PROVINCIAL CENTRES. (From Our Special Correspondents.)

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 859, 4 July 1910, Page 6

PROVINCIAL CENTRES. (From Our Special Correspondents.)

RANGATAUA. A concert and dance were held in Watchorn's new buildings, Rangataua, on Thursday, June 23, and a very successful event it . proved. Long before ' the advertised time of commencing, the hall was packed, over 300 people being present. Mr. Saunders occupied the chair, and, in his opening remarks, expressed pleasure at tho large attendance, and emphasised the fact that it was an urgent necessity that the erection of a town hall should bo proceeded with as soon as possible. Had it not been that Mr. Watehorn and the contractors for the building (Messrs. Solleft Bros.) had kindly given the committee the use o£ the spacious shop, it would have been an impossibility to have accommodated the people present that evening.

The programme was as follows:— Part 1: Piano'duet, Miss M'Kay and Miss Mackay; doll song, school children; song, Mr. Stevenson; recitation, Mr. Tyler ; song, Mrs. Powell; song, Mr. Taylor; duet, in character, Mrs. M'Kay and Miss Brothers; harp solo, Miss Sanderson; song, Miss Mackay; song in character, school children. Part 2: Piano tluct, -Mrs. M'Kay and Miss Brothers; song in character, school children; song, Miss Brothers; recitation, Mr. James; song, Mr. Stevonson; duet. Miss Mackay and Mr. Taylor; song, Mr. Tyler; song, Mr. 'Handle; song, Mr. Taylor; song, Mrs. Powell: song, Mr. Ycarbury; song, comic, Mr. Sanderson. A number of the singers: and school children were encored, and every item was thoroughly enjoyed. Before singing "God Save tho King," the chairman, again thanked the people for their attendance and also the committee, particularly the musical committee, and the performers for their assistance in making the concert such a success. At 10 p.m. the hall was cleared for dancing, and fully 50 couples took the floor for the first waltz. Supper was served at midnight, and, at 1.45 a.m., tho M.C. (Mr. Randle) announced the last dance, and with this ended the most enjoyable entertainment ever held in Kangataua. The committee were as follow:—Mesdames M'Kay and Sigley, Miss Mackav, Messrs. Saunders, M'Kay, Taylor, Yearburv, and Sigley. About .£l6 was collected, and of this sum half will l>e devoted to the school funds, while the other half will bo set aside as the nucleus of a fund for purchasing a piano for the future, town hall.

SHANNON. Gardner's Hall, Moutoa, was packed on Friday night when a valedictory "social" was tendered Mr. and Sirs. John Walden, who are leaving to reside in Auckland, after a residence of from 40 to 50 vears at Moutoa. Mr. Walter Carter 'was in the chair, and Mr. A. Saunders, on be- *« ?- lOSC Profit and of the residents oi tho district, referred to the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Walden were held. UP. Tho's. Bowe, another old resident, then: presented Mr. and Mrs. Walden with a handsomo marble timepiece, a set of carvers, and other silverware. The ensuing "social" and dance were greatly enjoyed, an attractive programme being submitted

MASTERTON. The funeral of the late Mr. W. Rooks, ono of the oldest aud most respected members of tho local railway staff, took placo this afternoon, and was very largely attended. Deceased was a member of the local Court of Foresters, and was buried with Court honours. The Masterton Savage Club held its first korero last night, and the function was very successful. Dr. Cook has been elected president of the club.

FEATHERSTON. A Literary and Debating Society which has lately been started in Featherston held its first meeting on Fridav night. It lias, considering tlio size of Featherstoft, a large number of members, and judging by tht> enthusiasm displayed and the excellence of the addresses given, both in matter and delivery, it should have a successful career. • At time of writing (Friday) it has been raining steadily for the past twelve hours, with every appearance of continuance, and as the rivers and creeks in the district are already considerably swollen, the prospect of Hoods is not altogether a remote ono.

GREYTOWN. Marriages appear to be tho order of tho day at Alorison's Bush, near Qreytown just now, quite a number of these being now in prospect. The Borough Council meets on Monday, when the Works Committee' is to report concerning tho opening up of inoro roads. In tho early days several road-lines were laid off, but never used, and have since been fenced in. The council now intends to resumo possession of some or ail of them.