DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

OTAKEHO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The heavy political atmosphere which has, for the past few weeks, been hanging over this district has cleared somewhat, but it will be scene time before conditions return to normal and conversations turn to topics other than politics. The election of the Native candidate was held in the school house on Wednesday. All the Maoris from far and near gathered together and apparently managed very successfully to combine business with pleasure. Most of them brought their wives and families and spend an enjoyable day in the school grounds, sitting round with their pipes, in true Maori fashion, tlaking "politics.” What will probably be the last dance of the year was hold here a short time ago. In spite of the warm weather and the fact that this is a busy time for the farming community, at least, a very large crowd was present. The floor was in splendid order and excellent music was supplied by Mrs. Bradley (piano) and Mrs. McGarvie (violin), with extras from some of the local players. No comment need be made on the supper, which was In the capable hands of the ladles’ committee With reckless disregard for all the hard work to be done on the morrow, many danced right through the programme .and then, like Oliver Twist, "asked for imore.” But all good things must come to an end, and after "just one more extra” had been demanded and played several times, a happy evening was brought to a close. The nett proceeds, over £l6, were handed over to the school committee for the purchase of a canvas awning for the use of the school children in hot weather. At the recent proficiency examinations we are pleased to note that no less than six out of the eight candidates were successful in gaining their certificates. Mies A. O. McHardie, who for the past eighteen months has acted ns second assistant at the Otakeho school, left on Tuesday I te take up her duties at Qkau,