WAITARA NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1929, Page 15

WAITARA NEWS

BREAKING-UP OF SCHOOL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The pupils of the Waitara school assembled on Friday morning for the breaking-up ceremony, which included the presentation of proficiency and attendance certificates. In addition to the children the school committee and a number of parents were present. Mr. Browning, headmaster, paid a tribute to the school committee for its co-operation and help and referred to the great improvements that had been accomplished in the school ground, which had been supported loyally by the community. He called for cheers for the school committee, which were heartily given. On behalf of the committee the chairman, Mr. Glasgow, said the year had been most satisfactory, and he complimented the pupils and staff on their excellent record. Cheers were then ffiven for the teachers. ° A pleasant little ceremony took place at the school on the previous day, when the teachers presented Mrs. C. Browninn with a cut glass scent spray in recognition of her many kindnesses during the year. On Friday evening the Waitara Fire Brigade held another competition for a trophy presented to the brigade by Mr. Soffe. The competition was a rescue event in which ft ladder and a dummy took an important part. The results were: Superintendent C. Limmer, 23 4-5 secs 1; E. Procter and T. Tenner, 27 1-5 sec (tying for second place). Mr. G. Bird acted as judge and Mr. J. Conton as starter.

ROWING CREWS SELECTED. The following crews have been selected to compete for Mr. Fohys trophies on Saturday, January 11.—-R. St. George (st), D. Richards, T. Sampson, L. Byron; J. Fowler (str), A. Rowe, T. Stockman, Penman; O’Keith (str), F. Leech, Dombroski, W. Turner; F. Ohlsson (str), A. McGregor, S. Richaids, R. George; R. Butcher (str), J. Olsson, G. Topless. Hutchinson; M. Sampson (str), 'L. Whitmore, G. Fowler, T. Ewens.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The local Lodge of Druids held their 7th annual Christmas tree in the Clifton hall on Monday evening, when 360 gifts from the tree were distributed to children up to 12 years of age. With those over 12 years of age added there must have been over 400 children present. The Christmas tree took up a central position in the hall, which was gaily decorated with toys and balloons. At 7-30 p.m. Father Christmas arrived with four attendants, amidst a deafening uproar from the children present, and after a few words (which were not heard) he and his attendants entered into the arduous task of satisfying the multitude, after which the children were entertained at supper and received a bag of lollies and balloon. The balance of the evening was spent in dancing and various competitions, the results of which were as follow: ■ Musical arms, Master F. Smith Ist, Miss Crowley 2nd; fizz race: Bert Roberts Ist. D. Patten 2nd; thread the needle race: Laurel Laurent and Vic Reynolds Ist; Edna Bird and C. Shea .2nd; whistling competition: Ladies Crow Ist, Jean Laufj,. ent 2nd; ladies’ nail driving: Mrs. WL•Grow Ist, Mrs. T. Ewens 2nd; guessing length of string (prize, box chocolates): Mrs. Baker, New Plymouth, 64 yaixls (correct length 6yds 19y>in); gc-nclemen’s suspenders and pipe, Mr. H. Smaile; ten g‘ inea suit, J. Pellcw (New Poymouth). The following ladies’ committee had (• 1 arduous task and deserve special thanks: Mesdames Bint, Whittaker, C. Limmer, Barras, Hufl'am, Bird, Moller L. Andrews, Letlibridge, S. Crow, T. Ewens, Byron, Butcher, Callander, and the Misses Barras, N. Smart, J. Anderson, P. Chittenden, W. Crow. The men’s committee was as follow: Messrs. G. Bird, Byron, Butcher, Mellar, Andrews, V. Pennington, J. Canton, 11. Smaile, W. Crow, R. St. George. They deserve the thanks of the community for organising this annual function for tho benefit of not only Druid’s children, but the whole of Waitara’s children, who had a right royal time.