DISTRICT NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3718, 2 January 1913, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS.

TOKOMARU SCHOOL PICNIC AND CONCERT.

[FROM OUR OWN , CORRESPONDENT) : . TOKOMARU, Dec. 29. The (Public School picuic was held on Thursday the 19tn irist. on The drickqt ground. It was a beautiful day anc\ The children had a most enjoyable time. Unfortunately the majority -of the committee was unable to be present. Messrs Oaths and Burdett, Committeemen, with the assistance of several parents and friends, did all they could for the youngsters. Between live and six pounds in cash was collected and distributed amongst the winner of the numerous events got off during the day. Ample food was provided £nd done justice to as usual.

On the following day Friday the distribution of'prizes toook place at the school, a number of parents and friends were present. , The Chairman of Committee (W. . Oates) again officiated at the distribution and in addressing a few remarks to those present complimented the teachers and scholars upon 'the good work done during the year and the high state of efficiency obtained by the school generally. Not a single complaint had reached the committee during the year, 1 and the teachers had worked with absolute loyalty to each other and to Fie school, to which fact is largely due the fortunate position the school is new in. Mr, Humphrey and Mrs deserve the highest praise for wh - - has been accomplished during the year. Mr Oates then" complimented the winners of the -mi-i----ons prizes and said a few kindly and encouraging words to the non successful ones, expressing the hope that many of them would be winners next year. />•"’- , Miss Consta ice Dates won Mr H. Fail-lew’s gold medal for dux with a good margin o’ marks, this pupil was runner up for -lux both previous years. Miss Dorotlr- Gauntlet, last year’s dux, was run - - up this year and received a, very nice trophy for second prize, this pupil also won the sewing prize for the upper divisions of the school, presented. by Mrs H. M. Fairlie. She was also awarded Hie prize for first plape in Standard VI. Miss C. Oates also won the prize for first place in Standard V, special recitation prize (very handsome volume of selected poeiiis) for upper division, and first class attendance prize.

Master W, Gauntlet was first in Standard IV., Miss 'Frances Burdett first in Standard 111., and first recitation, lower division. Master Parke Pittar first in Standard 11. and second recitation lower division.

MasfterNlorman Oates won Capt. Hoffev’s prize of 10s 6d for the-boy who had been most helpful to the younger pupils during the year, also the first for drawing upper division and first class attendance certificate and prize. Miss liinui Hooper won Capt. Hoffey's prize of 10s 6d for the girl who had been most helpful to the younger pupils, also first prize for best kept garden.

Miss Tangi Cookery first prize, for sewing, lower division. Master Jack Dawson was first for drawing in lower division. Miss Joiee Gardner was second for upper division recitation prize. There were six pupils who won first class - attendance certificates; viz., Norman and Constance Oates, Frances and Sydney Burdett, St. John Coventry, and Edward Howitson.

Ronald: Binder and Murray Hewitson gained second-class attendance cer. tificates.

Mrs Hemming’s prize for sewing in lower division went to Miss E. Burdett, the same lady’s prize .for best speller in lower division was won by Master Clifford War burton. At the conclusion of the distribution Mr S. J. Williams, in a verv

happy speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the committee and teachers. He told the children that the teachers and committee did a lot of hard work for them and'that it was their duty to 'do their' best in return.

The Chairman responded on behalf of the Committee, and in conclusion wished both teachers and pupils the compliments of the season and trusted they would all/be benefitted bv the holidays and return to work with re-

newed health and strength for the year’s work.

The. senior girls, before dispersing, very modestly made Mr Humphrey a handsome and valuable present, a beautiful fountain pen and filler and a pocket wallet. 'Hie second orchestral concert- was held the same evening, and was a financial success, two-thirds of the proceeds going to the school funds for conveyance of- children next winter from Waiura. The orchestra shows great improvement, and the membership is increasing.' The vocal items were splendid and Mr -Stan Prichard

deserves special mention.; Mr Lu Reed

as stage manager, etc., worked hard and to him is largely due the success obtained.

The farce (Sugar and Cream) was splendidly put on, and the acting was very good, Miss -Oates excelled in the leading lady parts. The management of the Freezing. Works- Picture Show kindly, lent their chairs and seats for the occasion. ,

. ‘PORT AWANUI. fBY TELEGJIAPy —SPECIAL COEIiESEONDENTI PORT AWANUI, Dec. -31. The weather here during the past week has been ideal for holiday mak--uig.

I have no shipping to report for this week in consequence of the heavy sea that has been running in spite of the good weather. • The Squall, from Auckland, was due to cal!, xbut was unable to do so owing to the roughness of the sea. She is expected to return from Tokomaru during the next week. The Rum is also expected from Napier with cargo ex Ripple. This boat will,work all the coast ports of call and will take wool to Tokomaru to be dumped and shipped to London. Four hundred hales will be sent from here.

Several of the local people left Port Awanui for the Christmas holidays, but there was a. fair number of visitors from stations J‘way hack.” A quiet .time was spent, unmarked by any happening to report. . The sport's at Tokomaru and Te Araroa on Boxing Day were attractions which drew several from this district.

Holy Communion was celebrated by the vicar at Kaharau on Christmas morning at HO o’clock, there being a large attendance. A notable feature of this service : -was the number of young .men from distant stations 'who were present. ; I went to Waipiro on Christmas Day, but have no special occurrence to

report from that centre. The country between here and YVaipiro is looking very dried up, and: the need of "Pain is much felt. The Christmas trade was very brisk all the stores on this Coast reporting record business: