SPREYDON SPARKLETS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17230, 22 December 1923, Page 10

SPREYDON SPARKLETS.

SOJIERFIELD SCHOOL PICNIC. Saturday, December 15—the occasion of the annual picnic—was a red-letter day for the children attending the Soraerfield Street School. A special train conveying about 600 left Christchurch shortly after 9 a.m. for Motukarara. The School Committee, who worked strenuously throughout the year, have every reason to be proud of the success which crowned their efforts. Though a strong nor’-easter was blowing, the well sheltered grounds prevented it becoming an annoyance to the gathering, and many groups of happy children dotted over the expanse of the park proved the outing to be one of the most successful ever held in the history of the school. Fruit was distri buted to both young and old, both on the outgoing and incoming journeys. Abundance of soft drink and sweets, a distribution of balloons to the younger children, and valuable and useful prizes won the praise of both parents and friends. During the afternoon the races. The following is the prize list:— Under seven—Boys: A. Britten 1, A. Holdsworth 2, R. Sayers 3. Girls: K. Harrison 1, Norma Betty 2, D. Good 3. Second race under seven—Boys: R Blackmoro 1. F. Eaton 2. K. Allison 3. Girls: N. Round 1, Olga Robinson 2, 0. Clark 3. Seven years—Boys: M. Mair 1. R. Clark 2. R. Hand 3. Girls : k. Jacobsen 1. D. Goodrich 2, N. Bates 3. Eight years—Boys: N. Miller 1. R Capes 2, K. Blackmore 3. Girls: E. Chadwick 1, W. Hay man 2. L. Buffield 3. Nine years—Boys: B. Lancaster 1, J. Froth 2. J. Sylvester 3. Girls: Hillrae Reynolds 1, K. Holdsworth 2, K. Duffield 3. Ten years—Boys: E. Hendy I. H. Smith *2. N. Smith 3. Girls: T. Brealv 1. M. Roud 2, J. Craib 3. Eleven years—Boys: J. Thornton 1. G. Roud 2. R. Bates 3. Girls : Joyce Hales 1, Ruby Ens-or 2, Rae Lancaster 3 Twelve years—Boys : C. Tongue I.L. Gray 2. S. Stanley 3. Girls: M. Simmonds 1, V. Cross 2. A. Clark 3. Thirteen years—Boys: M. Blackmore 1. N. Oldering 2, C. Larcombe 3. Girls . F. Clark 1. I). Oldering 2. Q. Hoope. 3. Visitors’ Race—Boys: M’Holm 1. V. Otten 2. Girls: F. Methven 1., I. Elstob 2. Ex-pupils’ Race—Boys: R. Hodgson 1, A. W. Tongue, jun.. 2. Girls: Bavis Grav 1. Jean Christie 2. 440yds. open—M. Blackmore 1, R Oldering 2. Ladies’ (first race)—Miss Hawkins 1. Miss Sanderson 2. Miss Jacobsen 3. Second race—Mrs M'Donald 1. Mrs Miller 2.

. 440yds, old boys—A. W. Tongue, i un -> U R. Hodgson 2. Men’s Race—A. AY. Tongue, sen., 1, F. Hutchings 2. CHILDREN’S CONCERT. That the parents of the Somerfield School district take an active interest ip the school was shown by the way they patronised the concert given by the school children under the direction ol the staff and the head master. So great were the sales of tickets that the concert had to be held on two evenings, and on both occasions the large assem-bly-room was uncomfortably'crowded A stage beautifully decorated with greenery and lit with multicoloured electric lights gave a fairy-like appearance to the whole i>erforniance. Every item was vigorously applauded, but owing to the length *»f the programme xt was impossible to allow any performers to return. The opening item consisted of a group of children in various types of fancy dress. Pianoforte items were given by Gordon Cooke. Jack Jackson and Kathleen Holds worth. Jack Thornton, Freda Calvert and Frances Tasker. Infant action songs were creditably rendered by twelve boys and girls. Recitations by Cecil Brander, Beryl Cam eron. N. AVaring and Jack Jackson received hearty applause, while those by Miss Monhire (an old pupil) were excellently rendered, and convulsed the audience. Other popular items were a Highland fling by Eileen Hawkins, songs by Ray Reynolds, Jsla White, Elwyn Clemens, Ruby Odering and Joyce .Bell and Wilfred Brunt, a violin solo by Una Skelton and a special Scotch dance by Kona Barnes. A squad of liappy-looking girls in the school uniform performed dancing steps and drilled excellently, as did also a squad of senior boys. An awkward squad helped to amuse the young ones, and possibly some of the older. A special word of praise is due to the Standard VI. girls, who sang camp-fire songs and older folk songs. Seated round a 6tage camp fire and illuminat ed in succession by different coloured lights, they sang their songs tunefully to the appreciation of the audience. The plantation songs. “ Old Folks at Home ” and “ Poor Old Joe/’ had a realistic touch by the introduction on the stage of three “niggers,” L. Burke D Brown and C. Clemens. In the 6°ng, "I’m for ever Blowing Bubbles.” a delightful effect was produced by each performer holding a balloon while four bubble blowers (Ivy Tuckett, Muriel Clark, Phyllis Blackmore and Enid Clemens), with pipe and bowl, performed their part effectively. Elma Moore sang with effect. “ A Love Nest,” while a little fairy (Doris Good), in a large nest, added greatly to the item, as also did two Maori girls (Rae Lancaster and Daisy "Weir) to the fine rendering of the New Zealand National Anthem, the first verse of which was given in Maori. The community singing, although brief, was thoroughly appreciated, and brought the concert to a close. During the evening the head master thanked the residents for their continued support and for their sustained interest in the school, and also thanked those who had given various trophies, medals, etc. He referred to the good work done by the staff, to the frequent changes and to new educational ideals. The chairman then presented the following awards :—Dux medal (donated bv the chairman) — Samuel Stanley. Dux medal (donated bv the head master) —Mildred Foster. Battley Cup (swimming championship, boys)—William Newton. GoTd medal (swimming championship! girls, presented by Mr Hogarth)—Una Skelton Hockey representative badge, schoolboys—S. Sheppard. The chairman, on behalf of the residents, presented Miss IT. Horrell with a handsome lady’s bag, and expressed his regret at her departure from the school, at the same time expressing his appreciation of the fine work she had done both in school and -rams) fapaui prof) tnmip (dnTsuotdinmjo SuttirtnT.us) dny) Xanxufr ‘oSpnq •uo'rqstsj Tjnß—(s|jt3 ‘dTtTsnoidnntna Sinai hums) W ILDERNESS DRAIN ! It is pleasing to note that something at last is to be done to alleviate the nuisance caused by this drain. Mr A. F. Smith on several occasions has brought up this important matter at the Drainage Board’s meetings, and the remedy suggested by the board’s engineer, and which it has been decided to carry out, will oertainly help to remedy the nuisance now so prevalent. PERSONAL. After thirty-one years in the service of the Education Board Air H. C. Lane has handed in his resignation as secretary of the Canterbury Education Board. All the speakers at the board’s meeting last Wednesday paid testi-, niony to Mr Lane’s work and qualities. Mr Lane is well known in this district, having been a resident- of Spreydon for a great number of years. It is. understood that it is Air Lane’s intention to go to England next year, and if it does eventuate we hope that he will have a pleasant trip Home and return to New Zealand to enjoy a wellearned rest. Mr J- AY. Johnston, Alilton Street, who has been seriously ill for some time, is now' improving and is able to get about. Airs J. Aliller, Roker Street, who injured herself at the Somertield School picnio is improving. Air and Airs D. Davidson. Spreydon Supply Stores, are spending their Christmas with Airs D. APGregor, Ellesm<Mrs H- Gunn, Neville Street, and family, have gone to Pleasant Point for a fortnight. Air H. Kinggman and family. Cobham Street, who have left the district, have gone to Pleasant Point for a few days. Airs J. Clemens, Stourbridge Street, and Aiiss C. Allies. Conway Street, are spending the Christmas and New Year at Timaru. SPREYDON AMATEUR SAVIAIAIING CLUB. The club held a 2oyds ladies’ race with the following results: —A. Le Messurier 1. A. Smith 2, J. AVitlow 3, and also a 2oyds handicap race for the St Thomas Cup. First heat, B. Weston I, A. Howard 2; second heat, R. AVitbrook I, N. Smith 2: final, N. Smith 1, B. Weston and. R. AVitbrook, (dead beat) 2. AVon by inches. SPREYDON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. An enjoyable afternoon was spent in the Sunday School last Saturday hv sixty children. A Christmas tree heavily loaded with presents was arranged and Father Christmas arrived in a motor-car. Every child received a present. Christmas services will be held, and during the morning service attendapoe prizes will be presented. EUCHRE AND DANCE. A euchre and dance was held in the Somerfield School last Thursday. The following were tlio winners of the euclire prizes:—Airs tßritten 1, Airs Gulliford 2, Airs Taylor 3, Air Hodge 1, Air Branden 2, Air Neave 3. Any news of interest for this column may he left at Bocock’s Store, Coronation Street, Airs Haw ken’s store, iAth*elstall Street. and Davidson’s store. Neville vSfcreei . cm or before Thursday in each week.