DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1921, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

IWOKAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The picnic and distribution of prizes in connection with the Mokau school took place in the school grounds on Friday, Dee. 6Ttere was a great, gathering of parents, pupils, and friends. The energetic chairman of the school committee (Mr. S. Whitehead) was at the head of affairs, and deserved great praise for the success of the function. Threelegged races, sack races, hop, step, and jump, tugs-of-war, skipping competitions, etc., were the order of the day, and the weather, being all that could be desired, the kiddies had a jolly good time, and the older folk looked tolerably happy too. We noticed the genial ‘’Mac” with his camera, doing good business in the “snap” line, though he is not at all one of the “snappy” sort. A dainty lunch was dispensed by Mesdames A. (1. Sampson, Blaikie, Sole, Clifton, Whitehead, and Balson, who also provided a most enjoyable afternoon tea, after which Mr. S. Whitehead, as chairman, presented the prizes, with a happy little word «-f praise and encouragement for each recipient. It was regretted that through indisposition. Miss Orr, the teacher, was unable to be present. The day proved a strenuous one for the school committee, Messrs. P. Hansen, N. Clifton, and H. Piko, who carried out the sports programme. Ti e winners of the different events are as follows: Big Boys’ Race.—Sydney Sole 1, Norman Fincham 2. Tug-o’-War.—Won by Rua Toss’ team. Big Girls’ Race. —Bellec Sampson 1, Dorrie Whitehead 2. Small Girls’ Race.—Dorothy Fincham 1, Mary Williscroft 2. Three-legged Race (girls).—Belle Sampson and Olive Fincham 1, Dorrie "Whitehead and Ida Hansen 2. Three-legged Race (boys).—Ray Whitehead and Norman Fincham 1, ,T. Williscroft and Rua Toss 2. High Jump.—J. Williscroft 1,4 ft. lin. ; Rua Toss 2.4 ft. Hop. Step, and Jump.—Ray Whitehead 1, 28ft. sin. ; Jimmy Ripu 2. Sack Race.—Rua Toss 1, J. Williscroft 2. Small Gifts’ Race.—Jane Taylor 1, C. Waterson 2. Running Long .Turnip.—Rua Toss 1, Jimmy Ripu 2. After the distribution of prizes a happy lot of youngsters wended their way homewards, looking forward to six weeks’ unalloyed bliss (school holidays). On Friday, 16th inst.. the pupils of the Awakino school held their annual picnic, and both parents and scholars spent a particularly happy time. We have Veen unable to obtain the results of the different races and competitions in time for this issue, but shall report them in our next. On Thursday evening, December 15, a school concert, followed by a farewell dance and presentation to Miss W. Chapman, their teacher. who has been transferred to the Central School, New Plymouth, was held in the Awakino Hall. That does not mean that the people of Awakino were tired of Miss Chapman, nor she of the<m. but that she desired a postion nearer to her parents, who reside in New Plymouth. At the conclusion of the concert, which was a most enjoyable one, and which reflects great credit on both pupils and teacher, and also on Mrs. J. McNeice, who, in conjunction with Miss Chapman, carried •the kiddies through a pleasing and effec'ive i programme, but when we know that Mrs. McNeice is at the head of affairs "Nuff Sed!” Well, at the conclusion of ti e programme. Mr. L. Jones, chairman of t/ie school committee, presented Miss Chapman, on behalf of the jiarents, and her Awakino friends, with a

beautiful silver jewel case inscribed as follows: “Presented to Miss W. B. Chapman as a token of esteem from the people ofAwakino.” Mr. Jones said that it grieved them very much to part with Miss Chapman, wi-o. during her three years’ residence among them had earned t.fie respect and goodwill of all. As a teacher, she had more than done her duty, as the inspector’s report would show. He then read the report, and as he remarked, "It-would take a lot of beating.” The discipline and general work of the school was excellent, and out of 34 pupils, only 1 Lad failed ; »9 per cent. Not bad I In conclusion, he wished Miss Chapman, on behalf of the people and pupils of Awakino, every prosperity and success in her new sphere/ Miss Jean Galvin then, on behalf ot the pupils, presented Miss Chapman with a beautiful silver purse (a most elegant little article), and in a few well-chosen words said how sorry they were to lose Miss Chapman, and how she had earned their lore and respect, which she would carry with her wherever she went. Miss Chapman was also the recipient of a framed photograph of the school, with herself and pupils, presented to her on the pupils' behalf by little Miss Battley. Miss Jean MacGregor then presented her with a glorious bouquet. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mi.« Chapman, and after the singing of “She’s a Jo! y Good Fellow,” she rose to reply to the cries of “Speech ! Speech!” Mias w Chapman, who was visibly affected, said she was sorry to part from her pupils and from the people of the district, who had been so good to her during her stay amongst them. In regard to the sucit very handsome presents they iiad given her that evening, she thanked them most sincerely for their expressions of goodwill towards l er. In regard to the school, she had simply done ler duty. She hr 1 no words, she said, in which to adequately express her thanks and appreciation of the great cordiality and kindness shown her on this occasion. Wherever she went she should never forget Awakino and its people, and she concluded by wishing them all prosperity and happiness during the future years. Three hearty cheers were again given, and after this, a dainty supper was partaken <>f by children and parents. Mr. •Jones also accorded a hearty vote of thanks to the children for their very fine concert programme, and to all those who had in any way contributed towards the success of the evening. Dancing was then indulged In to the best of music, provided by Mesdames McNeice and Christofferson, while extras were contented by Mesdames W. D. Thomson and W. Avery. The concert programme was as follows. Opening chorus, “Our Holidays,” by pupils; recitation. “When Pa Begins to Sir e,” Ray McGregor; character song, “The Chinaman,” pupils; solo and chorus, “The Gipsy Girl,’ Frances Northern : song, “Marching,” boys: action song, “Swing Song,” pupils; fancy dance, “The Daisy Chain,” girls; song, “Winter,” boys; fairy song. “Lullaby,” pupils; duet and chorus, “The Drummer Boy,” Frances Northern and Jean McGregor; recitation, “The Cat's Tea Party,” infants; song, “The Briny,” pupils ; finale, “Goodnight,” company. . , , r To your correspondent’s idea, the gems oi rhe evening were “The Daisy Chain,” “When Pa Begins to Shave,” and “The Drummer Boy ” in which the last item Mr. McGregor's little son Lyle, in his fetching little uniform, won the hearts of all. In tiie “Daisy Chain special mention must be made of Miss Madge Wolfe’s dainty posing and dancing, as also Miss Frances Northern and Jean MsGregor. On Friday, December 16, in the Mokau Hall, a farewell' social was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Sid Erickson, who are leaving to reside in Fiji Visitors were present from al! parts of the’ district, and a very pleasant evening was spent in dancing and song. After a tastv supper -was done full justice to, Mr. j L McDonald, on behalf Of the people of tie ilstriet, presented Sir. and Mrs. Erickson w’tl- j voluaOle travelling rug. He said that dnrlnrf Mr. and Mrs. Erickson’s resulep.-e amonlst them, they bad always done thrar hit inwards helping things along; He would say a special word lor Mrs. Erickson, who. taker sunny disposition and litadllness ot heart, load done so much towards brightening the lives ot tltv.se with whom she had come m eont.-tet. and who also had always been so generous in giving her ns,Waner towards any social function ttait had beep held in 'll*' district In nil the \years she had been Jivjng amongst them. i,e 'had never heard anyone say one word aginst fier. which was a recorc for Mokau. He then ’called for three cheers for Mr- and Mrs. Priekson. which \yas heartily responded 10, and “FbtVrhey Are Jolly Goad Fellows” was sung wiili x a. vim and energj' good io hear. Dancing w.ts hhen resumed till 2 or 3 in t> " morning. Duffing the evening songs wore sung W J? - 'Vardell 4'’° Geo. Thomas, which were Aieartlly encorea. and .we must say w-.- have never fieai'd rh<>B'' gentlemen in better voice. / Mr. Erickson was also fl e recipient of •* fefttj.daome presentation from? Hie shearers and shepherd* .of Mohakatino Ration in the shape of a solid silver .teaj»ot aijl hot-water jug. Tourists arc l)<?giiuijn.g ip <* ome i,l ” n 7, way. “Messeuget” und -yaumateinaire are

not too good yet for navigation by car, but they are improving day by day. The up-river folk are holding one of their enjoyable dances in Mr. McKeown’s woolshed on New Year’s Eve. Again we wish the editor and staff a happy and prosperous New Year. DOUGLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual school children's fancy-dress bail was held in the Douglas hall on Wednesday evening, Dec. 14, and was an unqualified success, tiie hall being tilled to its utmost capacity by children, parents and friends. The fancy dresses were a most varied assortiment, and special mention is de served by little Albert Gishard, who was dressed as a tramp and acted the part to perfection. The following is a list; Misses Eileen Rodgers, “Starlight Fairy”; Jean Needham, “Japanese"; Dolly Bunning “Belgium”; Louie Walter, "Oranges and lemons”; Bessie Walter. “Maori”: Katlilcen Gouch “French”; Betsy Bunning, “Sea Fairy” I Evelyn WilmshUrsf. “Dutch girl”; Malanie Gichard, “Witch' ; Mabel Rodgers, “Mother Goose”; Maud Rodgers, “Clown”; Maida Bunning. “Tolly”; Roma Newman, “Rainbow”;

Nellie Gouch, “Old Woman”; Rene Chapman, “Flower Girl”; Margaret. Harding, “Red Riding Hood”; Loraine Latham, “Fairy”; Patricia Needhaim, “Butterfly”; Mary Gooch, “Winter” ; Patricia Gooch' “Milk maid”; Bertha Key, “Pink Fairy”; Dorothy Rodgers, "Ragamuffin”; Edna Rodgers, “Spring”; Ascenetb Key, “Gipsy”; Ivy Gishard, “Little old woman”; Mollie Needham, "Good-night”; Nora Gooch, “Autumn”; Edna Phillips, “Ballet Dancer”; Phillis Harding, “Keep off the Grass”; Kathleen Schwieters, “Christmas

Tree” ;. Ernie Walter, “Egyptian” ; Chris, Wilmshurst, “Satan”; Ted Rodgerji, “Tweedledum”; Tom Smith, “Graduate”: "Willie Gichard, "Chinaunan”; Eric McLellan, /’Maori”

Willie Gooch, “Sack of Potatoes”; Alfred Phillips, “Dutch Boy”; Reg Phillips, “Father Christmas”; Arthur Smith. “New Zealand”, James Chapman, “Swagger”; Clem Chapman, “Clown”; Dan Gooch, ’Boy Scout”; Ted Smith, “Clown”; Alfred Gichard, “Tramp”; Frank Latham, “Little Boy Blue”; Teddie Reader, “Doctor”; Herbert tyjlmshurst, “Butterfly”; 1 Cecil Gooch, “Dunce”; Kenneth Lathaim, “Tennis Player”; John Wilmshurst, “Japanese”; Maurice Rogerson, “Cupid." During the evening Miss E. Wilmshurst sang. “Baggy Breeches,” the other children joining in the chorus. Dancing was indulged in by the children until 10 o'clock, and the variety or dances and the style of the dancers “some of them little tots” speaks Well for the training given them by their teachers (Misses Westrup and Woulfe), and young lady assist-* an s. Miss D. Wilmshurst played excellent dance music for the children’s dance, and Master Chris Wilmshurst made a very good M.C Before supper the prizes were presented by Mr. C. Needham, secretary of the School COinimittee, each scholar receiving one, and it was a pleasure to see their happy faces when they heard their names called. There were also a number of first prizes for each standard, and also some specials for marked ability in certain subjects. Master Tom Smith was presented with a gold medal as dux of the school. Tennis is again in full swing, the club being fairly strong, and it is Loped to have the present day court asphalted in the autThe local dairy farmers are now feeling the advantage of having a dual plant. URUTI. (From A Correspondent.) The Uruti bazaar in aid of the Anglican Baek Block’s Mission .was a very great success. Several cars came through from New Plymouth, Waitara, and Urenui, and it was a very unusual sight in Uruti to see the big number parked by tiie side of the road. The president of the Back Blocks Mission Committee (W. J. M. Butt) introduced Mrs. O. H. Burgess. 0.8. E., who in an appropriately worded address, told her auditors how very pleased she was to open the bazaar, and how the Victoria League, of which she was president, were always so glad to help Uruti, who in the war days bad helped the Victoria League so readily in their patriotic work. “That work,” she said, “would never be forgotten.” Mrs. Burgess then declared the bazaar open, and a tiny tot of three years, ALma Davies, toddled forward and presented a glorious bouquet of pink and white stock and Areiideacon Evans explained the purpose of the bazaar, i.e., to help the stipend fund, and said in time he hoped it might be big enough to support another mission er, who was really badly required. The committee had draped the hall with lines of flags lent by the Victoria League, and paper flower decorations (made by the Uruti school children) with lycopodium made each stall a charming picture. The Uruti stall had peach blossoun decorations, and a heavily laden counter. This stall was presided over by Mesdames C. Butt, R. J. Nicholls and Miss Geddes, and, cleared £l5. The country produce stall (bamboo foliage and laburnum) was attended to by Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Mr. George. The St. Mary’s school sweet stall was an arched tower ot' the two blues and silver — the school colors—with a large budge crowning all. Ex-girls of the school (the Misses Averil. Faith, and Larsen) presided over this, and wore assisted by Misses Bremer and Litt (of New Plymouth). Somd of the visitors ' present said it was the prettiest stall they had ever seen. Ti e surprise packet stall, draped in white, was looked after by Mesdames Alpc, Larsen, and Agate; soft drinks Mesdames Douglas, Banks, and J. Miller; bran tubs, Mesdames George and Mills. Father Christmas was present and was assisted, by Mrs. C. Barnitt to unload a gorgeous tree to a crowd of happy i youngsters. Mr. Freeth (Pukearuhe), assisted by Mr. Hal. Larsen and J. Kelly took turns, as doorkeepers, and Mr. and Mrs. Tubrey, assisted hy Misses Freeth (2), Alpe. Mcßae, and K. Murray, were in charge of the competitions. Mr. Erni, of Pehu, cleared £4 17s <3d for his sheep and weight-guessing comI A special word of praise Is due to Mrs. I ..vies and her efficient staff, consisting of i Mesdames Radcliffe, Woods, Ray Johnstone, A. J. Smith, Watson, and boys. The tea room walls and ceiling were entirely hidden by big tree ferns and lycopodium, and the refreshments were very daintily served. Over £9O was taken during the day. A beautiful doll, donated by a young Victoria Leaguerer, brought in £1 7s, and .was won by Mr. Kelly. The secretary (Mrs. H. Larsen, of Pehu) wishes to thankfully acknowledge donations of £2 2s from The Budget, and £1 10s and Christmas tree goods from the News. £5 and many cases of goods and toffee from Victoria League, fruit salad Mrs. Burgess, £5 14s 6d and goods from Pukearuhe. Ti e Uruti cake (made by Mrs. Agate) was won by Miss Dempster; Uruti Ford cake ■'made by Mrs. Alpe) by C. G. Cocksedge. Pehu; the Tangitu cake (made by Misses Larsen) by C. Spooner, Matau.