DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 232, 19 February 1913, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

PCX 1110. (From Our Own (Jonvspondcut). Despite ominous signs to the contrary, fine weather prevailed for our schoolchildren's annual picnic and sports on Thursday last. Quite a large crowd of local residents and visitors assembled in (Mrs. Stephenson's paddock to take part in the day's fun. The site chosen was an ideal one for the purpose, being a river flat bordered by native trees, with an opening in the centre for games, etc. The generous response by everyone to tin* committee's appeal for funds not only enabled more competitions to be added to the list than usual, but larger prizes were able to lie given. During the afternoon, flat races, hurdles, jumping and tug-of-.wnr competitions were got off in quick succession. The winners of the various events were:—Junior boys, 100 yds, R. Hardwood; junior girls, 50 yds, M. George: senior boys, 100 yds, F. Hill; senior girls, 100 yds. L. McMillan; high jump, S. Hill; hop, step and jump, H. Baily; hurdles, G. Stephenson; girls' sack race, Ruby Hill; boys' sack race, Kawata Iti; boys' mile, S. Hill; girls' half-mile, A. Grant; last try, A. Gable. The relay race provided a close finish, R. Hill's team snatching a narrow victory from I-I. Stephenson's team. The tug-of-war matches provided an opportunity for partisan ban-ackers to show their lung powers. After the running, the children were presented with the prizes won at the recent examination, as well as with those won during the day. Many handsome prizes were given away by tlr chairman, chief among which was a pretty gold medal to Milly Hilda Stephenson for three years' unbroken attendance. In making the presentation, the chairman laid stress on the necessity of good attendance and punctuality and the determination of the committee to recognise merit in this direction. The catering was in the hands of the ladies of the "district, and they must he congratulated on the excellent fare provided. Luncheon and tea were served under the trees, and an enjoyable day was brought to a close by a lolly scramble on the

green. . In the evening the grown-ups had their turn at a dance in the schoolroom. Mr. Sadler, who came from Frankley road specially to assist in (he day's proceedings, as MX'., kept things going very lively until after one o'clock. During the evening items were rendered hy Miss Williams and Messrs Andrews and Gable, while the dance music was in the capable hands of Miss Dolly Andrews, of Okato. The thanks of the committee are due to all those who so generously assisted to ensure the success of the day's proceedings.