DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4597, 5 September 1923, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

ngatea. VALEDICTORY. A farewell smoke concert was tendered Mr H. M. Norris, of the Lands Drainage Department, at Ngatea on Monday evening. Mr G. T. Davidson ering or'departmental employees. In proposing the health of the guest of the evening Mr J. Kidd said that with the departure of Mr norris the department; and district would suffer a distinct loss. He had been associated with the department for five years, and had proved a popular and efficient officer and would be hard to replace. He wished Mr Norris health, wealth, and prosperity in his new sphere of activity, and assured him of a royal welcome should he ever return to the Plains. Eulogistic speeches were also made by Messrs J. Murdock, Pera Hawere, W. Baisey,, W. Blacklaws, and T. McInerney. Mr Norris, on rising to reply, was greeted with cheers and with the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” He feelingly replied, thanking those present for their expressions of wishes. He was very sorry to be leaving Ngatea, and while he would not say that he would return, there was no knowing. During the five years he had been on the Plains he had tried to do what he thought best, and the number present showed that this had been appreciated. It * was very gratifying. The district had made remarkable progress during the past five years, but he was sure that much greater progress would be made in the next five years. Mr G. T. Davidson, on behalf of the men who had worked under Mr Norris, and others, presented him with a roll of notes as a token of appreciation and regard. Mr Norris, replying, said that he j/ would value very highly the present made him that night. -He would purchase something that would remind him of the pleasant time he had spent among the men of Ngatea and the ■ Plains. Other toasts during the evening were r “The Drainage Department,’ by Mr J. Clare and responded to by Mr J. Murdock; “Sport,’’ proposed by Mr E. Daldy and responded to by Mr D. A. Vincent and Mr W. Thompson ; “Farming Interests," proposed by Mr I. D. Jones and responded to by Mr Harper. Songs and items were contributed during the evening by Messrs W. Parsons, J. H. Blakeman, J. Kidd, -G. Blyt,h, C. Mellor, B. J. Loudon, J. Troughear, M. McMillan, and W. Morrison,’ Mr E.' McConnell playing the accompaniments. During the afternoon Mr Norris was presented with a case of pipes by Mr E. Taylor, on behalf of the Drainage Department staff. TURUA. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday even- . ’ ing. The session and manager reports were presented and adopted. They were of an encouraging nature. Tbe balance-sheet showed receipts to 5S’ Id, and the expenditure £402 19s 6d. Votes of thanks were accorded the office bearers, the Sunday School teachers, and the organist. The office bearers for the ensuing year elected were : Messrs R. G. Miller, G. Gray, J. T. Davies, W. Chapman, G. Walker,j R. Henderson, J. H. Johnston, R. Baker, T. H. Harris, and K. Dr. Bathgate. These, together with the elders (Messrs J. G. Miller, J. C. Miller, S. S. Murray, and C. Dale) would form the management committee. - An adjournment was then made to the Victoria Hall, where a represensirtative gathering were assembled, and an enjoyable evening spent. The Rev. Richard Morgan, of Pae-' roa, addressed the gathering, and songs were rendered by Mr G-. Horrox, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Walker, Mr RHenderson, and Miss Miller. Miss Miller also gave a recitation. The items were 'well received- ’and encored. The Turua orchestra: was pres- • and contributed towards the sucof the evening. Tea was handed .. round about 10 p.m., after which the National Anthem was sung. TENNIS CLUB. A general meeting of the Tennis Club was held on Friday evening. Although the attendance was small, the proceedings at t,imes .were fairly lively. The action of the guarantors in selling the courts .under conditions contrary to those decided by the club was freely criticised. It was finally decided that the liability of £lO on the c4d courts be carried forward.' A comprising Messrs D. ’*G. McMillan, G. J. Walker, and C. Scott were appointed to purchase four quarter-acre sections provided that they could arrange finance. On .the motion.of Dr. Bathgate a ! vote of thanks was accorded the guarantors. / NETHERTON. LADIES’ GUILD EVENING. The Ladies’ Guild held the first of a series of social evenings on Tuesday night of last week, and the function proved very successful and enjoyable. The following items rendered were well received and heartily encored: Duet (Flower Girl), by Misses Nancy Adam and Ivy Trotter, songs, Mrs Clark and Mr Nicholls, and cornet solo, Mr Newton. The ladies did a brisk business in disposing of flowers and sweets and a large supply of surprise packets, some of which caused a great deal of fun with the boys. The euchre tables were well at- ... the winners being Mrs Harrold and Mr T. Richmond, while the ' “booby” prize was carried off by Mr Craig (senr.). The Ladies’ Guild are .to be congratulated on the excellent supper which they provided and the able

manner in whiqh all the arrangements were carried out. Mrs Potter at the piano was sufficient guarantee for the music. Extras were supplied by Mrs Taylor (Te Aroha) and Miss Coldicutt. PLAIN AND FANCY DRESS SOCIAL. A very pleasont and enjoyable plain and fancy dress social was held in the hall on August 29 in aid of the Waihi Hospital funds. About 50 couples took part. The promoters are to be commended bn the excellent arrangemnets, whjch added to the enjoyable evening spent by all present, and in bringing a large party by motor from Waihi. The music was supplied by Mr Samson’s orcheslt,ra, of Waihi, which wa.s ably assisted by Mr Drake, of Netherton, while extras were played by Misses Hutton (Waihi), Sarjant, and Trembath. During the evening a number of competitions were successfully carried out, the winners being: Best dress, Miss Hayward; best all-round dancer, Mr L. Rice. Mr Campbell, of Waihi, thanked the Nethertpn people for the manner in which they responded to a good cause. KEBEPEEHI. TENNIS CLUB, The Kerepeehi Tennis Club has decided to become an incorporated society. At a general meeting on Thursday evening a set of rules were laid before .the club by a sub-commit-tee and adopted. ALTBRTAIONS TO SCHOOL, A copy of the plans and specifications for the alterations and additions to the Kerepeehi school have been forwarded to the secretary of the school committee for inspection by intending tenderers. WAITAKABUBU. FOOTBALL CLUB. At a genreal meeting of the Waitakaruru Football Club held last week it was decided to hold a smoke concert on Wednesday, September 19, to receive the cup won in the recent inter-club competitions.