DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4465, 11 September 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

KEREPEEHI. &— THE FLAX INDUSTRY. A shipment of 60 1 bales of flax fibre sent away from Kerepeehi on Friday indicates that the flaxmilling industry in those parts is a, profitable one. It. is reported that the flax is still plentiful in that portion of Awaiti where the mill is working. PONTOON. A huge pontoon is in the course of construction at the Public Works Departnient’s depot at Kerepeehi, The pontoon is being built t.o carry the floating dredge, which will replace the old Priestman in the Waitakaruru canal. Another pontoon is also to be built. WAITAKARURU. ELECTRIC POWER PROSPECTS. “When are we going to get the electric power out our way,” recently asked a prominent Waitakaruru settler of a member of the Thames Va’- , ley Electric Power Board. “In about two years," was the reply. “As long as that,” came the surprised answer. The Power Board man continued that the power may be in Waitakaruru possibly in a years time, but it wbuld more likely be two years. FOOTBALL CLUB’S BALL. .

The Waitakaruru Football Culb held its annual ball on Friday evening. The perfect weather conditions attracted patrons from far and near, Ngatea and Kerepeehi folk being among the large quota .of visitors. The hall was modestly but very effectively decorated. The greenery was tastefully displayed on the walls, while across the ceiling it was prettily interwoven with the club’s colours. Dancing, on a good floor was enjoyable to the music rendered by Henderson’s orchestra, while a very appetising supper was handed round. To Mr W. Mclnnes was delegated the duties of M.C. Those responsible for the arrangements are to be congratulated on the success of the function. PATETONGA. FANCY DRESS BALL, Those who were present at the fancy dress ball held in the Patetonga Hall on Wednesday evening were treated to an exceptionally enjoyable evening. The commodious hall, prettily decorated, proved to be none too large for the occasion. There w.as a large number of fancy dresses, many of which were veritable works of art and could be arranged by none other than expert hands- Perhaps the most amusing, the most ridiculous, yet the most intricate and pleasing make-up was that of Mr W, Higgins, who gained first prize among the men. Hs was only a very plump baby (just fifteen stone) and still retained his nurse, feeding bottle, and soother. His long flowing dress' was beautifully worked, but the wearer was bad-tem-pered and quite often had to be scolded by his nurse. The ladies’ fancy costumes were beautiful, and the judges placed Miss A l . Pullman (Rosalind) first, and Miss N. Sawyer (Welsh girl) second. The supper, served on the stage, was a most delicious one, comprising jellies, salads, trifles, and a dozen and one little dainties quite characteristic of the admirable catering of the Patetonga folk. One pleasing feature about the function was that both old and ypung turned out in their fancy attire, and it was pleasing to see the jolly old men dancing with the happy girls, and the smiling young men twirling gaily round with the staid and elderly ladies. With Henderson’s (Waitakaruru) orchestra, nothing more could have been desired as regards music. Messrs H. V. Maukes and J. Christie were M’s.C. A PRESENTATION. A very pleasing ceremony w,as performed at the P.atetonga Hall on September 2, when a presentation was made to Mrs J. Patterson in appreciation of her valuable services in the district during her many years of residence there. The function took the form, of a social, Mr C. O’Dyer and Mrs J. Costello acting as. host and Mr O’Dyer, in making presentations bf a pair of divan chairs and a nurse’s gold wristlet watch to Mrs Patterson, spoke of her sterling qualities and the splendid manner in which she had helped among the sick of the district, never taking money for her services. Mrs Patterson had, unfortunately, been in hospital, where she had been ill with blood-poisoning. Messrs J. F. Mayn, D. J. Rogers, and McDonald also spoke eulogistically of Mrs Patterson’s humanitarian work, the lastnamed speaking op. behalf of the Maungawhero settlers., among whom her work had been especially .appreciated. A presentation of a case of pipes was also made to Mr Patterson. Several items added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. Songs were rendered by Mesdames Cotter, Woodyard, Misses Pullman, Cotter, and Messrs Higgins, Potoky, and N. Wallace. Misses Nora and Hilda Costello gave the Irish Jig- Miss Callwell and Mr Muir officiated at the piapo.

After refreshments had been served the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and “For they are jolly good fellows” ended a most pleasing function.