ALEXANDRA NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2275, 8 February 1887, Page 2

ALEXANDRA NEWS.

« The school children's annual picnic came off on Friday last, in the grounds of Mr Jones, of the Junction Farm, Pnnin, Kindly granted by that gentleman. Mr Collier, the schoolmaster, with Mrs Collier, had taken every precaution that, with fine weather, the day's outing should be a pleasant one. Fortune favoured them; the weather was all that could be desired, and under the pine trees it was simply delightful. The ladies of the settlement had gone in heart and hand co assist, and the trays provided and attended to by them were most liberally supplied with excellent refreshand the fruits of the season. In this important part of the day's pleasure the youngsters and many of the parents who were present were most assiduously attended to by Mesdames G. Harper, A. Smith, Sage, Walker and Bayliss, most ably assisted by the lady teaohers, Miss Fidler, Miss Finch and Miss Burns. Those young ladies had also been most active in collecting the contributions. The Alexandra Brass Band was present, and dances on the green were merrily engaged in. All kinds of athletic sports, foot races, &c, for which prizes were provided, were keenly contesced for by the young people., under the superintendence of their popular eotn-marider-in-chief, Mr Miles, and their equally respected teacher, Mr Collier. Thanks are due to Messrs A. Smith, Finch, Sage and Garmonsway, who provided conveyances for the pupils. At the close of the day hearty cheers were given for all, for Mr Jones and family for the use of the ground, and the promoters for the day's treat. Saturday's and yesterday's rain has been most beneficial in this part of the district. It was badly wanted. The Ngatihaua natives, relatives of Tu Tawhiao's widow, Te Rei, a daughter of the late chief William Thompson, have bought and erected over her late husband's grave at Whatiwhatihoe a very handsome carved tomb in the ok' native stvle. As a specimen of native art, of which there are few professors left in existence, it is well worth seeing.—(Own Correspondent, February 7'h-i