DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5507, 29 November 1929, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TURUA. VOCAL CONCERT. A vocal treat such as country residents are seldom privileged to hear was presented in the Turua Hall on Wednesday evening, when, by arrangement with the Turua Public Hall Co., Ltd., the Clarion Quartette and Mi' D. Flood, humourist, made a flying visit from Auckland and appeared before a comparatively small audience. T.hese concerts are arranged annually by the Turua Hall Co. for the enjoyment of the residents of the distirct, and as a means of augmenting the company’s income, but the weather on Wednesday was so unkind that the attendance was seriously affected, and it is probable that the promoters will have to face a deficit.

The entertainment opened with “Annie Laurie,” sung by the quartette, Misses Alma McGruer (soprano), Beryl Smith (contralto), ‘Mr James Simpson (tenor), and Mr Duncan Black (bass). When recalled, “Sally in our Alley” was presented. The first soloist was Mr Simpson, whose numbers were “I seek for thee in every Flower” and “Take a pair of Sparkling Eyes.” As a duet Miss McGruer and Miss Smith sdng “Garden of Happiness,” and as an encore “Song is Sweet.” Mr Dan Flood, who is well known to Turua residents, having amused the suppliers at the annual factory banquet some months ago, was accorded an enthusiastic welcome when he appeared to present his several humorous numbers, and was encored several times. Miss Smith followed with “Sink, Red Sun” and “Five Little Pickaninnies,’’ and the concluding numbers of the first portion 6f the programme were “Hail Caledonia” and “The Tavern Song,” sung by Mr Duncan Black.

On resuming, the quartette presented “Strange Adventure,” from the “Yeoman of the Guard,” and then “Old Mother Hubbard,” and when recalled again they gave “Going to Press.” More humour by Mr Flood followed, and then Miss McGruer contributed “Break o’ Day,” “You in a Gondola,” and “The Cuckoo.” Messrs Simpson and Black contributed “Afton Water” and “All’s Well,” and then Mr Flood showed that he had still more humorous songs. The concluding hits were by the quartette, their numbers being “Ole Virginie,” “Fishing,” and “the Laughing Chorus.” The accompanists for the evening were Misses McGruer and Smith and Mr Flood.

NGATEA.

LABOUR PARTY BRANCH. A feature of the monthly meeting of the Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Labour Party on Tuesday evening was the smallness of the attendance of Ngatea members and the large number of visitors from the Kerepeehi branch. Mr W. Phillips presided, and extended a welcome to the Kerepeehi visitors. A circular letter was received from the national secretary of the N.Z. Labour Party, Wellington, appealing for subscriptions to assist the Labour candidate at the Hutt by-election. The national executive wrote,forwarding samples of enrolment forms setting out the aims and ideals of the Labour Party with the idea of increasing membership. Advice of a competition which was being organised by the Government Statistician with cash prizes totalling £lOO was received from the head office of the Labour Party. With a view to arriving at estimates as to the cost of living, the Statistician desired a number of household budgets for a period of three months from householders with incomes not exceeding £7 a week. ' A .weakness in the hire purchase system, as seen by Mr E. N. Davies, was explained by him at length prior to his.moving : “That in the opinion of the Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Labour Party legislative provision should be made by way of magisterial inquiry to safeguard the interests of purchasers of goods under the hire purchase system who may require an extension of time to complete their purchase agreement and thus prevent unfair seizure.”

The motion opened up. a wide discussion on the merits and weaknesses of the system, as shown by the experiences of members in this and other'

countries. From the views expressed/ it was evident that the faults of the? system when entered into by those so in need of assistance as to have to accept any terms outweighed the benefits; secured by those in a position to dictate terms.

The motion was carried, and it; was: decided to send a copy of the resolution to the Minister of Justice. An interesting paper expressing a plea for political idealism was read by Mi 1 E. N. Davies. He was accorded a vote of thanks.

After supper had been served the president thanked the Kerepeehi members for their visit, and extended an invitation to future meetings.