Te Rau-a-moa.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 351, 28 February 1908, Page 2

Te Rau-a-moa.

(from our own OORRESPONDXNT.) While the shadow of the fire fiend hangs over the settlement—ever and anon he gives h demonstration of his might, it muse not be thought that each day is spent midst gloom and aporehension. Tbe settlers appear to be very light hearted over their losses, and can forget them altogether as was shown the other day at the little school. Owing to the fires it was found that the annual school picnic as arranged could not be held. All the necessary nreparations having been made, it was decided to hold an afternoon gathering at the school and distribute the prizes. Mr Judd presided and in a neat speech opened the ceremony, saying that in his capacity as local manager tbe present little duty was the most pleasing of all. He had to regret tbe inability to hold the picnic. From tbs anxious ! looks on the faces of the children they were eager for the prizes, and he would not keep them any longer by further remarks. After the distribution had taken place. Mr Honore, who takes an interest it education, consented to ad dress the children. He congratulated the teacher and priz°winners, and show ed by analogy tba* e lucation was a pre naration and equipment to fight the battles of life. It was his intention to donate a special prize next year to th« the boy or* girl who" was dux of the I school. His object in so doing as b ■ gallantly explained, was not to bring I himself into publicity but to encuur ! age the children to work with greater I industry and fperseveranca and thus ! lighten the task nf the teacher. Cheers I were called for Miss Ashby, for the ■ ladies who provided tha' refreshments, for Mr Honors and Mr Judd, followed. •The evening being a ciim and baauti ful one, was spent most enjoyably out on the grass, over tha cup which cheers but not inebriates. Dancing commenced at an early hour and w: s only concluded at tbe stroke of midnight. Welcome rain is falling. Once more we can lie down to sleep without the dread of being burned to I death The factory is -till running and may be open for some time.