DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 148, 11 November 1912, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

jIaTARAIMAELA.

(From an Occasional Correspondent). The fact that there are now 43 children on our local school roll is surely strong evidence that the district is progressing fairly rapidly. Furthermore, the annual examination just recently held discloses proof that the teacher, Mr. Turner, must have put in a solid year's work. The inspectors' report, which was read before the School Committee on Monday evening, was so satisfactory that the following resolution (to be recorded in the minutes) was passed:— "That Mr. Turner be complimented upon the excellent results of his past year's work, and that the committee is cxccedingly gratified at the efficiency of the school as disclosed by the inspector's annual report." The position of the school is more gratifying when it is understood that all the standards, plus the infant classes, 'have to be supervised and taught by one teacher only. Under such a handicap Mr. Turner has done exceedingly well.

On Thursday and Friday evenings a committee of local ladies, in the interests of the Wesleyan Church, intend to stage a sale of work in the local schoolroom. Busy fingers, with needles, etc., to the inevitable accompaniment of village gossip, have been for months employed preparing for the event. The proceeds will be spent locally. Music and supper, of course, will be given in. On Friday evening, the,2Bth inst., a concert and dance is to eventuate in aid of the local public school prize fund. Vocalists and elocutionists from far and near are to be pressed into service. That indefatigable and enthusiastic educationalist, Mrs. Dougherty, is the moving spirit, and the function is therefore bound to be a success. |

Dairy herds are already practically at fully strength, and the outlook for the season is very promising indeed.

A pleasing feature about the coast farms this year is the large areas that have been placed under the plough. Practically every dairyman has turned over an area either for herd fodder or for threshing. In the opinion of old residents there has never yet been a year in this district when such a large aggregate area has been ploughed for cropping or for sowing down in new pasture.

OKATO. (From Our Own Correspondent)-. At Okato on Thursday evening the residents tendered a farewell social to Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Evans and family, Mr. Evans having recently been appointed headmaster at Opunake, and assumes his duties there on Monday, 11th inst. The function was well attended, considering the rough and dark night. Mr. B. T. Booker, in presenting Mr. and Mrs. Evans with an easy chair, said the people of Okato had made up their minds they were not going to let him slip away (as they knew he wanted to do) without them letting him see that they had appreciated what he had done for the district. He had been secretary for the Sports Club, and also a secretary for the Bazaar to clear off the debt on the Hempton Hall. He acted as secretary for a bazaar a few months ago to raise funds to improve the Domain. He had taken a keen interest in football and had been chairman of the club for five years, and also a selector.' In concluding, Mr. Booker wished Mr. and Mrs. Evans luck in their new home, and hoped that they would be long spared to sit in the chair they had given- them that niglit. Mr. Evans was greeted with applause on rising to respond. He thanked the people of Okato for their present, also Mr. Booker for his kind remarks. He said that what lie had done he had done for pleasure, and no thought of reward. He thought it was only a duty of every man who had time at his disposal to help in public affairs as much as he coald.

During the evening, which proved most enjoyable, an excellent programme was submitted, the following contributing items:—Miss Hill, Mesdames Booker, Street and Vincent, Messrs E. Andrews, Booker and G. Humphrey. The music was supplied by Miss D. Andrews, whilst Messrs B. Andrews, J. L. Power and T. Carey were M.C.'s.