STAFFORD.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1917, Page 1

STAFFORD.

A SEND-OFF

(Our own Corresopndent)

A combined farewell social, tendered to Messrs 11. Blackmun (of Stafford), J ;Alar3ini (Goldsborough), and G. Barker (Aw a tuna), took place in Turner’s Hall last Friday night, when a large gathering assembled to bid farewell to the above named gentlemen wild are leaving lor the training camp a* Trotitham on Thursday morning next. Speeches were given by Messrs H. \V. Sandle, Lyons, Higgs and Bernhardt, the latter making a presentation of a- safely ra.zor each to Privates Blackmun and Martini and a wristlet watch to Private Barker; each of the recipients suitably responding. Dancing, which had been in full swing during the early of the 'evening, was resumed with vigor, the music being supplied by Airs Stewart and Miss Denniston, and Messrs F. Torley, F. Martini and AV. Blackmun. During the evening songs were, icrnlered liv Messrs J. Higgs and AY. Bernhardt. A bountiful supply of refreshments, provided by the young ladies, was done full justice to. The -singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and “God Save the King,” bringing a- most enjoyable evening to a. close. A BUSH FIRE. A bush fire, lit in close proximity to tllie Cemetery yesterday afternoon, found its way quickly into the top end of the cemetery, going right through some of the graves and even crossing the main footpath, a couple of very nice ornamental palm trees being completely destroyed. Luckily, however, the--grass, was- damp, through recent rains, or otherwise the fire would have spread further. A DAAI BURSTS. During the recent heavy rains, n large dam, known as the “Big Dam. situated about two miles from Goidshorough. and used by Air S. Perry, burst*. The water therefrom, on arriving at Goldsborough, completely washed away the soil and vegetables from the. gardens of Mesdames Fitzgerald and Gambirazzi. The water also passed through portion of the properties “f Messrs Cox and Torley. The bursting of tbe dam is\a great loss to AH Perry. EUCHRE A euchre tournament will ho held in the Literary Institute on next- Thursday night in aid of the funds of the above Institution.