DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 July 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

NORFOLK ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Many changes have lately taken place amongst tlie residents of the Maketawa district, due mostly to. the change of ownership -of property, old settlers selling out and new ones taking their places, but probably none of these has affected so many persons and families, nor made so much difference to the district generally, as the promotion of Mr. R. E. Thomas from his position as teacher in charge of the Norfolk Road School, which he has occupied for the lost fourteen years, to that of first assistant at the Stratford school. Much could be Said of the good Influence Mr. Thomas has oxerclsed since his appointment to Norfolk Road. How year by year a good percentage of passes has been scored at the annual examinations; how by proficiency certificates a number of its pupils have been able to leave this primary school to get more advanced tuillon in tho secondary schools of Taranaki; liow pupils have been so encouraged in the horticultural and agricultural branches of their luitlon that this small school baa now for some fears held a leading place in the various comliotltlons open to schools in Taranaki. But apart from his efflclency a3 schoolmaster, Mr. Thomas, ably seconded by Mrs. Thomas, has made many friends here, having entered heartily Into the general life of the community, always gladly helping where help was needed In whatever was going forward, In field or home; and the very enthuslatsic gathering at Ihe school on the night of Friday, June 27, lor the farewell social tendered to them on the ove of their departure for Stratford, proved tow well they were appreciated by their follow settlers and former pupils, many of whom came (rom considerable distances to do honor to the occasion.

A presentation, in the form of a cheque, was made to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas by Mr. H. Trimble, who had been chosen spokesman for the occasion, and who, in a short address, asked the recipients to accopt it as a token of tie appreciation all felt of the good work they had done here, as well as an expression of good wishes for their future happiness and prosperity, at the same time giving voice to iis own high opinion of Mr. Thomas as a teacher, organiser and worthy fellow settler. After Mr. Thomas had suitably replied, and musical honors had been given to him and his family, supper was served. Afterwards dancing,! which had occupied the earlier hours of the night, was again vigorously resumed, and kept up till the small hours of Saturday morning. Miss Hogan presided at the piano, and Messrs. L. Brown and W. Marshall carried out the duties of Ms.C., ensuring the enjoyment of all. Songs and recitations by Messrs. W. Earp and R. I. Thomas varied the programme, and were duly applauded.

OKATO. (From Our Own Correspondent) ' The residents of the Oxford and Saunders Roads assembled at the house of Mr, will E. Haylock on 22nd ultimo to farewell Mr. and Mrs. Haylock, who have sold their farm and are leaving for the Leppertou district. The function took the form of a surprise party and presentation. As soon as the first formalities were gonp through, dancing and games were Indulged In' - till midnight. After an excellent supper had been handed round by the ladles, Mr. J. Moorby, on behalf of the settlers generally, expressed great regret at losing such a sodalable couple. He was sure their presence would be greatly missed. He also spoke of the sterling qualities of both Mr. and Mrs. Haylock, mentioning the able manner In which Mr Haylock had fulfilled his duties as of the Oxford factory. He had very great pleasure in asking 1 Mrs. Haylock to accept a dressing case, and Mr. Haylock a case of pipes, and hoped that when they wero being used n thought might sometimes be spared lor their old friends at Oxford. Other speakers wore Messrß. W. Corbett, W. A. Corbett and C. Burkett. All then joined In singing 'Tor He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr. Haylock, after thanking everybody for the valuable presents, announced- that any of their Okato friends would be heartily welcomed if they cared to pay a visit at.ijiieir. new home at Lepperton. The evening termliated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." A similar function took place at the.residence of the manager of the Oxford Cp-operative Cheese Factory on Friday evening last. These was a large and representative gathering. Owing to insufficient accommodation, the party' adjourned to the meeting room at the factory, where games, competitions, etc., were entered Into with great zest by all present. Mr. Tift's gramaphone selections were much enjoyed. After supper the chairman referred to the approaching departure of Mr. and Mrs. 'Bur- ! ntt, who were leaving New Zealand fpr.'a trip' to the Old Country, and on behalf of the directors and suppliers expressed:regret, at losing tile services of such a capable, manas^r, Burfltt had had a very successful year, topping the grading list at Moturoa' for non-pasteurised factories; also, being tenth on'the'grading. list for all factories. Besides tills, Mr.- Burfltt- hid not made a single ejjate.of seeond-grtMje cheeseThis, and the p&y-out, reflected great credit' oil, the managor/ind 'he #fts sure that the : directors would; havp-groat difficulty in ailing' his'place He congratulated Mr. Burfltt moat - Heartily,': and on behalf of all present presented" Mr. l and Mrs. Burfltt with a purse 'of sovereigns,; wishing them a very .pleasant voyage and a' safe' return! ' Mr; Burfltt, who -"was 1 cbols>letely : taken by surprise, responded onbebalfof himself and wife, and thanked the chairman mosti heartily for the nice things that had b?ep eaid,' and-for the handsome present. 1 lie saia :: that his success; was mainly, due to -the lieait? cooperation of the directors, with the jßanager. Ho wished them every success-, itncf he and Mrs. Burfltt would look forward' ; Vfttf' milch pleasure ,to- a renewal' of frlendjjliltt' with their friends on the Oxford Road.' , .