DISTRICT NEWS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 679, 1 November 1921, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS.

PAERATA.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ SOCIAL

What was probably the most successful and enjoyable function of this nature yet held in was given by the Returned Soldiers on Saturday, the 22nd inst, A crowded: attendance was the result, a number being unable to gain access. 'The building in which the gathering was held presented a very gay and animated appearance, being beautifully decorated for the occasion with greenery, flags and streamers. Most striking and picturesque in decorative effect, and one that evoked pi any admiring comments, was that of a' large fac-simiie of the Returned Soldiers’ Badge suspended in the centre of a display of Allied flags and surmounted by the Union Jack, the glow of colours showing up in vivid and pleasing contrast, with the green of frond and foliage and white of overhanging streamers. The badge, the making of which ' displayed considerable artistic skill, was the work of a local returned soldier, whose artistic abilities have, in different respects, been • more th'an once in evidence in ,the past. In keeping with such surroundings, two long tables, stretched across the room and with glassware and dainty edibles, wherein the culinary and artistic abilities of the soldiers’ wives were displayed to full advantage.' The forepart of the evening was devoted to n short programme comprising musical items, songs and recitations, the contributors being Misses Mitchell, Dale (2), and A. Stewart, and Messrs McLeod, Alderton, Olsen and Ross. About 9.30 p.m, refreshments having been served, ( the floor was quickly cleared and dancing kept up with vim and animation until the approach of midnighf. . Before separating, Mr Jamieson, on behalf of the civilians present, thanked the retd rned soldiers for the evening’s entertainment. He congratulated them upon their social success, and felt himself on safe ground in promising them a return in kind in the near future. It was unnecessary to touch upon what our soldiers had done for us in .the late war, but we all know they had stood between us and horrors unspeakable, and he felt that the great attendance there that evening was a tribute jto their deserts. But in another sense that evening might be regarded as a red leitter event for Paerata; insomuch as it emphasised 1 to a greater degree than ever before, the pressing need for a hall in the district, and he tiusted that as a result of that evening s experience some means might be devised for the erection of such a building. Three rousing cheers were then given for the returned soldiers, and the proceedings veiy shortly after terminated, The conveners Wish-to convey their (thanks to Mr and Mrs Millar for the loan of the piano, Mr Cannell, of Pukekohe, and Mr Olsen for supplying the music, and to loose ladies who assisted in preparing the supper and attending to (the tables.

PUKEKOHE EAST, A meeting of the committee of the Pukekohe East Hall was held last week, when Mr J. Ferguson presided over eleven members. The committee discussed the advisability of extending the supper room and providing it with up-ito-date conveniences. It was decided to hold a social and dance in aid of the above. Mr Ford kindly offered to supply timber on credit for one year if he can get same cut in time for the alterations, A working bee will be held shortly to erect a new tank and stand. pukekohe West. A pleasant little function took place in Parker’s barn, Pukekohe West, on Thursday last. During the wirfter a series of socials were held, all of which were highly successful and Thursday evening’s event acted as a “wind up!” Dance music was supplied by Misses F. Hewlett O. Jenkins, Messrs T. Jenkins, Hubbard, and Parker. Mr D. Shaw acted as M^C.' Vocal 'and instrumental items were rendered by Misses Malone (-)» V, Porter, O. Jenkins, Messrs Hubbard and Adams? while recitation was given'by Mrs 1 Adams. These items were well received. Supper provided by the ladies >%as dispensed, and duly appreciated, . During the ■ evening, bn behalf of patrons of the functions, Mr D- Shaw presented Mr and Mrs Parker With' a beauftiful arm chair as a mark of the esteem in which they were held, and in recognition of their action in placing the barn at the disposal *f local trippers oL the light fantasjtic. He also presented Mr T, Jenkins, who had supplied the music during the season, with a fountain pen in. recognition of his services. Both recipients suitably responded, stating that they had endeavoured to idb itheir best 'to make the events successful,. A- most enjoyable evening terminated shortly after midnight.