WAITANGURU.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 669, 16 May 1914, Page 3

WAITANGURU.

Own Correspondent. Some weeks have elapsed since the events oi this district have been recorded. Many happenings,, however, during this time have eventuated, some with no undue importance attached to them; and some attended by sad and unfortunate result Is reget to chronicle the death of Mr N. Armstrong, one oE our local pioneer settlers, which took place at the VVaihi Hospital some weeka ago. His end was sudden but peaceful. He had been aiiing'for a considerable time, and this, combined with his age, which was well over the thrse score years and ten, enabled him to move about only with much difficulty. Mr Armstrong! was last seen in public at our local school picnic, where he took a keen interest in many of tho events. He was very wellknown in this district and has won the respect and esteem of all with whom ha came in contact. His death, therefore, though not wholly unexpected cams a3 a shock ta those acquainted with him, and the united BVmpathy of this district's people, I am sure, go fiiit to Mrs Armstrong and family in their very sad bereavement. A memorial service to the memory of the late gentleman was held on Good Friday, in the local hall. There *»7as a record congregation, the district being •well represented. The service was conducted by the Revs. Ralph and Laughton,. h fire, which is a most unusual occunenca in - these country districts, took place recently, the residence of Mr Sale being totally destroyed, nothing} of any value being saved. Unfortunately, Mr and Mrs Sale, at the time of the fire, were in Auckland, .Mr Cyril Sale being the only occupant in the house. The fira occurred about 9 p.m., and so perplexed was he by the rapidity with which the flames gained a hold that he was unable to rescue anything. This incident is most unfortunate as for we learn that Mr Sale ia a heavy loser. We trust, however, that the Goddess of the weather, will smile down for some time yet to enable Mr Sale to accomplish his intended plans. The milking season is swiftly drawing to a close here. Many herds, however, ate being milked once a day, and settlers are making their own butter. The local factory closed I duwn for the season on the 2nd inst., the total output exceeding expectations. Mr Tarry, the successful contractor for the metalling cf the Pungarehu road, was in the other day, on an inspection visit. Should the weather permit he is highly hopeful of getting bis plant in before real win-

ter sots in. May the purpose he hag in view he fulfilled. The local Comedy Company are unfortunate in that it is losing two of its members, Messrs T. Dennison and E. Bridei. Mr E. Brider is journeying to Wanganui for a lengthy per iod; whilst Mr Dennison is accimpanying him en route for England, where he intends to remain for at least six months. Both members have worked energetically for the good of the company, and the district and will be much missed. We wish them both an enjoyable time.