ALEXANDRA

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2568, 25 December 1888, Page 2

ALEXANDRA

Tkk Kopua School.—The Native School at Kopua broke up on Saturday last, and celebrated the event as usual by a feast or picnic in the School grounds, which are admirably suited for the purpose. That the school has been a great benefit to the natives, none could doubt, at onoe, on the first view of the large number of children and their parents who attended. Their clean and respectably dressed appearance would compare favourably with any similar assemblage of Europeans in any part of tho Waikato, and all enjoyed themselves most thoroughly. Enod and delicacies that children love, were more than plentiful, healthy as were the appetites of those who attempted to consume them. Games of all kinds, race* and dancing were the order of the day, with plenty bf prizes for the competitors suitable for the winners of both sexes. The weather on the occasion was as if ordered for the occasion and left nothing to be desired. Mr and Miss Ireland, the schoolmaster and assistant, were indefatigable in ministering to their numerous visitors, and providing for the amusement of their scholars. That they are popular and beloved by their pupils was evident from the h'earty cheers and reckless manner the latter hurled their hats in the air as an ovation on leaving for their homes. The school committee were also present, and deserve thanks for the assistance they gave to Mr and Miss Ireland in promoting and manageing the affair. The Chairman (Mr Arthur Ormsby) and Messrs W. Hughes, Paratini, J. Cribb and W. Searancke warn of great assistance in the management of the sports, and Mr Cribb, the handicapper and starter, and head man of their revels, was a prime favourite among the juveniles, a position he really deserved for his untiring efforts to keep them amused. Altogether it was one of the happiest meetings of the kind among the many I have attended.—A meeting was held in the schoolhouse in the afternoon to appoint a school committee for the ensuing year, Mr A. Ormsby in the chair. Messrs A. Ormsby, W. Searancke, J. Cribb, W. Hughes and .T. Ormsby were elected for the office. Death of an Old Skttlei!.— Another old identity passed away last week—Mr Alexander Grant, who died on Tuesday last. Mr Grant was ono of the earliest settler* iiere, having purchased a large number of town acres from the men on the dKbandment of the 2nd Waikato Regiment. He was chairman of the Town Board for several years, but took no part in other public matters. He was 83 years of age, and was a superannuated servant of the English Government, and enjoyed, up to his death, a good pension. The deceased was married here a few years ago, and leaves a widow.