RANGIWAEA NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 30, 5 February 1916, Page 4

RANGIWAEA NOTES.

i THE SCHOOL PICNIC. (Own Correspondent). The Rangiwaea. School Picnic and Sports eventuated on January 28th. Th e weather being fine in the afternoon, a fair attendance gathered from the surrounding districts, particularly the; parents of the pupils attending school. They showed a lively interest in the distributing of prizes and toys to all the little ones. The afternoon was spent in games, racing, etc. The dance held in the hall in the evening was a. big success. Over 30 couples were present, and the music, supplied by Messrs. Maher and Whango, was thoroughly enjoyed. All the ladies who so willingly assisted in attending to the wants of the inner man and the children's appetites deserve the gratitude of the parents and the thanks of the School Committee.

Prize-books were presented to the following in accordance with examination results :i Standard G William Straehan; Standard 4>— Helen Bell; Standard 3 Henry Carroll; Standard 2—Horace Frew; St&nard I—Edward Peacock; Primer 2 —Jean Frew; Primer I—Winnie Peacock. Sewing—Senior. Elsie Gowdy; Junior, Jean Frew. Attendance—Boys, Hoary Carroll; Girls. Helen Bell, Leah Monkley. General Neatness Boys', Edward Peacock* Girls, Gwen Bell. Diligence and Progress George MeCann, Teacher'? Special Prize—George HcCann,.

Speaking to t». Wellington rcportc: regarding the complaints by men fror. Hanmer that they were treated like children and had to be in at (i o 'clock in the evening, the Hon. Mr. ■ Russcl Minister for Public Health, said that misguided enthusiasts , especially of the feminine sex, appear to think it absolutely necessary to 'give all the men in khaki what is called a good time. As a result of entertainments and social functions, their recovery is retarded.

No more striking proof of the fact that Nature herself controls the balance between the sexes, says the Feilding Star, can be found than in the registration particulars taken by the Postmaster at Feil'ding. From November 20 to date, out of 42 births announced, no less than 29 were males, leaving only IS—less than half—females. In January, 26 births were registered, and out of these IS were males and 8 females. Nature thus -helps tmeet the awful contingency caused by the catastrophe of war and the fearful losses in men.

The Taranaki: News reports, that some visitors to the Recreation Grounds this week gained a vivid idea of the deprecations made by the eels on the bird life in the lakes. Standing on the bridge they saw two young ducklings fall victims to a large eel in quick succession. The matter of clearing the lake of these pests was discussed at th e last meeting of the Board, but members expressed the opinion that as fast as the-lake was cleared of eels it would freshly stocked, as the eel was' able to make its way. overland. Indeed, members cited instances in which they had seen young eels by tens of thousands making their way ur perpendicular waterfalls and reservoir walls. It may be that eels from the Hautapu River, running . through the Taihape Domain, are responsible fo T worrying sheep, barking trees, and otherwise destroying property thereabouts.