DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4624, 12 November 1923, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

ITJBUA. BACHELORS’ BALL. A plain and fancy dress ball io close the dancing season, was organised by the bachelors of Turua an 1 held m the Victoria Hall on Thursday evening. Over 50 couples were present end a very enjoyable time was spent. Williams’ Jazzarama Band supplied the music in their customary manner,, and the Ms.C., Messrs Brokenshire and McDonald, kept the • function running smoothly. Only two people appeared iii fancy costume, >o they were awarded the prizes. A splendid supper was handed round. •Altogether the evening was a very pleasant one, and reflected credit on the organisers. STOCK SALE. At Messrs A. Buckland and Son’s monthly stock sale at Turua on Friday last a big yarding of cattle wa-3 offered, but a dull tone prevailed. Prices of beef were lower than at Other markets, while for other classes the prices obtained were much the same as elsewhere. Dairy cows brought from £7 to £l4, others from £4 upwards, and up to £lO. A line of Jersey yearlings changed hands at £6, and a few empty Shorthorn heifers at £3. Bullocks sold at £lO 7s 6d, fat cows up to £6. The store cattle market was very dull. - TENNIS OPENING. The Turua Tennis Club’s courts were, opened for ,the season on Saturday last: Over 70 players were present, including representatives from many neighbouring clubs. In the absence of the president (Mr A'. H. Rogers) Dr. D. A. Bathgate, , chairman of committees, welcomed the visitors. Mrs C. Scott drove a ball over -he net and the . courts wtere declared open. Although there was a very strong wind blowing, many interesting games were played. , A site has been selected for the new courts and financial matters have been arranged. It is intended to push ahead with the new courts as soon as possible. In .the meantime the club has the use of its old courts. NGATEA. TENNIS MATTERS. A proposal to reform a.tennis club in Ngatea and obtain land on which to lay down courts was. discussed at a public meeting on Saturday evening. It was>decided,that the Ngatea Tennis Club be reformed, and that it become incorporated. Mr E. Walton offered to do the necessary, legal work. A committee, comprising Messrs Walton, Anderson, and Robb, was appointed to draw up rules. . The question, of a site was discussed and a proposal ito acquire a certain section adopted, and Messrs Walton, Anderson, and Robb were appointed t O . deal with the matter. . Means of financing the purchase of _ the land and the laying down, of the courts was discussed, and it-was decided that members be approached to lake up non-interest bearing debentures of £5 denomination. The club would make : every effort to raise funds, and would hold a ballot to redeem debentures whenever £2O was raised, the balance required to be obtained by donation and by a jointly and severally guaranteed bank overdraft. / It was agreed that the section should be of sufficient area for-six or seven courts. A suggestion was made that sufficient land for a bowling green and a croquet lawn as well be obtained, but as this would involve an increased expenditure nothing was decided upon. It was pointed out that there was ro doubt that the Tennis Association ■ would use the Ngatea courts if sufficient suitable ones were provided. The rent would provide a regular income to the club.

KEREPEEHI. MAIL SERVICE. A mail is now sent daily between Ngatea and Kerepeehi. Settlers are ' petitioning the Chief Postmaster asking that a mail be sent direct to Thames by the service car. WELCOME HOME. Mr J. Twist,; headmaster of the / Kerepeehi school, returned by boat on "“Tuesday morning and resumed duty the same day. Mr Twist was granted leave of absence in January last for health reasons, and together with his wife and family went for a trip :o England, where he visited his relations in Lancashire. A. function to welcome Mr and Mrs Twist and family back to Kerepeehi was held in the hall on Wednesday cyening, and a large number of their friends were present, an enjoyable evening being spent with cards and musical items. Mssrs W. Booth, B. Frecklington, and E. S. Masters spoke on behalf of the people of Kerepeehi, - and expressed gladness at seeing Mr and Mrs Twist back in their midst once again. ‘ PONTOON LAUNCHED. On Saturday last advantage was taken of the exceptionally high tide caused by the strong north wind to launch the big pontoon for an Ameri- - can dipper .dredge that has been constructed by Mesisrs W. H. Taylor and Sons to the order of the Lands Draiuage Department at Kerepeehi. Conditions for launching were ideal, and the monster took the water without the slightest hitch. A little work yet remains to be done above the water-line, but .the launching of the punt exactly three months from the day work was commenced is a commendable performance. The pontoon is a sister to the one that was built by the Department by day labour, and on which the machinery is now being fitted at the Department’s wharf at Kerepeehi. SMOKE CONCERT. The Kerepeehi Leadswingers’ Club held its second smoke concert on Friday. evening. Mr O. Avey presided, < there were present about 40 men - from all parts of the district. Songs and musical items were contributed and the usual toasts were honoured, The proceedings were harmonious, and were conducted with decorum.