STRATFORD DISTRICT PAGE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1926, Page 10

STRATFORD DISTRICT PAGE

Telephone Nos. 152 Office 218 Private

Telephone Nos. 152 Office 218 Private

(FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTERS)

WHAREHUIA SCHOOL. BREAKING -UP CEREMONY. SPECTACULAR FANCY BALL. The annual breaking-up ceremony connected with the Whanehuia school is usually an attractive function, and this year's ceremony fully maintained the traditions of the school and justified the expectations of the general public. For the occasion, a children’s fancy-dress ball had been organised by the headmistress (Mrs. Hodgson) and the mingling of rich colours was no less pleasingly striking than the smiling faces of the happy youngsters. Where an eastern princess danced hand in hand w'ith Dick 'Whittington, a glowing bride with Charlie Chaplin, an Irish Colleen with Tom Mix, fairies, pierrettes, flower girls, and characters from nursery rhymes, with jockeys, jesters, niggers and national representations, there was sure to be brightness and jollity. It is no exaggeration to say that the children thoroughly enjoyed their hour, and, in seeking their own fun, provided a moving kaleidoscope of colour and beauty for the numerous onlookers. The chairman of the school committee (Mr. Reg. Wellington) presided, and during the evening called upon Mr. E. Walter, M.P., to distribute the certificates won by the sixth standard scholars. Proficiency certificates were awarded to Gwen Bell, Nancy Lash, Seth Backhouse, Clarence Kelly and Edward Kemp, while Thomas Sangster received a competency certificate. In addition, each child received a Christmas present from the fund organised by the committee and subscribed to by residents of the district. The following fancy costumes were worn by the children; Nancy Lash, Eastern Princess; Molly Sangster, Pierrette; Brenda Forbes, Hose; Kathleen Wellington, Fairy; Joyce Willdon, Dick Whittington; Mabel Hosking, Cigarette; Dulcie Kemp, Hawaiian Girl; Mary Jans, A Bridesmaid; Una Downs, A Bride; Ivy Vivian, Jingle Bells; Dorothy Pittams, Dick Whittington; Pearl Kelly, A Flower Girl; Daphne Forbes, Irish Colleen; Moya Chard, Nigger Bride; Doreen Chard, Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers?; Ella Wellington, Jester; Ellen Lepper, Ivy; Isabel Lepper, Red Riding Hood; Rosie Newland, All that glitters is not gold”; Frantic Newland, My Scrap Book; Annie Bottin, Night; Wilfred Newland, Charlie Chaplin; Stanley New land, Tom Mix; Leslie Lash, Jockey; Tom Sangster, Pierrot; Seth Backhouse, Jester; Eddie Newland, Nigger; Leo Pittams, Baggy Breeches; Will Lash, Monk; Allan Lash, Chinaman; Claude Kelly, Cook; Clarence Kelly, Santa Claus; Frank Chard, Nigger Bridegroom; Ken Webb, Vegetable Gardener; Ernest Webb, Keep Off the Grass. BOWLERS FOREGATHER. SOCIAL EVENING IN STRATFORD. Whatever else his favourite pastime may lack, the genial president of the Stratford Bowling green (Mr. D. Carman) is determined that the social aspect of the game shall not be lost sight of in the struggles for trophies connected with the numerous competitions held by the club. At his invitation, members of the club assembled in full force at the Central Tea Rooms last night, when a convivial evening was spent in song, story and toast. The president explained that the gathering was intended to foster the good fellowship of the game, but was also intended to serve as a farewell stimulus to the team from the club which will leave early in the New Year to attend the Dominion tournament.

Following an excellent repast, the loyal toast was drunk, after which the president proposed the health of “This season’s players, old and new.” In doing so, he expressed the pleasure he felt at such a large gathering and hoped everyone would have a pleasant and enjoyable evening. In view of the fact that recent business changes had kept him from the green and prevented him from taking a greater interest in the club’s affairs, the president felt* he had been neglecting his official duties to some extent, but explained that after Christmas he would have more time to spare and should be more frequently amongst them. He was especially pleased to see so many new players this year and to learn of the enthusiasm and keenness they were taking in the good old game. He felt sure the new bowlers would not regret the step they had taken, for they would find bowling not only a game of skill, but also a brotherhood. “Wherever you happen to me, if you drop on a bowling green, you are sure to find friends right away,” he said. After paying a tribute to Mr. Geo. Smart, the oldest living member of the club, Mr. Carman wished the Auckland team every success in their trip and hoped they would go far in the tournament. The toast was acknowledged by Mr. Geo. Smart representing the veteran bowlers, and Mr. H. T. Olliver the younger element. The tonst of the Auckland team was proposed by the Mayor' (Mr. J. W. McMillan), who wished them a pleasant time and good drawing greens with every “wick’’ in their favour. The members of the team, Messrs. Leach (lead), G. Smart (No. 2), J. Lyons (No. 3), and P. Skoglund (skip) were roundly, cheered as they rose individually to reply to the toast. “Kindred Sports” was proposed by Mr. S. Dunbar and acknowledged by Mr. J. S. Lyons (golf). As hosts, the healths of Mr. and Mrs. Carman was also drunk with musical honours. Other toasts were: “The President,” proposed by Air. A. H. R. Antes?; and ■‘The Secretary,” proposed by Mr. A. Leech. The enjoyment of the evening was enhanced by items from the following bowlers: Messrs. J. H. Battersby, G. Walters. A. H. It. Amess, P. Skoglund, L. B. Wilson. A. S. Martin. A. Leach, 11. T. Olliver, Harper, and Bethune. END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS. PRIMARY SCHOOL CONCERT. The annual concert which marked the end of the school year for children attending the Stratford Primary School

was held in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, when a large crowd, of parents and friends assembled to enjoy the excellent programme arranged for the occasion. The concert was organised by Miss F. M. Ritchie, Messrs. C. F. Stratford, R. L. Hancock, and V. J. Henderson, teachers at the institution, and their conscientious efforts were reflected in the voice and bearing of the young artists. Messrs. Stratford and Henderson stage managed the concert and Mr. Hancock acted as musical conductor. Item by item the children presented their 26 numbers in excellent style, and those taking part deserve every commendation for the standard of music and acting they produced. The programme was as follows: Drum and. fife band selection, “Minstrel Boy”; song and chorus, “Tardy Scholar,” by standard 2 pupils; recitation by standard 1 pupils; piccolo solo by S. McCormack; solo, “Rose of No Man’s Land,” by A. Sextus; song and chorus, “Lullaby,” by standard 2 pupils; band selection, “Soldiers’ Chorus”; chorus by standard 1 pupils; band selection, “Daybreak”; recitation by Patti Childs: chorus, “Sea Chanties,” by standard 2 boys; dance, “Spring Song,” by C. Whitmill and M. Wilson; solo, “The Swallow,” by Phyllis Boden; piccolo solo by C. Hoskin; duet, “The Little Old Log Cabin,” by A. Sextus and T. McCluggage; recitation, “Northern Seas,” by Hazel Trim; song and dance by standard 4 girls; piccolo solo, “Sunset Dreams,” by L. Anscombe; solo, “The Happy Song,” by Marie Oliver; band selections, “Old Folks at Horae,” “Home, Sweet Home,” “Silver Threads”; solo by Miss I. Campbell; Huntsmen’s Chorus, by standard 5; Holiday Chorus by standards 2 and 5 combined. A sketch from Tom Sawyer entitled “The Fight,” ably portrayed by Des Coles and W. McCullough, was keenly enjoyed, the boys throwing themselves into the spirit of the piece with remarkable ability.

To-day 'Father Christmas will visit the school, the Christmas tree function being held on the sportsground in Victoria Park if the weather will permit, and in the school cocoa shed if otherwise. The following proficiency and competency certificates have been gained by pupils:— Proficiency.—lan Bamford, Philip Black, Alfred. Bridger) Pat Pastier. Lindsay Fattl, Arnold Fawcett, Gordon Greig, Jack Hartigan, Gordon Kear, Pat Kivell, Albert Kuch, Clyde Sextus, Ray Spencer, Percival Walton, Joe Weston, Ronald Austin, Sydney Hall, Dick Lloyd, Victor Madgwick, Hector Reid, Eric Vincent, Hector Milne, Jack Pettigrew, Claude Rowell, Violet Board, Isabel Byron, Merle Chong, Patti Childs, Joyce Dudding, Annie Fulcher, Thelma Frank, Mavis Gray, Olive Gander, Dulcie Kehely, Betty Kivell, Freda Oliver, Margaret Phillips, Dulcie Pearce, Hazel Potts, Claris Pettigrew, Lucy Shields, Ethel Turner, Jean Ward, Joan Ward, Ria Ola ridge, Grace Webberley, Fclecity Worthton, Dorothy Gray, Bernice Mills, Marie Oliver, Betty Wheeler, Nita Pugh, Uzilla Thompson, Rhia Furrie. Bessie Paine, Jean Faine. Competency.—Fred Speck. Stan Ward, Willie Elliott, Jessie Worthington. GENERAL ITEMS. The following team has been selected to play for Stratford Tennis Club against Eltham, at Stratford, on Saturday next, at 2 p.m.: Mrs. Weston, Misses Mackay, Lawn, and Weston, Messrs. Chadwick, Wilson, Curtis and Lawrence. If unable to play players are requested to notify the club captain. The headmaster’s certificates for swimming have been issued to the following pupils of the Stratford Primary School: Freda Oliver, two miles; Mabel Rowe, 525yds; Esther Spearman, 350yds; T. Lamason, 15yds; J. Josephs, 10yds; C. Marsh, 10yds; E. Hunter, 10yds; H. Wellington, 25yds; Felicity Worthington, lOvds.

The fact that Mr. George Smart is now the oldest member of the Stratford Bowling Club was announced by the president (Mr. D. Carman) at a bowlers’ social evening held in Stratford last night. Mr. Carman said he had looked through the old records of the club and found that Mr. Smart had attended the inaugural meeting about 20 years ago, and. with one exception had served on the executive in some form or another ever since. U T nfortunately for his record, Mr. Smart had declined office, this year. “Of course,” said the president, “we cannot all be like the Smarts of Taranaki. I read in a newspaper some time ago that the members of this bowling family had adopted as their motto: “If bowls interfers with business, cut out the business.” A CLEVER COMEDY. •FACING THE MUSIC.” The production of “Facing the Music” to-night promises to be an outstanding one. Every member of the company portrays his or her particular character in a manner that leaves nothing to be desired, and not by any means the least creditable feature is the care with which the cast has been selected. A great deal of work is necessary for the successful presentation of a comedy of this nature, and everything necessary has been accomplished. “Facing the Music” calls for special features in the way of mounting, and in this regard the company have been fortunate in receiving the co-opera-tion of the Stratford Amateur Operatic Society in regard to scenery, and Messrs. McKee and Lawrence, who kindly lent the furniture. The box plans are at Grubb’s. MIDHIRST NEWS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) It is with deepest regret that I have to report the death of Mr. R. Carroll, an old resident of Denbigh Road. The popularity and esteem in which the deceased was held was amply testified ov the large number of people who attended the funeral. The Rev. Father Cahill officiated at the graveside. To the sorrowing widow and family the district extends its heartfelt sympathy. Mr. A. Richards is at present in the

Stratford Hospital, where he underwent an operation for appendicitis. lam pleased to state that he is doing very well. Last Thursday the local hall committee held a very successful dance in aid of the hall funds. The music was supplied by Boulton’s orchestra. Mr. Copeland catered for the supper. Mr. J. Shotter capably carried out the duties of M.C. The winners of the spotlight dance were Miss H. Smith and Mr. H. Cathro. Mr. and Mrs. C. Shotter, after spending a short holiday in Midhirst, have returned to their home in Wanganui.