DISTRICT NEWS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 January 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS

KAU£APAKAPA

[OWN CORRESPONDENT] / RESIDENCE BURNED On Thursday, January 14, a fire broke out in the house of Mr and Mrs J. B. Dunn, at Kaukapakapa. Although the fire occurred at mid-day, nothing could be done to save the house and effects, all being burned to the ground. Mr Dunn was in a shed outside, but when told of the fire by a passing lad, it was too late to save anything. ~ Mrs Dunn was returning from the store with her two young children, when she saw the flames, the shock causing her to faint. The Misses Dye and Jordon and others came at once to her help, and when recovered she was taken to Mrs Jordon's residence. Mr and Mrs Jordan have, kindly given hospitality to Mrs Dunn and the^ children also. Mr Dunn expressed himself as deeply grateful for the many homes that were opened to them that day in Kaukapakapa. The house was not old, was built of best heart* of kauri and contained seven rooms. Although there is some insurance on the "property, Mr Dunn will, lose heavily through the fire. Still, like all concerned, he will be pleased that no life was lost. REFRESHING RAIN Nice rain fell on Saturday evening, 9th inst., and also again on Wednesday, 13th inst. The tanks have mostly been filled, and creeks that were dried up are again running. The farmers are now busy rushing in tilrnip crops, etc., for winter feed, and the fields are showing a tinge of greenness that is pleasing to all. Grain and fruit harvesting is now on, but has suffered through the dry weather. Still, with better prices ruling, the producers may fare all right, so let none of us complain.

XAUKAPAKAPA TEMPERANCE PICNIC On Thursday, 14th inst. a very successful picnic was held at " Sunnyside " (Mrs J. Sinclair's), where the above-named ■ picnic has been held every year and for many years. A large gathering of men, women, and children ■ assembled in the forenoon, and [ others arrived in the afternoon. The weather was fine, and the committee had quite a busy day °f it. But none were more busy than the Sinclair family, who gave the use of their house, i sheds, and grounds for the convenience and pleasure of all. It seemed as though a hidden streamer was floating in the air j and bearing a golden inscription lof "Welcome to all." For no one i could have gone to "Sunnyside" last Thursday without declaring it a real, good picnic and hoping to have the same pleasure next year. The workers carried out to the grounds a very excellent dinner, and, chatting and eating, that happy crowd enjoyed that very excellent dinner. Again about 4.30 a good tea was served round, and all hands and the cook seemed as happy as happy could be. During the day various out-door games were indulged in, also races, etc. The following shows the winners of the various races : — Boys, -12 to 14 —Leslie Segatin 1, H. Mills 2 Girls, 12 to 14 —Florence McLean 1, Irene Diamond 2 Boys, 10 to 12—Robt. Shanks 1, James Shanks 2 Girls, 10 to 12—Freda Leach 1, Jane Mills 2 Boys, 8 to 10 —Norman Shanks 1, C. Greenslade 2 Girls, Bto 10— N. Rapson 1, E. Lamont 2 Boys, 6 to B—Ken Drinnan 1, Reg. Greensland 2, E. Rapson 3. Girls, 6 to 8 years—Myra Drinnan 1, Milly Leach 2, Mavis Hinds 3. Boys, under 6—Stanley Mills 1, Jack Eyes 2, Michael Bon Chevesky 3 Girls, under 6—Ella Brown 1, Freer Lamond 2, Doreen Smith 3 Potato Race, boys — Morrie Webster l, Willie Shanks 2 Potato Race, girls — Sylvia Shanks 1, Dorothy Doimer 2 Wheelbarrow Race, boys —L. Simcock 1, Thomas Shanks 2 Wheelbarrow Race, girls — Miss Jones 1 Sack Race, boys—S. Rapson 1, Clarrie Mills 2 Mr Webster acted as starter, and Messrs Goodwin and Lamond, assisted b,y Messrs ■IVliJligan and Henley, were the judges. 4.11 the'races were good and carried excitement tq the finish. The president qf the Society (Mr Leaxh), and . the secretary and treasurer" (Miss Sinclair) were at their posts aud worked hard all day, and the same must be said of all the committee. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, but wise men use hem. —Bacon.