DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4739, 18 August 1924, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITAKAKUBU. HOCKEY. An event that will probably be long remembered in Waitakaruru took place on Thursday afternoon last, when the ladies of the Ngatea Hockey Club played a return match with the ladies of the Waitakaruru Club on a field so wet and muddy that even the Plains footballers would probably have demurred to use it. Heavy rain during the previous night had caused the paddock to become inundated, and though surface drains had been hastily dug during the morning about half the playing area was submerged when the teams lined out. Nevertheless they would have their game,, and, attired in short skirts, and in one case gumboots, set to with a will and soon had the whole surface trampled to a quagtnire and their clothing bespattered with mud. The ball would sink .'nto a pool of water, and this would be splashed in all directions until an outside player rushed in an secured the ball. Theiforwards would then rub the mud out*of their eyes and give chase, only to slip into the next puddle. Both teams have some good players, and Lad the field been suitable a splendid exhibition would undoubtedly have been- witnessed. Oh the day the home team proved much superior, and the visitors were on the defensive practically the whole hour. The Waitakaruru players showed better combination and knowledge of the game than the Ngatea ladies, who seemed to lack the knowledge of team work, which can only be acquired by practice. The game ended with the scores Waitakaruru 3, Ngatea 0, tries being scored by Miss Bestic (2) and Miss Jessen. The teams were: Ngatea.— Mesdames Bertelsen, Burke, O’Carroll, Johnson, Cleaver, Misses O’Donnell, McDuff, Masters. Miller, and Costello (2). Waitakaruru. —Misses Bestic, Williams, Preston, Donaghy, Berney, Quintall, J§ssen (2) and Beaver (3). Mr Griffiths was referee. After the worst of the mud had been removed and dry clothing donned the teams partook of afternoon tea, PATETONGA. A CONCERT. Back-block settlers such as the people of Patetonga have perforce to make their own amusement, and It was to that end that a literary, debating, and musical society was formed recently. To raise funds for the society a very enjoyable concert was, given by members in the' Patetonga Hall on Saturday, the 9th inst. There was a big attendance, and the varied programme was well received. Songs of various kinds were con-

tributed by Mr A. Buchanan, Miss M. Wallace, Mr F. Pollen, Miss O’Connor, Mr J. Caldwell, Miss D. darken; Mr F. Woodbridge, Mrs W. Wallace, and Miss J. Wallace, choruses by members of the society, and a duet by Miss J. Wallace and Mr A. Buchanan, and all received well deserved applause. Mr Gomez proved a creditable illusionist, and Mr W. Higgins was no mean equilibrist and, in addition, could’ recite -to pppiilar 'taste. The entertainment concluded with a one-act comedy farce entitled “The Bathroom Door/’ in which- Miss J. Wallace, Miss F. O’Connor, Miss L, Cumberland, Mr D. Pike, Mr F. Pollen, and Mr W. Arns each played their part with distinction. The act was well staged. Miss K. Caldwell accompanied at the piano. kereone. A PRESENTATION. The residents of Kereone and a number of visitors from Morrinsville and Kiwitahi assembled in the Soldiers’ Hall at Kereone, the men and the settlers of the district generally to make a presentation to Mr R. McIntyre and the ladles to entertain Miss R. McDuff, of Ngatea, at a kitchen evening, the whole assembb to join, in a social function in honour of the forthcoming marriage of the two guests present. A very pleasant and happy evening was spent in dancing until the early hours of Wednesday. The music and floor were perfect. Shortly after the supper interval Mr R. Ramsay, one of the old residents of the district and chairman of the Hall Committee, speaking for the, residents of Kereone, expressed their pleasure to be- able to show some practicable appreciation of the work done by Mr Mclntyre in helping to build up the Kereone district. His help in gaining the number of improvements at the station was referred to by Mr Ramsay, who also mentioned the assistance the guest had given to the hall as secretary. (Applause.) Continuing, Mr Ramsay stated that the ladies had arranged the ki tenon tea to Miss McDuff, and assured her that she had the best wishes of the people-of Kereone. To .the couple he had great pleasure in offering congratulations of the district, and trusted-that prosperity, good health, and happiness would be enjoyed by them. (Applause.) After the presentation of an armchair had been made Mr Mclntyre acknowldged thanks for the presentation of the chair and stated that he realised that something had to be •done to get the district going and was glad to have helped. It was a surprise to him when he learned that a presentation was to be made, and he thanked the assembly' for their kindness. Speaking on behalf of Miss McDuff. he said that it was very thoughtful of the ladies to think of her as they did. The presents, which were of great value, meant a lot in the providing of the new home. In

conclusion he offered his sincere thanks to all for what they had done for them, A circle w,as formed in'the hall, the gathering joining -ih singing “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows/’ followed by loud cheery. KOI’UARAHI. TENNIS DANCE. A very enjoyable dance was organised by the Kopuarahi Tennis Club and neld in the school on Friday evening. Over fifty couples were present, including many from Turua, Ngatea, Hopai. and Pipiroa. The floor was in good order, and excellent dance music was supplied by Mrs Mules (piano) and Mr D. Hill (violin), of Turua. A dainty supper was served in the old school, and dancing was carried on until about 1.30 a.m.