HONIKIWI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 223, 8 January 1910, Page 5

HONIKIWI.

Own Correspondent.

Our. annual school picnic took place on Saturday, New Year's Day. The heavy showers that" kept falling till past 11 a.m. prevented several from coming, and made all late in getting down to the river flat. However, about noon, people,- both Pakeba and t Maori, began to assemble in numbers, and as the sun shone clear all fears of a wet gloomy day were removed. Soon a fire was lit and the inevitable tea provided for the picnic lunch laid out on tarpaulins under a large willow. After partaking.of a sumptuous lunch, the prominent feature of which cherry pie, everyone crossed the Oamuru on an impromptu Bridge to si paddock where the sports were to be held, and had a game or two of rounders. All interest then centred in the races, which finished as follows: —• White girls, under 8: Joy Howe 1, Molly Cooper 2. Maori girls, under ,8: Kahu Kohi 1, Bella Tarata 2. \ White boys, under 8: Loucie Rhodes 1, Morris Rhodes 2. White boys, under 6: Leo Rhodes 1, Roy Clarke 2. Maori bovs, under 12: Charlie Kohi 1, Mori Kohi 2. Maori girls and_ women's: Rangi Brown 1, Mrs Kohi 2. Girls under ,16: Jessie West 1, Marjorie Buddeh 2. Single ladies: Miss J. Ahier 1, Miss M. Ahier 2. Married ladies: Mrs Howe 1, Mrs , Rhodes 2. Single men: T. Palmer 1, Phetson 2. Married men: R. Rhodes ], W. Howe 2. High jump: Niwi Ropiha 1, Jumbo Wi 2. Three-legged race: Prime and, Sims 1, Kohi and Niwi 2. Great interest was taken in all the events, but perhaps the greatest was taken in the married ladies' and men's races.

All the settlers present worked in one way or another to promote the success of the gathering. Mr W. Rattray acted as handicapper; Mr W. Howe as starter; Mr Hargreaves as umpire; while Mrs Clarke distributed the prizes. The thanks of the committee are due' to Messrs Green and Colebrook for a 121b tin of lollies, Johnson and Co for one dozen boxes of chocolates," and T. Millar for two books The prizes seemed to give great satisfaction to the winners and added zest' to the interest of the children, and indeed of the adult also. All voted that a glorious day had been marred only by the absence of a few faces.

After tea all returned home, and many assembled alter in the schoolroom for* a few hours' dancing and social enjoyment. Dancing began about 8.30 p.m., and was kept up with spirit till midnight, when the singing of "Auld Lang Syne'" brought a most enjoyable gathering to a close. During the evening Mr H. Cameron played several selections on the bag pipes, and his pupil, Master W. West, gave a sailor's hornpipe, in a most creditable manner, to the music of the pipes. Mr S. A. Cook also contributed a most amusing parody recitation on a test match, England v. Australia. Messrs Kohi and Wi provided excellent music. Mr G. B. Budden acted as M.C.

A word of praise is due to Mr Harold Budden and W. Raltray for decorating the school with ferns, etc., in honour of the occasion.

Mr Hargreaves' new house is rapidly nearing completion, as is also that of Mr Grant's, so we may shortly expect an addition to the social life of the district.