PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1628, 20 December 1912, Page 6

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

iFrom Our Special Oi>rre»liOndent«.l _ 1 FEATHERSTON. .During tho past four w«,e,ks, as the result of tho operations of the buyer in the district, 20,000 sheep and lambs, and 150 head of cattle, were forwarded to Wellington freezing companies from Featherston. The picnic which was to have been held at Pigeon. Bush on Thursday afternoon, in connection with tho Wairarnpa Automobile Association has been postponed sine die.

The annual and. prize-giv-ing ceremony in connection with the. local Convent School took place oil Tuesday, when the Rev. Father Melu distributed the prizes. ' , . Prize-giving in connection with the local State school took plac« on Wednesday afternoon, when the splendid weather enticed many parents and frieuds to assemble, while the children were much in evidence. Kr. Charles H. Williams (chairman of the committee) made the opening speech,, r.nd congratulated " theteachers and children on .the success attained by the school. Afternoon tea was subsequently dispensed. A painful mishap occurred to Mr. F. Penn, proprietor of the local newspaper yesterday. He fell from a stand,, severely spraining his ankle. The now tennis courts at Manakau wero opened yesterday when there wns a large nnnibsr'of players n.ud spectators present. A concert was held in "the evening. Mr. W. Manning will eter into occupation of tho Family Hotel about the middle of next month. The building -in to be -renovated. A large Town Hall , will ba built.on the site adjoining, and the theatrical companies are to be catered for. ' . ' The weather during the past week or so has been beautifully fine, and in consequence- the milk yield has increased,. Yesterday morning, however, heavy rain fell— sn apnraciated change. Cricket, tennis, and bowling (thanks to energetic secretaries) have caught on hero, this Mason, and the local clubs are all in a flourishing condition. The cricketers are making a bold bid for championship honours, tournaments are in. full swing by tennis players,.whilo,bowling is very brisk, several practising assiduously for thn tournament to be held at Auckland. Tfio following pupils gained proficiency certificates at. Oraki School:—Herbert Adsett, Arthur Anderson, Rov JSutlpr, Here-•n-r.rd Fisher, -William Granfield, Amos M'JCogtf, .Ronald Sntlierley. Crieff Smith, William 'Symonds, Brio Williams, Alice Amk-rsoii. Doris Clifford, Netta Clifford, Dorotny Devonshire, and Lilian Patching.