TAOROA SCHOOLS’ PICNIC.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3419, 25 February 1920, Page 5

TAOROA SCHOOLS’ PICNIC.

(From Our Ohutu Correspondent.)

The Taoroa and Taroa Schools Combined Picnic ‘took place last Fri-I day, and was in every way a com» plete success. "Visitors being present‘ from Taihape and elsewhere. The; fates were kind as to the weather, the 1 day being perfect and the spot chosen near the “Du_nmore” Homestead, was an ideal one for a picnic, a. plantation of trees forming a delightful shelter from “the burden of the moontide heat.” A finst-class programme Of races for_ the children Was 50119 through, -the prizes for which were toys that would gladden the heart of any child, and every child received a toy. Not were the adults forgotten, for nail driving, running, etc. were events in which they could test their skill. Games; lollie and nut scram-pi bles -gave enjoyable variety, while the ‘ ladies provided two excellent spreads, spreads that for excellence and quantity could not be beaten. Just prior to tea Mr G, J. Allen, chairman of the Taoroa. Road School Committee, called the gathering to attention ,-and said that the most important part of the days proceedings -had arrived - the presentation of prizes--and they were fortunate in having Mr J. P. Aldridge, of Taihape, with them, for Mr Aldridge, who for many years was a member of the Education Board, always took an interest in the children. He then called upon Mr Aldridge to present the prizes. Mr Aldridge, in doing so, thanked the committee for the invitation to be present. He considered it an honour to be asked to give the prizes. He had watched the progress of the district during -the past 30 years and though he was retired from the Education Board, he still took an interest in educational matters, and perhaps in the near future he would again ofier his services to the committees, for he had (been requested to do so. (ApplauSe.) The committee and teachers deserved credit for giving encouragement to the children, and any parent who in these days of freé‘eduaction did not give their children the advantage of it was deserving of the severest censure. Mr Aldridge then presented the prizes_. saying a few pleasant words to each child.

f PRIZE LIST. Taoroa School, Miss Syme, teacher: D James Law, Ellen Brown, Melville, Dixon, George Brown, Douglas Bush-I by, "Phyllis Scully, Harold Jackson, Jack Scully, Molly Scully, Jean Brown, Maggie Scully, Emily Gordon, Jean‘ Gordon, Moll)’ Gordon, Hector. Bushby. ‘ Taoroa Road Schol, Mr J. James,‘ teacher:—Arthur Thurston, Nelson Thompson, Gordon Hoffman, Tom Sunnex, Phoebe Sunnex, William Sunnex, James Thurston, Lewis Thomasen, Florence _Thurston, Herbert Sunnex, Allan Gl-iflins, Edward Thurston, Ellen =Brosnahan, Lily Thurston,, Ronald Grvifiiths, Margaret McDowell,_ Soren Thomasen, - Robert Thomasen, Doris Sunnex, Mary McDowell, Jean Parkinson, Clara Tegner, Gordon Thurston, David Prime, Kendall Gifkins.

Special prize for good work in Standard V., donated by Mr. H. Dashwood, Taihape: Ellen Brosnahan. Mr Aldridge was then called upon to make two presenta'tions, to Mr J. James, teacher of the "I‘aoroa Road School, 9. ‘leather collar case from friends, to mark Mr James’ coming of age, and in doing so Mr Aldridge wished the recipient many happy returns and the best of luck. (Applause.) In handing Mr J. Thomasen, senr., a handsome case of pipes from the Tacroa Road Committee and friends, Mr Aldridge said the gift was a slight token of esteem and regard, and to mark Mr Thomasen’s public spirited action in giving the site for the school and for the interest he -had taken in the children’s welfare. He (Mr Aldridge) trusted that on the long winter evenings Mr Thomasen would enjoy many a good smoke from the pipes, and that he would be spared for many a long day to come. (Loud Applause) Mr Allen then thanked Taihape and district friends for their attendance, and on his call the children gave three hearty cheers for Mr Aldridge. A similar compliment was paid to Mr Allen, and this terminated’ the prizegiving ceremony.

The thanks Of the Taeroe Road Committee are due to Mr Stanley Peyton of Taihvape, for two very fine silver medals, and to Mr H. Dashwool for a fine‘ book. The school committee, teachers and ladies worked hard ‘to make the picnic the success it was, and the visitors carried away with them plea'sant recollections of the hospitality of the Taeroa Road people. 4 Results of the sports events are as under:—— .

Ladies’ Nail Driving: Miss M.Thurs. ton 1, Mrs Allen and Mrs Fenning tied for seeontl plaqg, but in the “hitoff” Mrs Allen sec'u“:.'ed second Vplo,ce_ Mcn’s Nail Driving: J. Thomasen 1, J. James 2. Married Ladies’ Race (No. 1): Mrs; Parkinson 1, Mrs Fanning 2. “ Single Ladies’ Race: Miss M. Thurs-

ton 1, Miss Bushby 2, Miss Ballanger 3. _ _ __

Married Ladies’ Race (No. 2): Mesdanaes Peyton and Dixon dead heat.

Chain Stepping: J. Prime 2}; inches short, 1; J. Law, 5 inches short, 2. Championship, Senior Girls, silver medal, donafe:d by Mr S. Peyton: Florrie Thurston. Championship, Senior Boys, silver medal donated by Mr. S. Peyton: Edward Thurston.-

A fitting wind‘ up to the day’s' fun was a largely attended social and dance in the Taoroa. Hall. Mrs. Allen provided excellent ‘dance music, while Miss Callaghan played extras. Mr J. B. Thomasen favoured the company with aisong; Mr Buick made a capable 'M.C._. while the ladies wefe again to the fore with an excellent. supper. The gathering broke up in the “wee sma’ hoors.” A