RUAPUKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1402, 28 June 1881, Page 2

RUAPUKE.

This first; concert which has ever been sjiven in this district, was held in the Ruapuke school-room on the 17th init. It was given for the benefit of the Ruapuke library fund, and pioved a great success. In a pecuniary seuse, it more than fulfilled the anticipation^ of the committee. Great pains had evidently been taken by the committee to leavo no stone unturned which would brinsr about a favourable result ; and I was pleased to see that their efforts were crowned with success. Mr Duncan, chairman of the school ' ommittee, occupied the chair. After having explained to the meeting the object for which the concert was given, and hoping that they would all enjoy themselves that night, he proceeded with tho programmes, which was as follows :—: — Son;?, Mrs. McGavin ; Reading, Mr Johnstone ; song,Alissßiahop ; Recitation, Miss Oldham: J>ong, Mr. YV. Liddell ; Recitation, Mr Johnstone, junr ; Song, Mrs. McGavin ; Recitation, Mr. Duncan ; Song, Mr Johnstono ; Reading, Mr. Duncan ; Song, Miss Bishop ; Song, Miss Johnstone. Considering that several of the above performers m;ide their first appearance in public as singers on the night of the concert, I will offer no criticism on their maiden efforts. It would be neither polite nor wise ; as on a future occasion I may hazard an opinion on their performances, this time I will withdraw from doing so Suffice it to pay that as a rule tluy performed their parts well. The chairman, before leaving the chair, announced that another concert will be given on the 15th prox, the proceeds to be again placed to the credit of the Ruapuke library fund. After the concert, most of those present determined to still further enjoy themselves, prepared the school -room for dancing, which they kept up till an early hour. On the 21st inst. a presentation of prizes given by the Scriptuic Gift Association to the scholats attending the Ruapuke school took place in the schoolroom. The parents and friends of the children were piesent, The presentation of the prizes was conducted by W. Duncan, E»q., J.P. Before the ceremony of presenting he gave an address to the scholars upon " Education and the application of id to practical purposes." He also took occasion to refer to the generosity and liberality of tho Association who had aent the prizes, and passed a higher encomiums upon them for the energy which they displayed in their wishes having for its object the improvement of the youth of this colony. Tho agricultural aspect of the district at present is of the most promising description. The young grass as a rule looks splendid. The stock on mo t of the f ( arms are in thriving condition, and generally speaking farming operations are being carried on with much vigour. For borne time there has been no school held in Raglan, there having been no teacher appointed since the resignation of Mr. Pegler 1 have just heard, however, that Mr. Horsey, lately of the Aratapu School,has been appointed and will arrive here by first steamer. I wi&h him much sxiccess and hope the scholars attending the Raglan School may make much progress with their studies under their new master. — (Own Correspondent, June 25.)