TENUI NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4964, 1 March 1895, Page 3

TENUI NOTES.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent), On Friday last tho opening of the Mnngapakaha School was commemorated by a picnic held in Mr Scholicld's grounds. The weather was mostdolightfiil,thonook selected very pretty and shaded by the bush. The attendance was large, inclmling a strong contingent of school children, and their parents of Tenui, who bad been invited. During the day games of various kinds wcrcimlulged in by old and young,who thoroughly * enjoyed themselves, and highly ap--9 predated thekindncssandhospitality ißh shown to them by their entertainers. V TheTenui Sclioolchildreu.conducted by Mr Joplin, their schoolmaster, sang several songs during the day, which were well received. Before the company sat down to tea advantage was taken to present Mr and Mrs Joplin with a handsome dinner-service and an illuminated address, given by the parents of (he Mungapakeba children who had attended the Tenui School, and received instruction under Mr Joplin. Mr Austin,, who made the presentation on behalf of the settlers, in his remarks said, he was pleased to sec so many present on the occasion of opening their school. He apologised for the absence of Mr Elder, who was unable to beprcsentasbe was on a journey, and the Rev. J. C. Andrew was too unwell to attend. Ho referred to the advantages obtained by the children attending school regularly, and trusted there would always exist a good feeling between both schools. He hoped the ntten-

(lance at the new school would in-

crease, and every encouragement he ■kjivon to their teacher—Mr Sinclair. ''Mr Joplin, in response, said he was surprised to he the recipient of such a mark of esteem, as lie thought he had done no more than any schoolmaster in the interests of his profession. He said he was glad that the Board had granted a school in the Mungapakeha district. He was always sorry for the children when they came such a long distance. He said he could not find words to express his and wife's gratitude for the kindness shown to them that day, and they would always look back with pleasure upon their friendly associations with the Jlungapakeha residents. The address and frame were the handwork of Mr Austin, upon whom they reflect great credit. The frame was made of splendidly grained honeysuckle, the inside edge king lined with gold. The inscription was as-follows:

To Mk and Mhs Joi'Li.v, Teuui. Dear Sir and Madam,—We, the undersigned parents of children, who have ttieeu attending your School, desire to Convey to you an expression of our hearty appreciation of your efforts on their behalt. The satisfactory progress made in their studies, indicates the care and attention you have bestowed upon them, while the interest you have always taken in them apart from their school duties, aiultho unvarying kindness they have ever met with at your hands have gained for you the affection and esteem of all. "Wishine; you cordially all happiness for this, andmauy corainß years we ask your acceptance of the accompanying little present as a slight token of the respect and regard in which you are held by us. -We arc dear Sir and Madam, faithfully yours, Signed Joseph Schoficld, T.J. Deauc, F.F.Smith. Cheers were given for the guests, ladies, and the schoolmasters. TheTenui children were conveyed to the picnic and back in vehicles kindly lent by MessrsNicholls,Smith, iSchofield, Lawson (W.F.C.A.), and Hancock. Ample refreshments were provided by the Mungapakeha settlers. Too much praise cannot he given to the ladies, especially Mesdames Seholield, Dean, and » Smith, for their indefatigable efforts to secure the comfort of their guests, The school children returned at dusk, singing happily along the road, as if they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were well pleased with their day's outing. The Mungapakeha Hall was nicely decorated with ferns and toi-toi, interwoven into several devices, by Messrs Sinclair and McCluggage. Dancing was kept up till an early hour in the morning. The music was supplied by Messrs Lawson, Perry, J. and T, O'Connor, and Mulvay. Among the visitors to the picnic, were Messrs Nioholls, Perry, Langdon, Austin, Hancock, Berry, and Mesdames Nicholls, Perry, Hancock, Lawson, Wickstead, .Robinson, Berry, and Joplin. The Castlepoint Race Meeting will be held on Saturday next, There are numerous entries and about £BO in prizes.