DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MAHOE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Climatic conditions at Mahoe and neighboring districts have lately been anything but seasonable, and farmers are experiencing the greatest difficulty in harvesting their crops of hay and oats. The holidays passed off very quietly for most of the local residents, fewer than usual journeying to the Stratford races. On Thursday last a social was held in the Mahoe Hall for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr. F. J. Cumberworth and family, who are leaving Mahoe. For the past eleven years Mr. Cumberworth has held the position of head teacher ot the local school, and is now retiring on superannuation after nearly forty years’ service with various education boards of New Zealand. In spite of the heavy rain, the hall was well filled, friends coming from far and near to show their respect to the guest of the evening. Vocal and instrumental items were contributed by the following: Pianoforte duet, Misses Astbury (Mangatoki); songs: Mr. Harris (Kaponga), Mrs. Bernard Cleland (Kaponga), Mrs. Mellow (Mahoe), Misses Astbury, Mr. L. A. Pool; humorous monologue, Mr. Chadwick (Kaponga) ; recitation, Mr. Stronge Taylor (Mahoe); instrumental

trio, (’cello, violin and piano), Mrs. Singleton (Mahoe). Miss M. Jones (New Plymouth) and Miss F. E. Mackenzie (Mahoe) ; violin solo, Miss M. Jones. All the items were well received, showing the appreciation of the generosity of the performers who braved the elements to do honor to our respected teacher. The songs, etc., were interspersed with dancing, for which excellent music was provided, the players inducting Mrs. Singleton (Mahoe), Mrs. McCarty (Kaponga), Misses Dowling (Wellington), Jones (New Plymouth), Mackenzie (Mahoe), Bennett (Kaupokonui) and Messrs. V. and A. Hickey and M. Brophy (Opunake). After a bountiful supper, provided by the ladies, had been handed round, Mr. G. Anderson, chairman of the school committee, after explaining the object of the gathering and eulogising the work of the retiring teacher, called on Mr. D. L. A. Astbury, as a resident of Mahoe and chairman of Mahoe School Committee from its inception until recently, to address those present, and also to make a presentation to Mr. Cumber-worth from parents and old friends. In a happy little speech Mr. Astbury traced the history of Mahoe School from its * infancy and expressed the pleasure he felt at being present that evening to do honor to his old friend. Mr. Cumberworth feelingly replied, thanking those present for their appreciation of his services. In speaking of the goodwill which had always existed between members of the various committees and himself, he spoke of the assistance they had afforded him in transforming the ground on which the school stands from a rough bush section to its present excellent condition, it being second to none in Taranaki. At the coclusion of this speech, Mr. Cyril Astbury, on behalf of the expupils, asked Mr. Cumberworth to accept a small memento from them and wished him many happy years of leisure. The boys and girls then rallied round their old teacher and bade farewell individually. At this unexpected proof of their affection Mr. Cumberworth was visibly affected. “For he’s a jolly good fellow” was then heartily sung, and dancing was resumed. The presentation from parents and residents took the form of £.s.d., that from old pupils being a case of Loewe pipes and tobacco pouch. The ladies’ committee is to be congratulated on the result of their efforts, the social being voted one of the best ever held in Mahoe. Members of other committees were Mesdames Corbishley, G. Anderson, A. Brown, Davy, Brewer, Cave, Kemp and Mackenzie. Mr. J. G. Mackenzie wan an efficient M.C.

Mr. S.‘A. Mann and family are spending the holidays at their beach cottage at New Plymouth.

Mrs. Brewer and her small children, accompanied by her sister, Miss Johnson, of Waikanae, have gone to recuperate on Opunake beach. Mrs. Dowling (Wellington), with her daughter, Miss Connie Dowling, and a small grandson, are visiting Mrs. Davy, Palmer Road.

Mrs. Mackenzie, Miss M. Jones,, of New Plymouth, who are visiting Mahoe, intend leaving soon for a short holiday at Dawson Falls. Mesdames Davy and Dowling, together with Misses Belle Davy and Connie Dowling, are also visiting the falls. Miss Dorothy Cumberworth (Wellington) is visiting her father at the school house. Miss Nancy Cumberworth went to Pio Pio to spend the vacation with her sister, Mrs. H. Paulger. Master Bryce Cumberworth is home for the holidays.

Mrs. Hathaway (nee Miss Anderson), of Fiji, accompanied by her daughter, is visiting her brothers, Messrs. George and Rhees-Anderson, Palmer Road.

Mr. and Mrs. G. Perrett, senr., are visiting their daughter, Mrs. Turner, at Kohi.

The. many friends of Mr. J. Charters will regret to learn that he. has been seriously indisposed. We hope he will soon be about again.

There have been several cases of mysterious sickness among adults around here lately. Several children, too, have been taken suddenly ill, those of Mrs. R. Jones and Mrs. J. Steiner having convulsions. No doubt the unseasonable weather is responsible for many high temperatures.