MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 285, 9 January 1878, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

(from a. correspondent. ) Our New Year’s holidays have not passed over without being marked by a few pleasing incidents. O* Wednesday afternoon, 2nd instant, the children attending the district school assembled in Messrs Sclmltze’s paddock, to compete for small prizes—the wherewithal having been sub-

scribed by friends and collected by Mr Lee. The boys showed some running which would have surprised older performers. Colin Campbell won the quarter mile With F. Schultze (15 yards), a good 2nd, W. Neil, 3rd. Running high leap fell to C. Campbell, Frank Scbultze, 2nd. Height cleared about 4ft Sin. Campbell was handicapped 3 inches. F. Scbultzc jumped most gracefully, though only about twelve years old. The half mile was won by Frank Schnltzc, W. Neil (10 yards), 2nd; Fred Sclmltze, 3rd. Six started; C. Campbell absent. There were various races for the girls and smaller children, presided over by Mr Lee and others. Sportsbeing Over,- the children adjourned to the school-room, where they were regaled with tea, and an unlimited supply of good tilings provided and presided over by the ladies of the neighbourhood; Justice havingbeen done to the edibles, an adjournment was made to the Blockhouse, where a merry dance was improvised, and kept up with spirit till 11 p.m., when the party broke up highly pleased with the afternoon and evening’s enjoyment. Mr Lee was the moving spirit, to whom thanks were due for getting up the treat. On Friday evening, the 4th instant* a meeting was held in the school-room to elect a local school committee. Mr Peacock occupied the chair. The election being concluded, the meeting adjourned to the Blockhouse where Raphael’s Star troupe performed to a large and appreciative audience. The district has sustained serious loss through Mr D. R. Jones having given up his blacksmith’s shop and gone to seek fresh fields, &c., in Carlyle. Crops here are giving promise of a rich harvest. Saving grass Seed and haymaking are in full swing, though the weather has been rather unfavorable during past few days.