DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 154, 28 December 1911, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITARA ROAD. (Fr(m Our Own Correspondents). The animal concert of Dip Huirangi school look place last Thursday in this hall, and drew a good attendance. The school children, under the training of tlie schoolmaster and Miss Hollins, gave several items, the rendering of which rellected great credit on those who trained them. The chairman of the School Commissioners (Mr. Smith) presided. The following was the programme:—Pianoforte solo, Miss llollins; chorus, "Red, White and Blue," school children; comic song, "Little Tommy Topweight," Mr. R. Giddy; song, "Four Jolly Smiths," Mr. W. A. Brown (Lepperton); song, "Riding Down from Bangor," Mr. B. J. Meßetli; fan' drill, school girls; huntorous monologue, "A (K)night in Armor," Mr. Farmer (Waitara), which created much laughter, an encore being a burlesque on "The Swanee River"; song, 'Ts» going back to Dixie," school boys; song. "When the sheep are in the fold," Mr. F. Proctor (Waitara) ; song. "Cainptown Races," school boys; song, "Ella Rhee," Mr. R. Giddy; comic song, "The 'Suffragettes," Mr. Thornley (Lepperton); dialogue, "The Way to Wyndham," Fred. Smith and Larry Palmer; song, "John Peel," Mr. W. A. Brown; song, "The Miller and the Maid," Mr. B. J. Mcßeth: song, "Three little maids from school," Dulcie Surrey. Annie Smith and Phyllis ril; comic song, "La, la, 00, la. la, la," Vr. F. Farmer, and as an encore. "Put a iiit of powder on it. father.'' Mr. R. Farmer; song, "Queen of old Samaria." Mr. F. Proctor; motto song, "When you're up in the world." Mr. Thornley (encored); song, "The Man in the Moon." Mr. 11. Rangi; action song, "Who'll buy niv posies," school children. Miss Hojlins and Miss Cumberworth played the accompaniments in an efficient manner. At the close Mr. J. 11. Smith moved a I hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted to make the evening such a success. It was carried by acclamation, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a most, successful concert to a. closed. The ladies, as usual, provided a good supper. Owing to the late hour the usual dance did not take place. The school broke up for the Christmas holidays on Friday afternoon, a good number of parents and children attending. The drawing of some of the scholars was displayed and was favorably com- [ mented on. The drawing of a battleship i and railway engine by a Maori boy (McI William Ropia), in the second standard, I was very meritorious. Mr. Smith dis- ! tributed the prizes, every child in the school getting a book, while some halfdozen gained first and second-class attendance certificates. Those gaining tirst-class certificates were Dulcie Surrey, Rhoda Herrick, Melba Loveridge, Irene Surrey, Allen Old and Laurie Loveridge. Having mislaid my notes, I am at present' unable to give a full report. The ladies provided afternoon tea, and the children' had a scramble for lollies, thus ending a pleasant afternoon. EG MONT VILLAGE. On Friday night the breaking-up school concert was held in the hall, and owing to the counter attraction of Christmas Eve coming on the following night the audience was not as large as usual. However, the prize, fund benefited to a considerable extent and altogether a most enjoyable evening was passed. The following is the programme:—Overture, Mrs. Marsh's orchestra; action song, the children; pianoforte solo, Miss Marjory Morton; song, Mr. lloulahan; pianoforte duet. Misses Smith and Rudd; song, Mrs. Mcßeth; pianoforte solo, Miss Mary Marsh; song, Mr. Dewhirst; violin and pianoforte duet, Misses M. and A. Smith; reading, Mr. Morton; mandolin solo, Mr. Gordon Marsh; duet, Mrs. Mcßeth and Mr. Dewhirst; pianoforte solo, Miss A. Smith; song, Mr. J. Houlahan; pianoforte solo, Mrs. Matthews. This concluded the first half of the programme. The second half consisted of.the fairy play, "Cinderella," which was enacted by the children. The following was the cast:— Cinderella, Miss M. Smith; Celia and Delia (the two sisters), Miss Marjory Morton and Miss Dorris Willing; fairy godmother, Miss Mary Marsh; stepmother, Miss Ivy Earp; Queen, Miss Ida Martin; Puck, Miss Gladys Berry; Sii verwing, Misa Ethel Rudd; Goldwing, Miss Marion Sinclair; Emeraldwing, Miss Violet Berry; King, Mr. Dewhirst; herald, Mr. G. Marsh; prince, Mr. Raymond Mcßeth, with a chorus of fairies, courtiers, etc. The play was really well put on and went with a swing right through. The whole concert reflects great credit on the promoters and children. The prize-giving concert will be held nex£ February after the resumption of I work.

Mr. R. G. Marsh, of this district, who has recently sold his farm, is opening a music shop in Inglewood. As both Mr. Marsh and his father hold very prominent positions in musical circles in the district, we wish him every success in his new venture. MAKETAWA. The breaking-up of the Durham school for the Christmas holidays was celebrated by a concert by tho pupils (assisted by a few adults) 011 Thursday evening last. Despite the very bad weather the room was comfortably filled with the children and their parents, and a most enjoyable time was spent. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr. F. J. Hodges) presided, and made some appropriate remarks anent the progress of the pupils, etc. The teacher must be complimented 011 the excellence of the programme submitted and the manner in which her pupils acquitted themselves, and no doubt the appreciation of the I audience at the several items must be gratifying. A new feature was introduced at Durham school by the presentation of tableaux, and it was evident that j a lot of work had been put into this I part of the entertainment. They were very prettily executed, but the effect wds rather spoilt by the defective lights used, and it i* to be hoped the committee will see to it that up-to-date appliances will be procured for any further displays, as such items as tableaux depend much on the lighting effect, and it must be disappointing to both teacher and pupils to have their hard work nullified by the use of inferior articles. The school children opened the concert with the song, "Red, White and Blue," which was faultless, and immediately followed with another entitled "Christmas Time," which was also very nicely sung. Mr. McMilue, of Manunui (a visitor) contributed several humorous recitations, which were much appreciated. The dialogue, "Dolly's Doctor," by Miss Ella Dombroski and Master Francis Dodunski, was an item that gave the auditors great satisfaction, the youngsters carrying out their part in a way that would do credit to older persons. During the time occupied in setting the tableaux, Mr. F. Buckthought manipulated a gramaphone to good effect. 'Messrs MacEwen Bros, contributed several items, and as usual the audience showed their pleasure by asking for more. The duet by MLss G. Simpson and Mr. P. G. McEwen was very pleasing, but the young lady declined further items on account of a severe cold. The following was the programme submitted:—Songs, "Red, White and Blue" and "Christmas Time," pupils; pianoforte solo, Miss E. Laurence; song, school children; recitation, "Ye Ancient Mariner," Mr. McMilne; TWlrtWhf- .nn„ «, P

G. McEwen; gramaphone selections; dialogue, "Dolly's Doctor," Ella Dom- | brosld and Francis Dodunski; song, with | chorus, Madgo Simpson; duet, "What would you do, love?" Miss G. Simpson and Mr. P. G. McEwen; recitation, Mr. McMilne; duet, "Larboard Watch," McEwen Bros.; song, Mr. Dombroski; gramaphone selections;'song, "The Englishman," Mr. A. McEwen; tableaux, school children. The distribution of prizes followed and the youngsters' races showed the pleasure they felt at the nice presents handed them. Mr. E. Johnston presented a gold medal to the pupil showing the most progress during the year, and thin prize fell to Mr. W. McPartland. Dolly Buckthought received first prize for sewing and Doris and Katie Mehrtens second and third, respectively. The judges of the sewing said they had a difficult task in selecting the winner, as the work in general was excellent. A. Simpson, Ethel Dombroski, Doris and Katie Mehrtens, Ethel Corney, Ella Dombroski and Andrew Mischewski won prizes for attendance. W. McPartland, Joe Mischewski, Kath. Corney and Percy Dodunski received prizes for progress and attendance and the second-class certificate. At the conclusion of the prizepresenting, W. McPartland (the senior boy) wished to thank the teachers and committee, and hoped the teacher would have a merry Christmas and a pleasant holiday. Alf. Simpson also spoke a few words to the same effect. The boys evident guaged the feeling of those present by the applause which followed a few remarks by the chairman, who echoed the same sentiments on behalf of the elders. A very nice supper was handed round, after which the room was I cleared for dancing, the music for which was contributed by Miss G. Simpson (piano) and Mr A. McEwen (vialin). The chairman has asked me to thank Miss B. Foster for her assistance to the teacher (Miss I. Foster), and wo all recog-] nise the help given by the former and! assure her that her work for the little one's benefit is much appreciated. The Durham folk are pleased to note that the much-needed alterations to the residence are to be proceeded with in the near future. The wretched weather still prevents work being done to the out offices and the wind has blown down the protecting screens through the posts being rotten. It gives the place rather a dilapidated appearance just at present., The committee hope to have everything! ship-shape before school re-opens. LINCOLN ROAD. j The breaking-lip of the school for the holidays was celebrated on Friday by the distribution of prizes and afternoon: ten. The chairman of the School Committec (Mr. R. D. Barford), in making the presentations, referred to the liberal manner in which the parents had contri- 1 buted to the prize fund, for which, on (behalf of the, School Committee, he thanked them. Before finally breaking up, the children gave three lusty cheers for their teacher (Miss Meston).

Bristol road has formed a cricket club, of which it is to be hoped more will be heard later on. The first practice was held on Saturday, the 24th, when about 15 young members rolled up, and some of them gave a good exhibition of their ability to wield the willow. The club is fortunate in possessing such a good coach as Mr. "Jim" Wellington. Mr. W. Wilson has kindly allowed the club to use his paddock, which suits the players nicely. It is the intention to play the Inglewood juniors at an early <late. It is to be hoped that the club will be as successful as the Bristol road footballers were some years ago, for they won the Inglewood district shield two years in succession.

The continual wet weather of the last two or three months has considerably interfered with tha contractors who have been endeavoring to finally complete the various works in connection with the Mangonui bridge, sucli as filling in the approaches, pulling down the understructure, etc. The men who have had the work in hand have done their utmost to get the bridge open for traffic for the Waitui settlers, who have borne the inconvenience patiently and- well up to now, and one can almost forgive them for "going off pop" occasionally. One csinnot help but admire these Waitui people, who have progressed in spite of difficulties.