DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNIHO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual picnic in connection with the Puniho School was held at the Kawaroa Park, last Friday, children to the number of nearly 60 being conveyed to New Plymouth by Mr. Roebuck’s motor lorries. The children had a splendid time on tlie swiugs, ocean waves etc., while they were also well looked after by the adults who also -made the trip, including Mrs. Evans (head mistress), Mrs. Paterson (assistant), Messrs. Wells (Chairman), Corke (secretary). Bell and Brunsden (members of the committee). Home was reached again at about 6 p.m., the children all being tired, but happy. WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent The annual Warea School picnic was held in the domain on February 22. Games and races were the order of the day the school children, the annual prize presentations having been made at the end of the terms in 1920. The weather was showery, but the children had a happy time. An amusing feature was a tug-of-war between the scholars and school committee. A dance was held In the evening, but heavy rain prevented a large attendance, music being supplied by .Messrs. Parker (piano), and Norris (violin). The annual Gaia Day sports, in aid of the hall funds, was held the following week, and was a most successful gathering from all points of view. A sheep guessing competition interested the men, as well as spftrts, and chopping competitions, whilst tub and surprise packets for children, and weight guessing of cakes, dolls' nanqjs, etc., were the order of the day.

The refreshments were in charge of Mesdames Parker, Caidwell and Donald; and Loilie Stall, Mesdaimes. Larking and Fowles; Jumble Stall, Mrs. C. W. Corbett and Mrs. Fausett.

A concert and dance in the evening were most successful. Songs were rendered by. Miss Mason, Miss Harding, Mr. Bell, a duet by Miss and Mr. Bell, Mr. S. Goodwin and Mr!®S. Cassie; recitations by Mias Wright, Miss Putt; a musical monologue by Mrs. E. Parking, and a’ piano solo by Miss C. Julian. All the performers were heartily encored. Votes of thanks were passed to the performers, the energetic committees (both ladies ana men), and the auctioneer, who so kindly sold the left-overs from the stalls. Quite a bit of fun was occasioned by the extra surprises some of the prize winners sustained. • Mrs. Harrisson, of Rahotu, and' Mr. P. Parker, kindly played accompaniments. ‘Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs. Parker and Norris. HURFORD ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) At. a meeting of the Hurford Road Progressive Association, was decided to ask the County Council to erect a finger-post at the Hurford Road turn off, and also to get the boulders carted up from the river to the road while the weather is fine and the road dry. The qew Alling on the hill wants fenc-ing-in badly, as /cattle are pressing down the sides. Mr. Thompson has opened a boxing school at Omata, and I:as enrolled a fair nunfber of pupils. Mr. C. H. Weston is donating a trophy to the. most improved pupil at ths end of the first quarter. This should encourage pupils to do their best. Owing to the shortage of waffer in the river for the water-power, the directors of the factory have/ had a small engine put in. cftie road will be well represented with horses at the .Show on Wednesday and Thursday. The writer knows of four entered for various events. The school picnic was held on Friday in ideal weather. The children were taken, for a run in Mr. Duke's lorry, returning to Ngamotu for lunch. The rest of the day was spent in bathing and playing on the sand. An earlj’ tea was prepared, to which ’ full justice was done, bfter which the children were run home, after having had a most enjoyable day.' On February 27, a party took advantage of the fine weather to make a trip to Mt. Egmont, in Mr. Duke's lorry. Leaving tfie factory at 7.30 a.m., the party arrived at the old Mountain House, at 10.30, after a very •enjoyable run. The bush from the gate to the house, was greatly admired. On arrival at the house, we found kettles boiling, so a hurried lunch was prepared by the ladies. After the "inner man" was satisfied, a start for the top of the Mountain was mase by the men. The ladies did not essay the climb, as our time was limited. Several pauses were made to have a Jook at the country and rest. At one stage of the journey, nothing but clouds could be seen as far as the eye could, reach, except MU Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe, and Tongariro, whfch stood out clearly above the clouds, this view alpne being well worth the climb. The top was reached after two and a-half hours’ climb. By this time the clouds had cleared, and a magnificent view of the whole of Taranaki, was obtained. After taking light refreshments and a few photos, the party set off on the return journey, which was accomplished in one and three-quarter hours, all feeling weary, but well pleased at having reached the top. Tea was* partaken of, and the lorry ride home was started, and proved very enjoyable, home being reached about 7.30 p.m.