TAONUI. SCHOOL TREAT.

Manawatu Times, Volume VIII, Issue 158, 11 January 1883, Page 2

TAONUI. SCHOOL TREAT.

This interesting event took place yesterday, and was v pionounced success. We regret our reporter reached the schoolhouse rathei*- late, hence our report- is not so perfect as it would otherwise have been. The school children, of whom there are 36, were reinforoecl for the day by a crowd of youngsters f rom. all parts, and about 150 juveniles sat^down to the excellent tea provided. The met early m the day, and at midday lunch was provided, large quantities of ginger beer, milk, &c, having been got ready, as -well as piles of sandwiches, cakes, &c The day Was occupied m, outdoor sports, races, &c, and a merry-go-round which had been obtained; from Pal-, merston appeard to afford- infinite amusement. In the afternoon a prize was given to every ch#d in'the school, not on account of work done, the school having beeu re-opened only a few weeks under" Mrs Astbury, but as an encouragement to. diligence and regular attendance. These were distributed by the Rev. Mr Wilson m the absence of; Mr Skerman, the Chairman of the Committee ; also, three prizes for attendance at the Sunday school, which is quite undenominational. The Rev, Mr. Wilson also gave a speoial prize for a foot race, which was won by Henry Asthury. During the afternoon the children sang, " Child's First Grief," and «' Hold the Fort," and also " Grace before Meat." while after tea they wouud up with God Save the Queen. A special feature of the treat was a Christinas tree, covered with fancy and interesting interesting articles, iv connection with wiiich the Gaming and Lotteries Act was broken, the prizes being drawn for by lot. ' The best prize, a large doll, was won by a little girl, Amy Brogden, who was carried out with her prize m her arms. A large number of parents, visitors, and friends, were present, and greatly enjoyed the good things provided, and also the amusements of the children. The ladies who. chiefly took the affair m hand and carried.it out so successfully were Mesdanies Collins, Membery, Lovelock, Copper, Brogden, Donald, * Gore, Misses Nellie and Clara Collins, and last but not least the teacher Mrs Astbnry, who was.mpsfcindefatigable all day. We are requested to mention Messrs Walter Mes ted, George Gedge, and Henry Astbuxy, as having greatly assisted during the day. On the whole the affair was. a thorough success, and the dance, which began about 8 o'clock, and continued for several hours, formed a pleasant wind up to the day's proceedings. Several Palmerston people went out to the dance, the music for which was supplied by Mr Petersen, and evidently enjoyed themselves greatly