COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 326, 7 January 1911, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

<■ Ohura. The annual school picnic was held in the school grounds last Monday (New Year's Day), and proved a most successful gathering. There were a large number of visitors from all part 3 of the district, the display of buggies, traps, and other vehicles, showing a striking indication of the prosperity of the settlers throughout the Ohura Valley. A number of lad'es, assisted by the School Committee, with Mr Avis as secretary, attended to the requirements of both the children ai:d visitors. One pretty feature at the entrance of the grounds was a large Christmas tree, decorated with every description of toys, vte., whkn were distributed amongst the children at the conclusion of the picnic. A large programme ol sports were gone through during the day, including several races for adults, A tug-of-war between married apd single resulted in an easy win for tho benedicts, The sheep-guessing competition was won by Mr Jainieseo, who s'eiieroii-'!v presented it to the school

committee, ami on being put up by auction, alter spirited bidding, was knoeked down to Mr Thomas ()'Donne 11 ; our well-re :peeted townsman, for 27rf. Tim, with tlie entrance money, goes towards the school funds. Thus ended on; of the most enjoyable outiever held here, and we hope the forerunner of tunny more. A dance was lieu! in the evening, and \va3 !hicoughly enjoyed by lovers of the light fantastic. Luilding is going on rapidly, iMr ■Jacob Kasper having erected a new bonidimg house, and also a blacksmith shop. Several dwelling-houses are under construction by Mr Craven, whilst Mr McClure is making extensive additions tu bis blacksmith :md wheelwright simp. Mr Thomas Thumas, having acquired le.e lease of th" new shop erected by Mr kasnar, intends to open '.» a day or two, when every description of hiuek.'-imiiiiing and horse-shoeing will be attended to with promptitude,