DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4379, 17 February 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

PIPIROA. VALEDICTORY. On the eve of her departure for the Conning Girls' High School, Hamilton, Miss Mary Parfitt was entertain-! ed at a social evening on Friday. There was a large number present, practically every family .'n the district being represented. The guest of the evening was the recipient of a silver-backed hairbrush and comb, Mr F Wallis, on behalf of the school children and parents, making the presentation. Dancing and musical items contributed to the success of a very pleasant evening. ROAD METALLING. The work of metalling that portion of road from Dalgety’s corner for about a mile along the road towards Ngatea is proceeding very satisfactorily . With the aid of two engines and a number of trucks the metal is quickly brought from the wharf, where a large gang of men are ready to spread it. At present only a few hundred yards of road re-i main unmet,ailed.. When this is completed there will be. a good road between Waitakaruru and Pipiroa, and Ngatea. i . PA'IETONGA. ROAD TO PAEROA. Judging by the remarks of a speaker at a recent meeting at Patetonga, it is possible that a Patetonga deputation will urge that the proposed road to Paeroa should be put through without delay. Tn conversation with an official of the Lands Department a “Gazette ’ reporter has 'learned that there is little immediate prospect of the road being made, as it is contended that in winter months the land in that vicinity is covered .with water for miles around at a depth of six or seven feet. The reporter was led to believe, that until the intervening land between Patetonga and Paeroa is property drained there is little prospect of the road being formed. SOLDIER SETTLERS. Speaking at a recent meeting with reference to the - soldier settlers, Mr McLoughlin, of Kalhere, said that the returned soldiers along the tramline at' Patetonga were undergoing the greatest hardship. He admitted that those at Kaihere were not quite so badly off, but, to use his own expression, conditions along the tramline were cruel; A visit to the settlers in question by no means disproves Mr McLoughlin’s statement. It is seen at a glance that a great deal of work has been done on the soldiers’ holdings, but with little result. What little grass that has grown is patchy and full of wee<is. Those ex-soldiers .will tell you of the long, weary hours ofi toil they , have put in for the last two years, and of money spent; all of little avail.. It is little wonder, then, that these men are seeking relief from the Government. One admitted to a “Gazette” reporter recently that he had not paid any rent for his holding all the two years he had had it, simply because he did not have .the money and he could not make any from his (arm. There are numbers in a similar position.

TURUA. LIBRARY CONCERT. A large audience was treated to an exceptionally bright entertainment ii. the Victoria Hall, Turua, last evening, when a local pierrot troupe gave a concert in aid of the Library funds. Both ladies- and men were included in the party of 14 pierrots, the ladies appearing in black costumes relieved with gold and the men in gold with black stripes. About two dozen children with blackened faces took the part of little niggers. From start tp finish thie show went along with a swing, which reflects great credit on the performers and their organiser. The programme consisted mostly of chorus and spng, interspersed with antics which tickled the audience. A very pleasing . feature was the daintily decorated stage, which added a touch of beauty to the otherwise bare hall-. KEREPEEHI. PERSONAL. Mr E. Bold, Government, valuer for the Public Works Department, was in Kerepeehi during the week, valuing some native blocks there. NGATEA. SOCIAL EVENING. ' A social evening was held in the Ngatea Hall last evening by the Mutual Improvement Society.. The large attendance was very encouraging for the first social evening of* the newly-formed speiety, not only local residents attending, but a large number came from Kerepeehi, Ths first and last portions of the evening were devoted to musical items, the following contributing: Misses Jones and Vowles, Messrs H. Rowntree, Schultz, Wilson, Jamieson,Blacklaws-, Loader, and Jenkins, Miss Hillford played all accompaniments. A debate, “Is the World Growingl Better ?” was -held, the Rev. Blake more taking the affirmative and Mr C. Hutchinson the negative. These two speakers were allowed 10 mniutes to deliver their .speeches, and others wlio spoke were entitled to three mini utes. After the summing up by the leaders of the debate a vote was taken to decide which, side had put the case most forcibly, the affirmative gaining the decision by 29 votes to 27. Tt is intended on another occasion to hold a further debate, “Town vCountry,” ,Mr C. will support the town and Mr Davidson the country. NETHERTON. - VALEDICTORY. A large and representative meeting was. held at Mr Whisker’s house, Netherton. on Wednesday atfernoon, when the Presbyterians of the Nethen ton district farewelled the Misses Poulson, who are leaving for Auckland. Miss Poulson has acted as /Continued In next column).

Continued from; previous Column, pianist at the fortnightly siervices of the Presbyterian Church; On behalf of the Netherton congregation the Rev. F. McDonald presented her with a sunshine purse and her sister with a silver trinket box, and expressed the goodwill of the congregation towards them. Opportunity was taken of the large gathering *o form a ladies’ guild, in connection with ■ the Netherton congregation. Twentyseven members were enrolled, and officers elected as follow t Patroness, Mrs McDonald ; president, Mrs White; vice-president, Mrs Lockie ; secretary, Mrs Whisker ; treasurer. Miss White. The meeting also arranged for a picnic of the Netherton and Paeroa congregations and Sunday Schools, to be held in Mr Bennett’s paddock, Netherton, on March, 4. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and witli thanks to Mr and Mrs Whisker a very successful and enthusiastic gathering was brought to a close.