DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A fire, which resulted In the total destruction of a five-roomed farm residence (locally), owned and occupied by Mrs. Barrett and family, broke out about- 4 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, the 20th inst. The flames had a good hold when the outbreak was discovered, which were fanned by a strong southerly wind, gaining considerable progress throughout the rear portion of the house, where tire fire originated through a defective kitchen chimney. The contents of the front rooms were only saved with much difficulty, the rest being a total loss, and the building Itself was a complete wreck. The work of those extinguishing tte outbreak was somewhat hampered by not being able to obtain a near supply of water. All the outbuildings were saved. Judging by the number of athletes and chopping men who are in active training for the Gala Day Sports at Warea on Wednesday next, a record gathering will have to be recorded. Sports and competitions will be provided for young and old, which will occupy the full afternoon. Patrons are specially invited to take the opportunity of an enjoyable day’s outing. By so doing they will assist the hall committee in augmenting its funds, so that further facilities and improvements for the benefit of coastal residents may be effected. Since January 1 of this year over sixty people have visited the Cape Egmont lighthouse. The summer weather lately experienced lasted till Tuesday evening, when rain fell and freshened the parched gardens and pastures, assisting materially in steadying the milk yield for tte time being. The threatening state of the weather on Tuesday, the 22nd inst., slightly marred the success of the annual picnic of the Warea school, which was held at the Warea Domain. The function was, however, gone on with in spite of this, and a fairly successful outing was provided. The dance arranged by the committee for the adults in the evening proved most enjoyable, although the weather was again scarcely what might be wished for on such an occasion. It was rather doubtful if tte local school picnic could take place on Wednesday as arranged. Up to 11 a.m. heavy rain was falling, and tte committee gave up all hope, but the afternoon came out in glorious sunshine, though too late to get the crowd of parents and visitors that would otherwise have been present. However, the committee gave the children a good time with sports and games. The infants, under the charge of Miss L. Fleming, participated in the sports, and were rewarded for their accomplishments. The arrangements were in the hands of the school staff, the school committee and a number of parents, and were altogether carried out with every satisfaction. During the afternoon the usual distribution of prizes in connection with the school took place. Each child was awarded a book, and Mr. W. T. Guild (chairman) made tte presentations. Five special prizes given by Miss Mackay (teacher) for the highest marks on the year's progress were awarded tc Miss Nora Jenkins (Standard 6), Miss Peggy Fleming (Standard 5), Miss Nellie Fleming (Standard 4), and the Maori boy Talnui, The following are the results of the principal events in the sports programme:—Girls race, A. Kirk 1, E. Grenfell and L. Fleming (dead heat) 2, L. Gilhooly 3; boys’ race, F. Taylor 1, M. Kupl 2, T. Gilhooly 3; girls' race, Peggy and Nellie Fleming (dead heat) 1, G. O'Neill 2, A. Taiwai 3; boys’ race, W. O’Neill 1, R. Marshall 2, L. Mathews 3; three-legged race, girls, C. Kirk and C. Mallett 1, S. Grenfell and N. Fleming 2, E. Grenfell and L. Fleming 3; boys' three-legged race, R. Marshall and F. Mallett 1, W. O'Neill and J. Rang! 2, S. Corbett and Whatanau 3; boys’ tug-of-war, winning team L Mathews, S. Corbett, Rangi Whatarau, W. O'Neill, R. Marshall and M. Corbett; girls’ tug-of-war, winning team S. Grenfell, G. O’Neill, I. Corbett, H. Kirk, C. Mallett, L. Fleming and D. Grenfell. Various consolation races were run intermittently. The school concert, arranged to take place on Wednesday evening, March 9th, has been unavoidably postponed until Friday, March 11.