DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1916, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

lIOKAU—AWAKING. (train Our Own Correspondent.) A comcrt in aid of our navais "ami their dependents was given by the pupil* ot the Mukau mid Awukino «icliools on Friday, Deeembr. X. It was an unqualified success and a great surprise to all. The children acquitted themselves admirably, and great credit is due to our teacher, Miss Drader, who organised the all'air ami went to a ureal deal of trouble in training and dressing tlir children. 'I hanks are also clue to the ladies and gentlemen who so ably assisted her. The hall was packed, and good business was done, at a very tastefully decorated sweets and soft drinks stall by the Kisses V. and Marjorie Black. The handsome sum of £32 'ls was realised by the whole affair. In the unavoidable absence of*Mi\ B. Carr. chairman of the school committee, Mr. W. Black ably filled the chair. The accompanists were Mesdames MeXeico and Christofferson. The programme was as follows: Opening chorus by massed pupils, "Red. White, and Blue"; song and chorus, "Knitting," Miss M Wolfe and pupils; mandolin solo, Miss Dean; song and chorus, "Cherry Blossom Time in .Japan," Miss J. Stewart and othei;s—this item in eostum; was very effective; song, "When you come home,'' Miss H, Wolfe, who excelled herself; butterfly dance fay throe small pupils, Misses Belle Sampson. Chrissie Stewart, and Phyllis Sampson, which was much admired, the three mites looking very pretty in their butterfly dress. The duet, by Misses K. Clarke and Hazel Sampson, "Lady, I will buy you," was much appreciated. Then followed one of the gems of the evening, "The coach and four," a part song, Master H. Wolfe as the coachman, foni boys an horses, Master lv Carry-ton as the coach, and four little girls as the wheels, each doing their parts admirably. The trio. '•Three Old Maids of Lee," by Misses H. and M. Wolfe and Miss Dean, was excruciatingly funny, and was well received. Then another favorite, item, sailoi song and chorus, which also included a hornpipe, was given by Master Ccdric Avery, who took the solo, jiud Masters ,T. Avery, IJ. Lake, H. Wolfe. A comic sketch by Miss Dean and Mrs. Christofl'erson as "Tweedledum and Tweedledee" followed. This local item. \vhich consisted of singing, dancing, and very good gags, fairly brought down the house, and after one of the songs, a verse of which called for coins to help our boys of the Koval Xavy, the money literally poured on the stage. This ended. the. first part of. the programme After an interval of ten minutes, Mrs. MeXeiec opened the second part with a delightful overture. Part song, "Dolly and the stars," by some of the younger girl pupils, who looked very sweet in their pretty "nighties" hushing their tired dollies to by-bv. Then a duet, •'Beauty's Eyes." tastefully rendered by Misses H. and M. Wolfe. Song, '•'Redwing," by Mr. J. Jolmson, our popular

"knight of the road." Then another jem of the evening;, the "Minuet," danced bv Misses Dorrie Whitehead, K. Clark, Phyllis Carrington, aiu' Haze) Sampson, dressed as ladies and gentlemen of the age of "Powder and (Patches.' Tli is was indeed a gem, and had encores not been prohibited on account of the length of the programme, would have evoked a vociferous one. Miss .1, Stewart then most tastefully "Please give me a Penny," in response to which the coins again showered upon the stage. After this a farce, entitled "Stage Life," was given by some of the senior pupils, the parts taken being as follows Proprietor theatrical agency, Miss Rita Whitehead; office boy, Master Bennie Clark (this youngster is undoubtedly a born comedian, and fairly brought down the house by his acting); Madam Smolba, Master TT. Wolfe; Signer Vermicelli, Master F. Williscroft; Monsieur Tooraloo, Master J. Treadwell; Harry Lander. Master J. Avery; and magician. Miss N Dean. This farce was very funny indeed, and contained some very good local li'ts, ?, skit on the Awakino school being especially good. The acting by each pupil was a revelation of local child talent. Following the farce,. "La Marseillaise" was sung by the pupils, after which the part song "Good-niaht" and "fiod Save the' King" ended a most enjoyable and memorable programme. The floor was then cleared for dancing, which was indulged in until the early hours of the morning.

This is the age of farewelling. Another exodus from our midst, Mr. and Mrs. W. Cowan, who have l§£t here for Hawera, were entertained at a social 011 the 15th inst. A,great number were present, and in a very able speech Mr. W. Avery, on behalf of the residents of the district, bid the guests Godspeed and wished them success in their now home, at the same timo voicing the regret IS their departure, both Mr. and Mrs. Cowan being always willing helpers in all social enterprises, and Mr. Cowan being often of great service in rendering first aid in time of accident. Mr. Cowan responded in a neat speech. He was entertained at a smoke concert on the following night, and it is understood that a handsome presentation is to be made to them both.

A school picnic was held on Thursday lr.st, but Jupiter Pluvius and his -waterwaggon spoilt it all. A few wees were run 011 the beach and a good lunch was enjoyed, but it was impossible to stay long, as the rain simply poured down. .Mi'. Richards, motor-driver for Mr, Johnson, had a narrow escape from death on Thursday night. On the way over from Mokau to Awakino the aede broke, and the car went over a very steep cliff into a creek below. Mr. Richards showed great presence of mind, managed to crawl out somehow from beneath the car, which had turned over two or three times, and walked over to Mokau, although doing so must have been very painful, as it is feared some of his ribs are broken. He, however, was able to go to Waitara by the boat cn Friday evening, where, it iu hoped, lie is progressing favorably, and will soon be able to resume duty, as he is known as one of the most reliable and careful of drivers. Shearing is still going on in the district, though many of our farmers have got their wool away already. I notice two more of our boys up on their final leave, Messrs- H. Cuiumings and Norman Ordish. Mr. Tom Cummings is also spending Christmas with his parents prior to going into camp Several men have been called up'froii) the district and are si Way to be medically examined. Awakino is indeed doing its ''little bit." The weather is close and sultry, but I should hot be surprised to see a downpour before long, though -we could very well do without rain for a while now.