MOKOIA NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1932, Page 13

MOKOIA NOTES

SCHOOL BREAK-UP CEREMONY. FATHER CHRISTMAS BY ’PLANE. The breaking-up ceremony, marking the end of the Mokoia school year was celebrated on Friday afternoon by sports and a visit from Father Christmas, who arrived by aeroplane. He distributed sweets, and after promising to return. in the evening and meet, the children, with their parents and friends, in, the public hall, he left for an unknown destination by motor-car. In the evening a large concord of parents and friends assembled at the hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. A Christmas tree, Provided by Mrs. H. M. Hunt, and decorated by the local ladies, was covered with presents for the children. Special lighting effects provided and installed by Mr. T. C. Hobbs, junr., Hawera, set off the beautiful decorations, and made the tree easily the best ever seen in Mokoia. Round the walls was posted up work of all description, which had been done by the children during the year. It demonstrated the high state of efficiency attained by the children under the tuition of the master, Mr. H. S. Kibblewhite. The evening commenced with the loyal toast; who was followed by “The Wedding in Fairyland,” by the children. A telegram from Father Christmas was delivered intimating that he was on his way, and would be present shortly. It brought forth the song: “I’ll Telephone io Santa Claus.” The tooting of motorcar horns warned the children of the approach of Father Christmas', and upon arrival he was literally “mobbed” by them. After distributing peanuts and balloons to the children and paper hats to the adults, Fathei; Christmas proceeded to give every child in the room a present from the tree. By request of the children he also presented special presents to Mrs. H. S. Kibblewhite, for teaching them sewing, Miss M. Hawken for teaching them singing, and Miss J. Lander for assisting them with .their concert practices. After indulging in ■ several games with the children Father Christinas invested the chairman, Mr. W. J. Marsh, with power to take charge and carry out the remaining programme, while he went on his way to bring joy to others. He left amidst cheers from the childfen. Mr. ,'Marsh, upon taking charge, thanked all for their attendance, and especially thanked those who had assisted with the. preparatory work, Mr. T,. C. Hobbs for lighting effects, and Mr. B. Haybittie for the amount of trouble he had gone to to assist in delivering Father Christmas in the afternoon. : ' ■ ' Donations from the local residents per-mitted-the 'school committee to present prizes to every child attending school. Special prizes were given as follows: Neatness in book work in standards 1 and 2, Betty Johnston; in standards 5 and 6, Clarence Smeaton; best writing in primers, Quinton Hicks; cleanest desk during the year, Crissy Ellis and Nola Nuthe; full attendance, Joan Gould, Ernest Williams, Evelyn Williams, Clarence Smeaton,. Marion Gould, Betty Johnstbn,. Nola Niethe, Delsie Hey, Marie Hey; absence of half day only, Crissy Ellis, Ronnie McKay, lan Irvine, Leslie Marsh; two years without missing a day, Ernest Williams, Evelyn Williams, Clarence Smeaton, Delsie Hey, Marie Hey; proficiency certificates and prizes, Nora Rothery arid Pamela H. Digby-Smith. .. Supper w’as supplied by the local ladies, after which dancing,, with Mr. I. G. Smeaton as master Of ceremonies, was carried on by the adults, music being supplied for the dance by Mrs. A. Tidswell, Misses J. Lander and Cooke and Mr. R.’ Wills. . ’ \ l ' MAKAKA SCHOOL FRIZES. NOVEL BREAK-UP DAY. A very enjoyable but novel break-up afternoon was held at the Makaka school on the last day of the term. The children who had completed their year's work organised a break-up picnic lunch which was enjoyed by all in delightfully natural surroundings on the banks of the school swimming pool. After the outdoor function the children returned to the school, where the teacher, Mr. W. H. Dormer, after complimenting the children on their year’s work and making the annual promotions, presented each child with a Christmas book. Bob Hartley was congratulated on having gained his proficiency certificate and was cheered by his schoolmates, who sang “For He’s a .Jolly Good Fellow.” Joe ’ Duckett-'was presented with a suitable book for attaining highest marks < throughout, the year, .while the following received Christmas books: Bob Hartley, Claud Hartley, Joe Duckett, Jean Cuff,. Sybil Cuff, Tom Mairidonald, Peter Cassidy, Allan Hartley, Joyce Hartley and Dick Pope. PATEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. YEAR’S! ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. The’ Rev. A. W. Smaill presided at the annual meeting of the Patea Presbyterian Church parishioners. The' surplus' of assets over liabilities totalled £626 19s 4d and a credit balance of £8 17s was reported. The. manager in his annual report stated that the financial position had improved despite the depression. The 10 per cent, reduction still operated on the minister’s stipend and the organist had offered to play without remuneration. The Ladies’ Guild by taking over the cleaning of the church had also eased expenditure. Repairs at a cost of £ll 10s had been necessary to the church and manse, and soon the question of overhauling the roof of the manse and painting both buildings would have to be considered. Two working-bees had put the fence around the property in good repair. Electrical rewiring would cost about £9. The .indebtedness of the church had been ’ reduced slightly but at the -cost of closing with a debit balance. The many helpers who contributed to the year’s achievements were thanked, especially the Ladies’ Guild, the P.W.M.U., the country'Bible'Class,' the organist and members for their loyal interest and support. , . . Submitting the session’s report Mr. Carmichael stated that the year had been marked by faithful and steady work by the congregation. Membership totalled 80, a decrease of two on the previous year. Seven children had been baptised. The repott made reference to the death of Mr. R. Garden, for many years senior office bearer in the church, and. the Rev. J. Ireland, a former minister of the church, and sympathy was expressed with the relatives. Mrs. H. A. Sutherland on behalf of the P.W.M.U. reported that the missionary interest had been well maintained. Mrs. C. Bradford had left the district. The present membership was 16. Hawera members had paid a visit when Nurse Robertson, of China, had delivered an address. The' sum of £5 15s 6d had been sent to missions. The Ladies’ Guild report submitted by Mrs. R. Hunger junior stated that the loss of Mrs. L. F. Row had been keenly felt. Sixteen active members were on the roll. The shop day had brought in £7 10s 6d and the bazaar £45. The r'uild had a credit balance of £6 10s, with .£1 3s 9d cash in hand. The reports were adopted. Mr. W. H. Southcombe was re-elected auditor.