HIKYTAIA NEWS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4643, 28 December 1923, Page 4

HIKYTAIA NEWS

I ‘ DANCE. i ■ ■ In response to the wishes of- many parents and children a “ breakingI up ’ dance was held in the hall on J Wednesday of last week, when there ''was, despite the inclement weather, a large attendance. With dancing, games, songs, recitations, and dialogues given by the pupils of the school, a very happy evening was spent, and the children, when 10.30 came, were very loath to leave the scene of the night's enjoyment. Au item that brought down the house was the boxing match, Carpentier ». Dempsey, the youthful impersonators displaying considerable skill with the gloves as well as head and footwork that were much appreciated. The little fellows who acted as seconds, and the solemn referee who announced the result as a draw, did their parts well, and entered fully into tho spirit of the combat. Misses Frost and Hassett were in charge or the programme, while Lawrence Corbett made a splendid M.C. Full justice was done to the recherche supper and the two ladies in charge, Mesdames Alf. Alley and J. Elliot, saw that the youngsters were well done.” Able assistance, was rendered by Messrs W. H. Alley, Allan Ga:>b, and the chairman of the school committee, Mr A. , R. Robinson. Before concluding with “God save the King,” the chairman in a few graceful words thanked the mothers for the ample provision they had made in the way of supper, and complimented the teachers on the behaviour and talent of their pupils. He paid a high complhnent to the headmaster, the success of whose work in Hikutaia was aniple testimony to his skill and ability. After prolonged cheers had been given for the staff, and for the popular chairman a band of happy, if tired, children wended their way homeward rejoicing in the prospect of a long vacation. SCHOOL. Two of the boys, at least, who passed the examination for the i>roliciency certificate, Wm. H. Alley, junr., and Carl Morrison intend to continue their education at Nelson College, whither they proceed in time fer the opening early in February. Master James Ross Eliot has again distinguished himself at Nelson College, where he has won a competitive scholarship open to boys between 16 and 18. He also came second on the prize list, the prize being a copy of Shakespeare, beautifully bound and emblazoned with the college coat of arms. Another Hikutaia boy, Geo. Murphy, lias done well at Nelson College, and more will be heard of him before his school course comes to an end. BILLIARD 'TOURNAMENT. A billiard tournament which has been played in Mr C. O’Loughlin’s saloon, ended last week, Mr P. Corbett winning easily from his opponent, Mr John Smith, to whom the former conceded 130 out of 270. Several close games were played, but the final was never in doubt, Mr Corbett giving in the last game a fine exoosition of the scientific game. THE WEATHER. The rain that fell on Wednesday and Thursday of last week was very welcome, and the farmers rejoiced greatly over the fall, which came just in time to save, the situation. The pastures were well weathered, ard the milk supply showed a considerable drop, so the 38 points of ran; that fell came as “a boon and e. blessing’’ to usher in a pleasant Christmas time. BOWLING. At the week end the bowling green was well patronised, and some exciting games were played. In the pairs tournament Messrs Valentine and Winder beat Messrs A. R. Robinson and W. Knight, while I. M. Robinson and J. Elliot succumbed to Messrs A. Duncan and H. Brash. The challenger, Mr-' H. Morrison, succeeded in defeating the holder of the silver rooster, Mr 1. M. Robinson. This game was splendidly contested, and numerous beautiful heads were laid down. The winner is to be congratulated on his success, and the loser on the splendid game played. CHURCH. Christmas services were held in St. Mary’s (Anglican) Church on Sunday, the vicar, the Rev. F. B. Dobson, ofliieating over a good congregation. Mrs Roberts presided at the organ, while Mrs Potter’s, fine voice was beard to advantage in the “Ade,ste Fidcles.” WATER SUPPLY. Before the welcome rain came water was decidedly scarce, many settlers having to cart their supplies for domestic use from the creek. MINES. The miners employed in the two mines at Maratoto finished work for the year on Friday night of last week and proceeded to their homes or m ho'hiay resorts on Saturday—an example that was followed by the lumbermen and those at present engaged on the installation of the. local telephone service. TENNIS. The tennis courts were fully engaged during the week-end. In the ladder games Leo Alexander beat Roy Samson, while W. M. Paetai lost to Howard Morrison, and Les. Samson to H. Smith. At a recent meeting five ne z w members were elected. ANNUAL SPORTS. The usual routine work in connection with the annual sports gathering is proceeding apace. The secretary (Mr I. M. Robinson) has matters well in hand, and from the numerous inquiries coming to h?nd an unusually successful day may be anticipated, PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs W. H. Alley, with their family, left by steamer for North Auckland on Thursday of last week. Mr and Mrs IT. Brash are spending the Christmas and New Year holi- j

days at Remneva. Miss Lucy A. Morrison left last Friday on a trip to Wellington and Nelson. Mr Malcolm Morrison and family ai'" at present at the Coast. Mr and Mrs A. R. Robinson and family are’making the necessary preparations for a lengthened stay at their house at the Coast. Mrs Robinson, senr., is at present on t visit to her son, Mr A. R. Robinson. HICKSON MISSION. The four Hikutaia ladies who attended the Hickson healing mission at Rotorua have returned in good heart. All speak highly of the kindness and hospitality which were so freely and unostentatiously accorded them, and which they so sincerely appreciated.