DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 230, 3 November 1909, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS

HILLSBOROUGH. I (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very large and representative gathering of settlers and their children attended the farewell social to Miss H. i'ice, who lias until recently been assistant teacher at the Hillsborough school. The children were all exceedingly fond oi Miss Bice. Miss Ada Hale, on behalf of the pupils, presented her with a sil-ver-mounted brush, comb, and mirror, suitably inscribed, and the following address:— "Dear Miss Rice, —We, the pupils of 'be Hillsborough school, ask your acceptance of the accompanying gift as a email token of our love and esteem. We will always remern'oer with pleasure your association with us for the past three years, during which time, by your sunny nature and your many acts of kindness, jou have greatly endeared yourself to each of us. Although regretting your departure from among us, we unite in .vishing success and happiness in your hew sphere. Signed by thirty-four pupils attending the school."

The following programme was submitted:—Overture (piano), Miss 11. Bishop; recitation and fairy song, infants; songs, children; recitation,' Miss Rina Thomason; song (comic), Mr. Thornier; recitation, Master A. Bishop; song, Mr, J. R. Hill; song, Miss Stepliwi; recitation, Miss Hilda Bishop; son", Mr Tliornley.

The chairman, Mr. J. H. Hill, made a few remarks, saying that he had been present at the recent examination at the school by the Chief Inspector (Mr. Halhintyne), and was quite satisfied that the children were exceedingly well taught, and reflected credit on their Miss Stephen (head teacher), Miss Eice (until recently assistant teacher), and Mr. Mills (the present assistant). The alacrity shown when questions were asked by the inspector proved they had a good grasp of the subjects.

It is the first time, I believe, M ! ss R'na Thomason has recited in public and she acquitted herself exceeding;' well. Miss' Hilda Bishop (a general favorite) also performed well. Mr. Tliorncomic s °ngs were popular, jmlgino by the rounds of applause thev evokei" Messrs Parr and Bell, two newcomers to our district, very kindly brought alon» their phonograph, awl gave some capital items Afte r the singing of "Auld tlle rmmd "Good-night" bv the children, an excellent supper nrovided by the ladies of the district, was partaken of. Dancing was then commenced to good music supplied gratuitously by Misses Hilda and Ida Bisho-j