MAKERUA SCHOOL PICNIC.

Shannon News, 19 December 1922, Page 3

MAKERUA SCHOOL PICNIC.

AND PRIZE GIVING

On Friday last the children of the Makerua School held their annual picnic on the school grounds, when there was a record attendance of parents and friends. The day turned out fine and those present had a most enjoyable time. There were games for all, and races which were keenly contested. The ladies of the district provided an excellent sit-down lunch, which was done full justice to. After the luncheon adjournment, a presentation was made to the Rev. SteAvart, Presbyterian minister, by Mr Taylor, the headmaster. In making the presentation he asked Mr Stewart to accept a small token of the esteem and regard in which he was held by the pupils of the Bible Class, and referred to the fact that since the Education Department had granted permission to ministers to give religious instruction in the schools, most valuable work had been done by him and Father Forrestal for the spiritual welfare of the children. These gentlemen had often attended at great personal inconvenience to themselves, and had won the high esteem and regard of the children. This work, in Mr Taylor’s opinion, was. of the highest importance to the welfare of the children, and he had great pleasure in asking Rev. Stewart to accept' a Greek pocket Testament from Standards 3, 4 5 and 6, and a gentleman’s diary from Standards 1 and 2, and a collar box from the infants. Rev. Stewart, in responding, said it had been one of the greatest pleasures of his ministerial work to conduct, the Bible Class at Makerua, and that he had been deeply impressed with the high moral tone of the school and excellent behaviour of the children.

Rev. Father Forrestal, being unable to attend, wrote expressing his appreciation of the courtesy and kindness extended! to him during his visits to the school. He stated he had been impressed with the spirit and courtesy of the pupils, not only amongst those under his supervision, hut also amongst the others, and he was deeply touched therefore to see evidences in the schools of such a high tone.

A presentation then followed to- the headmaster, Mr Taylor, by the School Committee. In presenting Mr Taylor with a fountain pen, Mr Russell, on behalf of the Committee, eulogised the good work done at the school. Mr Joseph Smith, a member of the Committee, also spoke of the teacher as a worker. Mr Taylor suitably replied. Special thanks are due to the members of the School Committee for their whole-hearted effort to make the outing such a success, Messrs. Dalzell and Anderson for the able- manner in which they carried out the sports programme, to the ladies of the district who supplied the refreshments which were so much appreciated, and to Mrs Aldersey for a handsome donation of toys.

The presentation of prizes for the year’s work at school were made by Mrs Smith, chairwoman of the School Committee, assisted by Mrs Russell, secretary, and were as follows: — Standard Vl.—Dux school and proficeincy: James Walker 1, Roy Walker 2.

Standard V—Yette Christiansen L Standard IV.—Harry' Smith 1, Alt'. Shearman 2. Standard ll.—Lilian Gustofson 1, Nita Larsen 2, Henry Christiansen 3. Standard IL—Frank Judd f, Jack Shearman 2, Lester Birling 3. Year’s work: Rickard Anderson, Vernon Judd, Noreen Shearman. Standard I.—Ted Russell 1, Willie Shearman 2, Joe Anderson 3. Primer.—Girls: Margaret Gustofson. Boys: Joe Smith, Douglas Dalzell, James McEachen. Year’s work: Chris. Anderson, Harold Shearman, Ned Judd, Carl Gustofson.

Special Prizes—Attendance: Boys, Ted Russell 1, Rickard Anderson 2; girls (presented by Mr G. H. Bennett, Palmerston North), Yette Christiansen. Good conduct: Girls, Nita Larsen; boys, Douglas Dalzell. In the evening a social and dance was held in the schoolroom, which was packed, a large number journeying from Shannon and Tokomaru. Although it was warm for dancing, the crowd enjoyed themselves. Messrs. Russell and Birling officiated as M.C.’s, while the music was in the capable (hands of Mrs Shearman, extras being played by Misses Burling and Dunlop and Mr F. Jamieson. During the evening Mrs A. Parker contributed songs, and Mr Birling a recitation, both of which were much appreciated.