MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 220, 30 December 1909, Page 5

MAROKOPA.

♦ — - Own Correspondent. The Marekopa School picnic took place on Friday, 18th inst., and was most successful. The settlers tamed out in good force from the Kiritehere Valley, and the school children had a rare day's sport, with foot races, chopping and swimming. Refreshments were provided by the ladies and a goodly array of prizes were distributed amongst the children. Some of the races were very keenly contested. In the evening an entertainment was held in the Hall, when the children went through a programme of recitations, farces, etc., in a most creditable manner, and the school prizes were presented to the children by Mr Bell. senr.. who. in an address to the little ones, spoke of the advantages of education from a moral and physical, as well as a mental standpoint, and warmly complimented the teacher, Mr Honore, on the progress made by the children, some of whom are Native children, who only a few months ago, were unable to understand the English language -the teacher actually requiring the services of an interpreter to convey his instructions to them. Yet these same children were here reciting school pieces in a manner that would put the average school child to shame.

After the presentation of prises, songs were contributed by several of the ladies and gentlemen present, and dancing was indulged in till midnight, when sapper was handed round, and the company dispersed, after a most en* joyatle day's outing. Mr T. B. Scott, has secured a large line of sheep from Gisborne way, from which he intends to bring through a sufficient number for local requirements at the sheep sale to be held here on February 3rd. There is at the present time urgent need for a bridge across the Marokopa at Mr S. H. Carr's place on the Mangapobue road, and as the traffic on this road is increasing very much every year it is to be hoped that a proper bridge wilt be erected, as the ford is becoming dangerous for stock. Some considerable time ago a quantity of trout were liberated in the upper reaches of the Marokopa river by Messrs Ross and Corr. These have increased fairly well, and on bis recent tour of inspection through this part, the Crown Lands Ranger caught several nice trout, some of them weighing close on lOlbs.

Several of the local sports arc making the trip to Kawbia next week, to be present at the Regatta.