MAUNGATAWHIRI

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 451, 25 July 1919, Page 2

MAUNGATAWHIRI

The form of world-wide peace celebrations that were adopted by the settlers of the Maungatawhiri district was a day of good things and rejoicing for the children. With that object in view youthful collectors, armed with suitably worded subscription lists, made a raid on their parents, with the result that in two days some £26 were handed over to the School Committee to enable them to formulate a suitable programme for tho day. So with what they had in hand, together with the estimated government subsidy, they launched out on a banquet and general day of entertainment for the children. Invitations were issued to all the families represented in the district to attend a grand banquet at 2 p.m. in the hall, followed by a day and night of entertainment. The hall and tables were artistically decorated by the school committee and their wives, assisted by a number of other loyal and willing helpers. The proceedings opened by the chairman of the school committee (Mr. B. Pendergast) reading the King's Proclamation, after which the chairman called upon Mr. A. H. Buchingto address the meeting. The speaker said the word "peace "was generally associated with thanksgiving. It was over 1919 years since the herald angels sang " Glory to God in the highest" and on earth peace and good will towards men. Since those days there had been a great many wars among different nations in various parts of the world, but this last, war just ended was far and away the most bitter, cruel, and deadly war the world had ever known. All the deadliest inventions of science had been used in the air, on the sea, and by land to destroy human life. After the company had sung the National Anthem, the children were helped to the many good things on the tables, and during the afternoon took part in many games outside. Tho evening programme commenced with a fancy dress ball. for the children. The grand march was performed in excellent style by the scholars of the school, under the capable guidance of the lady teacher, Miss \Toyes. The precession reflect-

Ed all the colours of the rainbow, both in costume and coloured faces. There were soldiers and sailors, butchers and bakers, and candlestick makers galore, led in procession to the stream of sweet music, round the floor by two senior scholars dressed as Scout and Peace. At the conklusion of the children's ball the chairman of the school committee presented each pupil with a pictorial memento of the signing of peace, and a badge. Later in the evening a good number of adults found pleasure in performing a varied number of old and new steps, to the inspiring strains of good music. The gathering broke up in the small hours of the morning, by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."