DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4794, 31 December 1924, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KOI’UARAHL A POPULAR SCHOOLMASTER. Practically the whole of the mate population of Kopuarahi were present at the school on Monday, 21st inst., to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs C. R. Briggs, who left on Saturday last for Paparoa, North Auckland. Voicing'the sentiments of the residents of the district, Mr W. E. Hale, chairman of the school committee, expressed sorrow that Mr Briggs was leaving. During his five years as headmaster of the school he had made a great impression on the minds of the children and won, his way into the hearts of all the residents. He had taken a keen interest in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the district, and had been an energetic worker. Both he and Mr» Brings, who had been in the district a little over five years, Would be greatly missed. Mr D. J. O’Carroll, who has been connected with school matters since the first school was opened in the district, mentioned that a good and reasonable understanding be'ween the committee and the headmaster had always prevailed, and on| no occasion had the committee to sit in judgment on any complaint made by any parent. This reflected great er,edit on the teacher, as well as on the parents. Mr Briggs had been connected with all the branches of sport in the district, and his absence would be sadly missed, • By coaching the younger players until they were equal or better than their parents he had done more than was realised. Mrs Briggs had also been a tower of strength, and at all social functions her presence would be greatly missed. Mr and Mrs Briggs were persons of the ca'ibre and character th,at any district could ill afford to lose. In presenting the guests with <> travelling rug Mr O’Carroll expressed the hope that its warmth would always be a reminder of the warmth of affectionyn which they were held by the people of the district. Mr J. C. Miller endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and expressed the hope that wherever Mr and Mrs Briggs might go ,tl ey would be as welcome as they were in Kdpuarahi. . in raturning thanks Mr Briggs said that he and his wife were very sorry indeed to ’eave the district, but it was their desire to establish a home of their own, and that was not possible in Kopuarahi. He had taken an interest in matters concerning the district. because it was interesting, and he liked to see it progress. His stay had been a very pleasant one, He had tried to do his best, and very much appreciated the kind treatment accorded him. After three cheers had been given, and “For they are jolly good fellows” "and “Auld Lang Syne” sung, dancing was indulged in, the music being supplied by the Kopuarahi Jazz Band. HIKUTAIA. BAZAAR. Hikutaia was all astir on Saturday, 22 inst.. the bazaar being the centre of attraction. Everything went otf very successfully, to the enjoyment of all present. As a grand finale a dance, of which the young people partook eagerly, was given. As usual, a large number of people were engaged in playing euchre, Mrs L Murdock winning the lady’s prize. The funds were in aid of the Alley Memorial Park, and great credit is due to those in charge for their unfailing energy to make it a success. BOWLING. . Apart from the fact that the weather seemed unsettled, the bowlers were well served by conditions on the 22ud, and they were quite content with the afternoon’s play,'there being two new members in their midst,TENNIS. ■ The tennis played seemed very enthusiastic, ladder matches being the order of the day. The te<’ni anticipated resuming inter-club matches immed ately after Christmas. Although most of the ladies were engaged in the bazaar several were ardently playing croquet.