OKATO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8060, 7 March 1906, Page 3

OKATO.

[Viiom Orii Own Coukksi'onhunt.j Tlu! minimi 1 Libcrniuii Spurts this year will In' conducted on an entirely dilTorcnt line from heretofore. The (listiic-t for competitors lias l>i-i'n Imiilcd lo tlio Cupi' I'oad at Pungareliu, oil tlu 1 south side, l» tin 1 Taptuie liivi'i' mi tin 1 north side. 'J'ln. 1 intention of ()u----iMMiinitiiT is l,i gel locii 1 competitors, create local interest, anil l>_y giving small prizes, sonic uf llii'in medals, I'osjlei* sp.v.M | ill vh 1 I'.ir lln 1 love ol' sport. .Xowthat III" various townships »lons tin 1 roast 11:ivt* been billed Willi posters setting lortli such events ns lb; 1 ttig-of-war on horse-back, lln l donkey rare, tin l high .jiuii|), lln l bladder light on a greasy boom ovit walor. riding a barrel on a greasy boom, diving and plunging, till 1 people are talking of lloeking lo Okaloon March 17t Ii to " wateli I lie fun." /

The dam at Mr liotliery's paddock lias been thoroughly eleaned, a new llood-gate put in, I lie posts lived lo slip, port tlie boom for tlie bladder-light, and after tlio next " working-bee " nil tbe appliances for the aquatic events ought (o lie in readiness. It would be well if, at the next " bee," tlu; young fellows roll out in foive, as there is a great deal to be done in the matter of living spring-board, laying off a run-ning-track, nud lixing the hurdles for the horse-jumping competition. With the coining of March the line, dry, hot autumn weather seems to have set in. Stock, in consequence, have assumed the leisurely gait, anil ilonned the siick coat, which betoken plenty to eat without travelling far allelil. On Wednesday hist Colonel Loveilay iuspecled tile local school cadets, under the command of Lieutenant Boyce, assisted by Sergeants C. Eiistance nud H. Andrews. The Colonel, after looking carefully at all the accoutrements, put the lads through their manual and tiring exercises. In the afternoon they were taken into a (ield, put through various iiiameuvres in skirmishing drill, instructed m signalling, and advised as to the great, value of the experience that would lie gained by attending the camp to be held shortly at Sentry Hill, Private (i. Haiuinoud was specially complimented for his smart and soldier-like appiarnncc on parade. On Thursday the annual school picnic was held in Mr Fox's paddock. Thanks to the energy and fact of Mr C, Andrews in collecting about .CI, funds were available to give good prices for tlio various races. I might mention, iu passing, tbat if a few more of the settlers, both young and old, would follow in Mr .Andrews' footsteps ill the mutter of doing his best for the district, with no though! of gain, the standard of true citizenship would be high indeed. The following Indies attended at the tables in llu; Jlempton Hall, w here the children had a good dinner and lea: —Mesdames C. Andrews. Hammond, J. Putt, Eustace, Pox, Veiling, -1 iiliau, Haw. Mr Boyce and Miss Potts supervised the sports for the boys and girls, and kept them busy I'ri.in start lo linish. During the day liberal quantities of lollies and fruit were handed round by Mr C. Andrews. Mr lfaw look a snapshot of the crowd, [u the evening a dance, lu which many of the children stayed, was held in the hall. With the surplus Mr Andrews is purchasing a football and set of tennis racquets for the children. 'I he usual fortnightly meeting of the Okato t".A.O.J). Lodge was held on Wednesday. The offer of the Hall Committee for the u.se of a room at a yearly rental was accepted. Bro. Raw gave an interesting anil inslructive lecture and demonstration on deep-breath-ing and voice-production. As Bro. Kaw is about to leave the district, and the next meeting will be the last at which he will be present, it is hoped all members will attend and say goodbye and wish liim God-speed, for during his term of oflieo no member has worked harder for the Lodge. Mr P. Gill has gone for a combined business and pleasure trip round the mountain as far as Manaia. As lie is secretary and mainstay of the (ield and aquatic sports, the committee hope he will soon return lo attend to his civic duties, and carry the day's sport lu the successful issue which characterises everything he takes in hand.

Quito 11 number of farms ItilVC i-liuiigoil here rcconlh', i>rubalily owing [') I lie high prices ruling for butter. 'I lie (|ueslion is when llio pinch conies, ;vn,il the " fnnnlv coach " is over, " AYlio H-ill l,e lefl ?"