DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 219, 4 February 1913, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

TAKIKI. (From Our Own Correspondent). The Church of England and Wcsleyan Schools picnics both have been fixed for the 30th ult. It was at first understood that they would be held separately in different'parts of the township, the former in Mr. Rudkin's paddock and the latter in the school grounds. However. at the last minute a happy arrangement was made to combine, which resulted in a very pleasant and enjoyable picnic in the school grounds. The weather was inclined to be wet. slight showers falling at intervals, but they did not appear to dampen the ardor of the children, who had a royal time running races and playi in" "ames. A temporary shelter was rigged up in true bush style, where all present were regaled with excellent tea. Amongst the ladies who assisted were: Mesdames Coutts, Rudkin. Kason. Jemison and Therkleson and Miss Coutts. Air. Coutts (Wcsleyan) and Mr. Rudkin (Church of England), superintendents, were indefatigable in their efforts to provide enjoyment for the school children. They were ably backed by Messrs J. Therkleson and D. Jones. The Rev. '■"riiTin. froni Stratford, and the Rev. Houchen, from lnglewood, were present, and also rendered invaluable assistance. Owing to the rain, a dance arranged ' by the Church of England committee was postponed till the following evening. when there was a large attendance, and it was most successful in every way. The services of Mr Marsh, of Tnglewood. were secured for the music. The floor, after the first dance or two. was good. Mr. C. F* Young carried out the arduous duties of M.C. with his usual bonhomie, and amongst the ladies who assisted in the important business of getting and dispensing supper were Mesdames Rudkin. Knowles. Ward and 1). .Tones and Misses Sumner. Kendrick and Laurence.

Quite a number of local scholars will be attending the. Stratford High School, and efforts are being made to get the mail train to pick them up in the morning, otherwise they lose an hour's tuition daily. This is a serious drawback, especially for those going in for matriculation examinations. Children from Lepperton and Tnglcwood have the benefit of the mail service, and as the train stops here on an average of about tlirpe times a week, considering the numbers that would benefit, it is to be hoped the authorities wii! see their way to make the stoppage five times. It is the policy of any Government of the Dominion to encourage people to go on the land, and to help them as much as possible when there so that any disabilities with regard to education of : country children should be removed if possible. Educational matters have loomed up in the press of late, and so have other matters, which make one wonder when considering the vexed question of "what to do with onr bows, if higher education is really of the importance that we are wont to credit it with. A youthful slaughterer working a part of the year will be making an income that makes a small dairy farmer envious, while his mate who has matriculated may perchance be "looking for a job." A slaughtering class in tlie Technical Schools instead of plumbim* ilm l slaughtering! Er. what! Semple—[ mean simple! TTKOTJAXOT. (From Onr Own Correspondent). The directors of the local Dairy Company have again considered the casein question, and are unanimously of the opinion that the inducements offered are not at present a sufficient set-off against the loss of the skim milk. With weaner calves at £2 and pigs in proportion skim milk is too valuable an asset to lightly throw away. The slump in the London butter market is causing some consternation, and ju*t at present one hears very little abuse of the "parasites" who bought several factory outputs at a price of something over a shilling. "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever." and the recent additions to the Tikorangi school are such that it is almost imperative that the members of the Education Board should come out at onee anu_ feast their eyes and gratify the arti>iie and aesthetic senses with which they are imbued. Indeed, it will be manifestly unfair to other schools requiring alteration if the unique design is not made general. Tam given to understand that in the inspectors' reports certain marks are given for '•environment." and if such is the case none can now liope to rival the local youngsters in this respect.

_ The slaughtermen's strike is not exciting any u-ry great interest, and it is bchl !»v many that, whilst there inav be individual rase, of hardship, in view of J l ' "'"l<"il>l''<l shortage of stock and tin- many acres of bush now being burnt a cessation of slaughtering for a season' would not be alto-ether an unmixed evil The weather is all than can be desired and there has been a most luxurious' growth of grass since the Xew Y-,r The whole country about North Taranaki never looked better than it does at ]>re=ent.