A NICE TOUCH OF PATRIOTISM IN THE BACK-BLOCKS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 158, 10 December 1914, Page 3

A NICE TOUCH OF PATRIOTISM IN THE BACK-BLOCKS.

Friday last I happened to he at Uruti, and was persuaded to attend a school social, arranged for the_ purpose of raising money for school prizes. It was whispered that the children -desired to give the proceeds to the British and Belgium Relief Fund. In order to test the feeling of the scholars, the mistress (Miss .E. Clarke) took a vote. They were asked if they understood that if they gave the whole of the money to the relief fund there could be no school prizes. Immediately there was an enthusiastic chorus of voices, "We want to give all the money'" and when asked for a show of hands there was not a moment's hesitation. Some of them were so carried awav that both hands were thrust up. The'quality of the programme was excellent. Seldom, if ever, have I seen a better or more efficient rendering of songs and recitations, and the dialogues were beyond praise, with the result that, despite the tremendous downpour of ruin, .■£s 10s was raised, which has been passed on to the Mayor. These fine touches of patriotism make us feel proud of the voung folk, for from such material the'truest and most honored citizens arj made.—l am, etc., OBSERVER.