorie Putt and Elsie Moffatt were very successful, gaining respectively ■first and second prizes in the school competition, and also for group I. Standard VI. pupils have been particularly fortunate this year, for at the inspectors’ examination, which was hpld some time ago, six out of seven candidates for praficiency certificates were exempted from further attendance at a centre.