OTAKI and DISTRICT

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 January 1917, Page 3

OTAKI and DISTRICT

ITEMS r»OM OTAKI (MAIL. At the last meeting of the Manakau Patriotic Society there was a .Ml muster of the committee, all of who/m evinced considerable interest in the proceeding. It was reported that the '■( Jlectora WSffil Irfcill doing .good work. The resignation of Miss Ada -Burnell, who leaves shortly for 'Wellington, was 'received with regret. The vacancy will be filled 'by Mrs Burn ell. . The question of appointing delegates to re-"' ■present Manakau at the Oounty scheme was held over, pending the election of new officers'. It was decided to hold, the annual meeting on Friday evening next, when it is hoped there will be a large attendance of the public. A number of trophies of war brought from the front by Capitiain Pirimi Tnhiwi, aire at present on view in Mr A. E. Anderson's window, Otaki. It is understood that the erection of a hundred shelters or more at Otaki for the benefit of invalided soldiers will bo proceeded with at an early date. A number for female patients, who may have occasion to bo treated at Otaki, may also bo erected. The appointment of a resident doctor will also probably be mads at an early date. Corpl. J. J, Davison, in acknowledging goods sent from New Zealand, advises friends of soldiers to pack in «ii'-tight tins, otherwise- edibles, and even rigarettes, arrive in London and Franco covered in mildew, quite useless. Writing from France on November 27t,1i lie said the mud was very plentiful, rain frequent, and the cold intense—so much so that woollen goods sent from New Zealand were most acceptable. It had taken him nearly a year to reach France from New Zealandl, but in the meantime he had had a good training, a good time, and above all, (retained his perfect health. The trip from Salisburjy Pi'ain to France was a splendid one. On arriving at the latter place' he was at once impressed, by the work women were doing —they had turned their hands to all sorts of work, and made on© easily realise that a war was in progress. Among his mates was Hector McDonald, but he regretted to say that Charlie Howe, at one time a representative hockey (player of the Horowhenua dibtirict. was ini hospital with, a leg off. There were plenty of canteens about the camp, but things generally were dear, while French girls sold chocolates, appdes, etc., but soldiers were not supposed to buy from them.