DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 259, 24 December 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OTAUA. A pleasing function took place in the Public Hall, Otaua, on Wednesday night. The occasion was annual conceit and tea in connection with the united churches Sunday school, which itself passed off most successfully. During the interval tha opportunity was taken of making a presentation to the Rev. Chas. A. and Mrs Vaughan, who are shortly taking their departure frrm the district. The presentatur, which t.ok the form of a purse of sovereigns, was made in a faw kid words by Mr Edward Deed, on b»ha!f of the Anglican church members of the district. He also nad the fallowing address :~j

- "To the Rev. Chug. A. and Mrs Vaughan,—We, as parishioners of Otaua, desire to express our sincere regret at your departure from our district. During your stay with ua you have by your untiring efforts and unfailing goodwill, socially and in the cause of religion and charity, won the respect and esteem of all with whom you have come in contact. Now that jou are leaving us we beg you to accept the address and nurse of sovereigns as an assurance of our regard for you, and we hope and pray that you may be granted health, happiness and prosperity in the new sphere of usefalnecs to which you are called. Signed on behalf of the Anglican Church members of Otaua, "EDWARD E. DEED.

"Otaua, December 16th, 1914," Tte vicar feelingly and suitably responded on behalf cf his wife and himeelf, and afterwards perfonally thanked most cf the subscribers for their generous kindness.

TUAKAU SOUTH The Tuakau South School broke up for the holidays on Friday last. The roll number for the last quarter was 113 and the average attendance just over 100. The head master, Mr. W. Grakam, has been as successful as ever during the past year, as the .results of the recent examination bear witness. The following list of pupils obtained their certificates of proficiency: B. TetTiaff, G. Bycroft, M. Strahan, F. Lewis and F. Harvey; and two others—B. Roberts and H. Bycroft- obtained certificates of competency. . Following on the breaking up for the holidays the annual picnic was h«ld on Saturday in the Domain. The weather was all that could be desired and it is safe" to say that the children found that the realisation quite came up to their expectation. Races were run in suitabje groups according to age and over 60 prizes were distributed to winners and also to loosers. Mr Graham was indefatigable in his attention to his charges and was ably assisted by the Committee. Over 300 were present and it says much for the behaviour of 200 children that not a footmark was left on the flower beds which are the care and attention of Mr. Collins. The Committee are indebted to the Domain Board for the use of the Pavilion from which the gkod things provided were dispensed. At the close of the picnic a fair number remained behind at, the school and indulged for a few hours in the light fantastic. It is to be hoped that before school resumes again that the matter of accommodation will be decided upon definately as there will be at least 50 per cent, more pupils than the present building can accommodate.

RAMA RAMA. The pupils and teachers of the Rama Rama School, during the school year ending December 18th have contributed £l4 to the School Patriotic Fund. Of this amount the Belgian Relief Fund will receive £lO 3s. 6d. Contributions have already been sent to the "School Ambulance Fund," "Huntly Relief Fund" and the " White Island Relief Fund," while a wrist-watch was presented to an old pupil, Mr G. Stephenson, Junr. who has gone to the war. A most gratifying feature has been the display of self sacrifice, many children having denied themselves to swell our Patriotic Fund, and the whole school having resolved to go without Prizes at the forthcoming School Picnic so that the Prize money £4, might go to the Belgian Relief Fund as a Christmas present. Several of the Ladies of the district generously sent their donations to the " Belgian Relief " through the School Fund.

WAIAU PA.

,'Froin our cwn Correspondent

A wave of patriotism is sweeping over the Waiau. Fortnightly dances are being held in aid of the Belgian Belief Fund, and a number of young men have volunteered for the front. On Friday of last week a farewell social was tendered to three of our lads, namely, N. Learning, S. Cole, and D. Dunsmuir. As all three young men are very popular, expectations were gratified when a good number turned up to bid them goodbye, and wish them a fafe return Messrs McLarin Bros, supplied excellent music, and Mr S. Owen made an efficient M.C. Towards midnight dancing was suspended, supper being announced as a welcome diversion. The dainty baskets of provisions supplied by the ladies were then handed around and were highly appreciated; Mr Davy as usual coming to light with a bucket of excellent tea. Mr Davy complimented the volunteers on their patriotism and expressed the hope that their career in the field would be a brilliant and successful ono. In a feeling response, Mr Norman Learning thanked the company for the hearty send-off tendered them and on behalf of himself and comrades, expressed his pleasure and thanks at receiving the sum of £\ 10s which had been collected in the room, as a slight token of the esteem in which tne lads are hold. Three cheers were given for the volunteers. During the evening some patriotic songs were tastefully rendered by Mrs Kobinson and a comic song by Mr Arnett was vociferously encored. This gentleman's are duite a treat and never fail to create a furore Dancing was kept up m the small hours and then after sot hearty handshakes and good wisht t, die company diaperied for home.

PUNI. A bfltket social, held in the Puri Hall on Friday evening last to assist the Beligan Relief Fucd, realised £5 15s apart from the sale of. tickets, which have yet to be accounted for.

The .Mayor of Pukekohe, Mr C K. Lawiie, who had travelled from Pukekohe for the purpose of officially opening the social, made a few stirring remarks in honour of the brave Belgians. The large audience before starting to dance rose and sang "God Save the King." Mr ce Mo talk, of Waiuku, kindly acted in an honorary capacity m selling ty auction "the bafk<ts" donated by the ladies, that pre93ut d fcy Miss Lawrie bringing the highest bid, Mua Evaos' basket making a gocd second in price. The dancing, which started at 8.30 p.m., went off with an enthusiastic ' and merry swing, finishing at 3 a.m. Mr A. Steels kindly provided danca music, which was very much appreciated, Mtsdamea Lucaa and Black and Mr Black assistir.g. Ihe vocal psrt of the proceedings was contributed to by Mr Jones, Pukekohe.

The gathering was one of the most successful and tnjoyable social events held in Puni, and Mr W. T. Dazeley is-to be complimented on the able and thorough manner in which he organised the event. SCHOOL PICNIC.

On Friday last, in Mr Balle's paddock, the annual school picnic ol children attending the Puni school web held, when a large gathering s of children, parents and friends attended. Mr Johns (headmas'er) and Miss Hcgweod (relieving teacher) conducted the numerous games participated ia by the children. During the day a large programme of running eveots was carried out, Mr R Fulton acting as starter and Messrs Parkinson and Crosby as judges, while Mr. Johns allotted the prizes. Interesting presentations on behalf of Ihe children were made during the atternoon to their teachers, viz., Miss Chalmers, Miss Hogwood and Mr Johns

Refreshments were provided by the ladies.

At the close of ihe day Mr Dazeley, chairman of the School Committee, called for three cheers for Mr Balie for the use of his padduck, The children heartily responded. The prizes (books) not having arrived in tine for distribution will be handei out by the Puni storekeeper, Mr H. Smith, during the holidays.