DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1929, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS

IVTt’TAWA, (From Our Own (brrespondent.) Fortunate indeed were the Tututawa school committee to strike a fine day on Friday for their annual school picnic. A glorious morning greeted the children when they awoke. Tho function was held in the school grounds, which are ideal with their shady English trees, well kept lawns and ptinga enclosed gardens. Tho parents and friends turned out in full force, and a merry time they gave the. children with games, running events, skipping competitions, etc. The committeemen's race and married ladies’ race caused plenty of fun, Air. Dons and Air. Corkill fighting for first place. In the ladies’ race Airs. White, gained first and Airs, Casky and Airs. Laurio Walker shared honours for second. The refreshments were, provided by Air. Fetch (Toko), and left nothing to bo desired.

A new idea of the committee's worth mentioning was the nut scramble and distribution of fruit to the children instead of the old time custom of scrambling for sweets. It was pleasing to see little Thelma Goble back among her school-mates. She had been sick for some time.

11 the evening a social was held in the hall, opportunity being taken to farewell their popular schoolmaster (Mr. Herdman). A record crowd assembled, many coming from distances, Douglas being well represented. An energetic committee worked hard to make a most successful evening'. Mr. Will Jacobsen carried out the duties of master of ceremonies and Miss Wilmhurst. (Dougins) provided excellent music, extras being ■played by Miss Harris, Miss Rumball and Mr. E. ’Walter.

Many dainty frocks were worn. Among the dancers were; Misses Holley. Walter, Rumball, Freethy, Harris, Beckwith (2), Jarvis, Coyne (2), Jacobsen, Johnstone, Running.

Before partaking of supper, the chairman presented every child with a gil 1 which took the form of a book, also the proficiency certificates and sewing- prizes won at tlie recent Stratford show. He congratulated the dressmakers, also their sewing inis tree (Airs. Muggle ton), they having gained honours during the last three years. Airs. Muggleton suitably replied. Then followed the event of the evening. In a neat speech Air. Phillips expressed regret at the departure of the guest of the evening, remarking that all appreciated bis worth, being indeed sorry to bid him farewell. Then, amidst applause, lie presented Air. Herdman with a solid leather suitcase and travelling rug from the residents of Tututawa. Aliss Edna Phillips presented him, on behalf of the school children, with a case of military brushes. Mr. Herdman, in replying, while thanking them for their handsome gifts, mentioned it had been a pleasure to hear such nice things said about him., and as for his duties at the. school the committee hgd helped to makehis task a pleasant one. All joined heartily in singing ‘Tor he's a Jolly Good fellow.' 1 Supper followed, the arrangements being in the capable hands of Alcsdames Phillips, Corkill and Jacobson. Muster Tom Walsh is on a visit to Wellington. / Bruce Brooking is spending the holidays in New Plymouth. Air. Harwood has secured the contract fu- the ensuing year for conveying the Tawhiwhi settlement children to the Tututawa school. Local shearing sheds are being held up through tiie unfavourable weather conditions. Air. and Airs. Welch’s son is home for Christmas from the Rotorua hospital. He ; has to return later for further treatment. Mrs. Beckwith is away on holiday. . Air. K. Watchoin has returned home after six weeks in hospital.