“Gazette” District News

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4435, 3 July 1922, Page 3

“Gazette” District News

NGATEA. FANCY DRESS BALL. The scene was bne of animation at the Ngatea. Public Hall last Thursday evening, when the local football club held a fancy dress ball in aid. of their funds. The hall Jhjad been well prepared by an energetic band of workers. Though the decorative scheme was a modest one, it was effective, the coloured paper lengths adorning the stage end of tihe hall lending a splash of colour, and blending, well with many gaudily attired and some grotesque looking figures. The floor proved a good dancing surface, anl the bright, evenly-timed music of Mr. Henderson’s (Waitakaruru) orchestra left little to be desired. Though only about 30 of tjhie 110 guests appeared in fancy costume the ball can be voted a success. The majority of the ladies came fancily attired. but it is a matter for regret that the gentlemen did not enter into the spirit of the evening and wear some garments which were other than their “Sunday best.” At all events the function passed off successfully and was thoroughly enjoyable. The balloon dance attracted more t,han usual interest and created much amusement. Long befjore the music struck up for ilh'is event occasional bangs denoted that some unfortunate gentlemen were already put to the expense of an additional sixpence to purchase another balloon. The dance itself was highly amusing, both for the participants and hhe onlookers. One by one the balloons burst, until only half a dozen couplies were left tc contest the final stages in a very small area. After some considerable time, with no more "casualties,” it was decided to award the prize to Miss McConnell and Mr. Bailey, Miss McConnell’s balloon being the most highly inflated, and therefore the easiest target. During the evening Mrs. Potter and Miss Lux played extras. Messrs J. Banks and D. A. Vincent were M.C’s. The prizes for the fancy dresses were awarded as follows: Ladies: Miss Bratlic (Norwegian) 1, Mrs. J. Banks. (Snowdrop) 2, Mrs. Potter (Harem) 3. Gentlemen : Mr. S. Phillips (Old Identity) 1, Mr,. A. McConnell (Gargoyle) 2. Mr. J. Banks (Ciown) .3. Others who appeared fancily attired were : Mesdames Mantclow ("Muscle raiser”), T, Clark (Gypsy), Wheeler (Starlight), Foote (Ngatea rep.), Misses Mungall (Jockey), M. McConnell (Indian squaw), E. McDuff (Pierette), Lux (Good luck), Dunwoodie (Sailor), D. Faulkner (Gypsy girl), Nelson (Cornin’ through the Rye), R Hilfjprd (Quaker), E. Hilford (Waitress), M. Smith (Lieutenant), E. Jones (Pierette), and Irwin (Dolly Varden). The gentlemen were: Messrs Jim Banks (Clown), Buckley (Baker), and Titchener (Australian Gin).. SCHOOL INSPECTOR.

Mr. C. R. Munro, school inspector, visited Ngatea school on Wednesday. He expressed satisfaction’ at tjiie ruling conditions except the overcrowding difficulties, which he considered to be an urgent matter- Something should be done to relieve the congestion. The inspector went on to Waitakar.uru early on Tlhiursday morning. ROAD METALLING. The metalling ofi the Orchard. East Road is proceeding rapidly, the blue metal having been put down as far as Mr. McDuff’s residence. There has recently been a shortage of the red metal, whiah: is used for binding the surface, and there is now a considerable. stretch of over a quarter of. a mile between Messrs McDuff’s and Shultz’s residences that has no red metal, and consequently is in a rough state for rubber-tyred traffic. The workmen are now awaiting a load of loose red metal. The tramline has undoubtedly beep a boon in this road work, It is a quick and highly efficient means of transport which does not damage the road surface.

KEREPEEHI. POWER POLES. A gang of electric power board mon are engaged in making ready the poles ter the electric power. The poles are already erected as far as the Kerepeehi corner. The Board's lorrie had the misfortune to get stuck about, half way ’between Ngatea and Kerepeehi a few days ago' The heavy vehicle went through' a soft portion of. the mtetalled road and it was only with a great deal ofi‘trouble that the lorry was able to proceed. A LARGE FLOOD-GATE. A th rec-barrel flood-gate, the largest yet attempted by the Lands Department on the Hauraki Plains, is at present in the course of construction at Kerepeehi. The concrete work has just commenced. The flood-gate is a huge affair, occupying a large space in '.ho ground. It is 44ft long and has an outlet 27ft in width, while it is between 12ft and 15ft deep. Birch piles anl "toms” are being used in the work.

WAIKINO.

SOCIAL AND EUCHRE TOURNAMENT. On Friday last a grand social anl euchre tournament, the first of the season, organised by the Catholic Social Committee, was held in the Victoria Hall, Waikino, Although unfavourable weather prevailed fibers were over 150 present. The floor was in splendid condition and the hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion.. At 8 p.m. the first waltz took place, with music from, Mr. Turner’s orchestra, in whicfi. all participated. The M.C. was Mr. McSweeney, assisted by Mr. Quin. There was also a balloon dance fog two prizes, the winners being Miss .1. Shaw and Mrs. B. Payne, who tied. The winners of; the euchre tournament were Mr,s. and Mr. F. Hicks. Mr. A. Southberg was the judge. At 10.30 o’clock the adjournment for supper took place. E'xtras were played by Miss Hawkins, and Miss J. Shaw. There were visitors from

Waihi. Paeroa, and Karangahake present. During an interval between the dances.the presentation of prizes took place, being presented by Mr. Quin. The secreary of the function was Mrs. W. Bartlett, whose valuable assistance niade it a success.