DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4460, 30 August 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

NGATEA. ORCHARD EAST ROAD. The metalling of the Orchard East Road is continuing as fast as tho metal arrives, and the red blinding is also* being spread. It is unfortunate, however, that while the tram lines are down the whole of the unmetalled portion of the road is not to be done. The Lands Department is authorised to spend only a small amount, totalling ebout £lOOO, and including £2OO offered by the County Council. The money available, it is estimated, will not do even half of the unmetalled' piece. This is an important road, and the shortest link between Ngatea and Tdrua. It should be completed if possible. Now that the lines are there it would be the better policy on the part of the Department to spend the money immediately than have the additional expenditure of laying the line again when it decides to, finish the job. “RAISING THE ROOF.” Another good attempt at “raising the roof” was made by a large number of Ngatea people in the public hall last evening, w.hen a very sue- 1 cessful community sing-song was held. Mr.G, T. Davidson occupied the chair, and Mr Hpbin conducted the singing, while Miss R. Hilford played the accompaniments. The betterknown pieces were sung heartily, and even “Abe” and “Mister Baggy Breeches,” at the suggestion of members of the audience, were struck up by the pianist and gone through merrily. Those which were not so well known, such as "Joggin’ along the highway” and "Come- to the fair,” were attempted, but the singing in these was not whole-hearted. The whistling of “Killarney” was by no means melodious, .the high notes in the last two lines proving too tempting for the shrill whistlers, but it was a source of amusement to the “boys” at the back. The verses of some of the songs and some delightful solos were rendered by the following: Mr,s Clark, Misses Irwin and Luks, and Messrs Titchener, Banks, Jenkins, and Hobin. Misses Norris and Kelly gave recitat’ons, while Mr Brosshanan gave a step-dance.

After supper some of the remaining refreshments were sold by “Dutch auction” by Mr G. T. Davidson. A very pleasant dance followed,. Mrs Potter playing the music and Mr S. Phillips acting as M.C. Mrs Clark obliged with an extra. HALL COMMITTEE. Representatives of the loqal hall committee met on Monday evening to complete formulation rules aud formalities, so as tp constitute the hall committee as a,n incorporated body. This’ course is being taken to safeguard the residents’ interests in the hall. NGARUA DREDGE. The Bucyrus dredge at Ngarua is working its way .down to the canal, and to enable' it to do its work Of widening the Piako River fqom' the Kaihere Landing more expeditiously an extension has been made tp the jib. The dredge can now work further away from the bank, which now is not in such danger of collapsing. KEREPEEHI. COMMUNITY SINGING. An hour's successful singing was enjoyed by about 100 of .the Kerepeehi people in the hall on Friday evening. The local tennis club had organised the sing-song which was followed by a dance, both entertainments going off verj' well indeed. The Kerepeehi people, however, were disappointed that none of the Ngatea folk took advantage of the launch which was run free specially for the occasion. The Kerepeehi people attended the Ngatea “sing.” finding their own launch, and think that Ngatea should have sent at least a few representatives to Kerepeehi ou Friday. Ngatea may possibly have one defence, and that is that Friday , was their picture night. However, among themselves y the Kerepeehi people had a most enjoyable time. The accompaniments were played by Mr H Booth, while Mr .1. Twist waved the baton. Mr W. Booth was chairman. The programme was a varied one, and the songs ranged from “Annie Laurie" to the more modern “Peggy ■ O’Neil,” while -.he round “Three Blind Mice” was the occasion of more than usual hilarity. Tr.e most popular item, was the singing of “John Brown’s Body,” which was done with such zest and such a number of jerky nods that many appeared fortunate to 7 retain possession of their heads. A dance concluded the evening’ successful entertainment. Mr H. Holcroft was M.C. During the evening Messrs H. Booth and, J. Twist gave a duet. KAIHERE. presentation. A social evening was held ip the Kaihere Hall to farewell Miss Pulman, the local postmistress. The werither conditions were at their worst, but a very successful function was held. Miss Pulman was the recipient of a suitable gift from the settlers as a mark of esteem and the high regard with, which she was held. Miss Cochrane is the new postmistress at Kaihere. ELECTORAL. At a recent meeting of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union Mr A. A. Ross (Country Party candidate for Thames Electorate) attended and delivered an instructive address on the aims and objects of his party. The gathering was a large and enthusiastic one, and listened intently to the speaker. PIPIROA. HOCKEY CLUB’S BALL. The Kopuarahi Hockey Club held its annual ball in the Pipiroa Hall last week. There was a good attendance of the possessors of the light fantastic tod, and to the merry strains of good music and bn a fast floor the large number of dancers hafl an enjoyable evening. The Kopuarahi Hockey Club is yet only a young organisation, but is figuring prominently in the Thames hockey competitions.

WAIKLNO. ODDFELLOWS BALL. On Friday last the annual bal the Waitekauri and Golden Qj Lodge of Manchester Unity Ordei Oddfellows took place at the Victi Hall. The hall and supper ro were beautifully decorated fpr the casion, and the function was greatest success that has been years past, the hall being crpwi At 8.30 p.m. the Grand March, t place, led'by Mrs Cochrane and 1 Neels, DGM, district officer from Grand Lodge, Auckland. The orcl tra was under the leadership Sergt.-Major Patterson, and the i dance was the D’Alberts. The M’ were Messrs E. Keqhan and Jessi who gave great satisfaction in 1 capacity. A euchre tournament ako t place, the winners being Mr H. Bl and Mrs D. G. Saunders (Waihi). about 10 30 the adjournment to s per took place. There were brethren and frie frpm Waihi (including Bto. D. Saunders, P-P.G.M.), Morrinsv Hikutaia, Paeroa, and Karangahi The last dance took place at at 2.30 a.m. MEMORIAL SERVICE. On Sunday afternoon a memo service was held in the Victoria I in memory oil the departed breth of the Manchester Unity Order pf C fellows Lodge, Waikino. The offic ing minister was the Rev. Cottom Waihi. The service commenced the overture "Gloria” by the W Orchestra Society, under the com torship of Mr T. E. Midgley, wl was followed by a few remarks the Lodge representatives, Bro. Cochrane, Bro. J-' McLeod, P.( (District Secretary),, and Bnp. P Syers, D.D.G.M. The unveiling the Roll of Honour then took pl all standing while the "Last P was sounded. A beautiful wr< was laid at the foot of the Rol Honour by the Misses Whalley, .a which .the Dead March in Saul played by the orchestra. The tional Anthem closed the service, hymns sung were "0 God our H< "Abide With Me,” and "The Re sional.” There was also present a good r ter of returned soldiers, with t honours pinned on their breasts, the Waikinb Lodge of Druids, regalia, were accompanied by t District President, Bro. E, Johns