DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 March 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OAKURA. (From Our Own Correspondent)

The Oaknra. school picnic, which was 'iel.' on Thursday in perfect weather conditions, in Mr, Marsh's paddock close In the creamery, proved a most enjoya'dr. function. There was a record attendance for a local picnic, all the children being present as well as the majority of their parents, also a number of friends from adjacent districts. Messrs W K. Morris (chairman) and Telford, member of the school committee, together with Mrs. Pearson, mistress of the school, were most assiduous in their "attention to the welfare of the youngsters, who, with races, lolly scrambles, M»!'iv.ited luncheon and tea. had a splendid time. Messrs G. Bell, C. Mace and '! Allen helped with the races, whilst the ladies of the district rendered valu--1 assistance with tho commissariat. Races for the adults were won. as follows: Bicycle race, C. Pollack 1, C. West 2; married ladies: Mrs. Wilkin 1, Mrs. Suisted 2; single ladies, Miss M. Pearson 1. After tea Mr. W. K. Morris, in a brief snoeeh, presented each child with a prize; nl-so specials donated by Mrs, 'Pearson, as follows: Needlework, Ella Smart; homework sums, Gwen Stobie; attendance 'irizos, Ella Smart. Gwen Stobie, Lillian Stohie. Ned Meredith.

A little delav occurred at home-going ' iine, when a horse was'discovered immersed almost un to the neck in a swamp, necessitating the exertions of 'ome eight or nine men and a block and tackle for about an hour before it was extricated, apparently none the worse for its evperienee, as it was able to pull its party home to milk. In the evening a concert and dance was held in the hall, there being a large attendance. Mr. C. West made a capable M.C.. whilst excellent dance music was provided by Miss Pearson (piano), and Mr. F. G. Morris (violin), extras hein<? played by Miss Mace, Mesdames ■V. K. Morris and Manning. A bountiful supper made a pleasant break in the proceedings. At intervals a splendid concert proTamme was given, the school children pleasingly rendering several songs and choruses. The programme was as follows: Song, school children: recitation, Mary Healv; sons. Mrs. W. D. Linn; recitation, Irene Wilkinß (encored) ; song, Mrf( F. Morris; song, Mr E. C. Herewith; song, school children: song, Ethel Morris and Ella Smart with chorus by children: recitation, Mr. H Lett; song, comic, Mr. Cheshire (en- ; cored). Miss Pearson acted as accom- ; ' nanist. At the conclusion Mr. W. K. Morris thanked all who had contributed to the success of the picnic, and intimated that a petition from several parents had been received asking for a holiday for the following dav, but in deference to the wishes of the teacher, the committee had decided not to accede to the request.

TE KIRI. (From Our Own Correspondent). On Fridav last the Te Kiri school children held their annual school picnic ■"at Ngacre Gardens on a day "made to order." They were conveyed bv motor lorry and several motors, all vehicles heing packed to their utmost capacities, but, as usual, the utmost good humor prevailed. The youngsters had a splendid day. returning home tired but happy, iand before they dispersed sang the NaJtiin!i! Anthem and gave the heartiest Mf cheers for the promoters of the pie*nse A small sum left over after pay'•l' all expenses is to be devoted to buybooks for the school library, which needs renewal.