COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 321, 17 December 1910, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

Own Correspondents. Pio Pio. The annual school picnic was held on Friday in Mr Hattaway's paddock, and despite a heavy shower during the day, was voted the most successful yet held in the district. Races and games were in progress all clay and the children had a great time. A feature of the day was a feast prepared by native friends. Thanks are due to Mrs McDonald, of Te Kuiti, who contributed a number of prizes gratis, also to all the ladies who helped to make the youngsters' treat a success. In the evening a concert and dance was held, the hail being full. Recitations, etc., were given by Norman Rawstron, Gladys Smith, Thomas Nui, also several songs by children. A display of fireworks by the teacher greatly delighted the young folk. Advantage was taken during the evening to wish Mr Le Gallais goodbye. A new teacher takes charge after the holidays. The commissioner, Mr Bevege, commented on the steps taken re the new schoul, which has been authorised near the present site, and informed those present that after the New Year the district would have a separaate school committee and with the holidays ended his duties as school commissioner. Dancing continued till daylight.

Mangaotaki. The Auckland Education Board's inspector visited Mangaotaki school on November 7th, and his report, which has been received, describes the instruction in all departments as satisfactory and the efficiency of the school as very satisfactory. The total number on the roll is eight and that number were present. The inspector stated that the methods generally were very satisfactory, the reading fluent and accurate, and the composition good. The primers are being taught with patience and considerable skill. The little room for the school, which was opened on April 4th last, was described as clean and tidy. Marakopa. Building operations are fairly brisk in the Marakopa Valley at the present time, several houses being in course of construction, while other settlers are waiting for carpenters. The building of the butter factory will be started about the New Year, a good portion of the timber being now at the mill ready for transport to the site.

Shearing operations are well advanced and most of the wool is on its way to market. Messrs Vicary Bros, have had a busy time this year, a large number of settlers taking advantage of the facilities offered at this shed,and the s.s. Rothesay has been kept going getting the wool away. A significant sign of the times is the number of separators arriving in the district. Quite a gloom was cast over the district by the news of the death of Mrs E. C. Stanley, which occurred at Auckland early last week, after a serious operation. The deceased lady, who has resided in this district for the last eight or nine years, has won the respect and esteem of everyone who came in contact with her, and has exercised a high moral influence for good over the whole of the community. Her place will be hard indeed to fill. The bereaved husband and children have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole district. The funeral took place at Onehunga on Wednesday, 4th inst.

A correspondent writes: "The news of the sad death of Mrs E. C. Stanley, of Marakopa (which we reported in a previous issue) has cast a gloom over the whole district, and heart-felt sympathy for her husband and bereaved family is expressed by all. Mrs Stanley was held in high esteem by all. who were acquainted with her, highly respected, and admired for her many kindnesses and generosity in assisting in all matters concerning the welfare of the settlers and district. Mr and Mrs Stanley, like many more settlers, preceded road formation and carved out a home on a section fourteen miles south of Kinohaku on the Tawarau, about eight years ago. She soon made manifest her kind and lovable disposition to her many neighbours by her genial hospitality. It is just on two years ago, when removing to Marakopa Heads, that Mr and Mrs Stanley lost their eldest girl through a sudden and unexpected illness. Fortune has indeed dealt unkindly with Mr Stanley, both before and since he has arrived in the Knig Conutry. Mrs Stanley's memory will always be associated with noble deeds of pioneer settlement, so deserving of this Dominion's appreciation, for are not such women the layers of the foundation of the Dominion's future greatness?"