MANAKAU.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 12 September 1919, Page 3

MANAKAU.

MANAKAU. . *. , SOLDIEBS' WELCOME HOME. Despite the "very stormy weather on Wednesday night, there was a splendkt attendance at; the ''welcome home" social to returned soldiers held at the Manakan Town Hall, under the auspices of the MSanakau Patriotic Society. Those, welcomed home were: —Messrs K. Askew, Privates J. D'Ath, G. D'Ath, C. Drake, W. Nees,. Mclntyre, Martin, Roberts, Keats and D. Melville. A number of other returned soldiers were also present at the gathering, which was a most enthusiastic and enjoyable one.. The stage had been most tastefully decorated by Mrs Les. Atkins and Miss Ruby Bevan. The function took the form of a dance social. Mrs Miles supplied capi- ! tal mirsie for the dance, while Mr Bnim--1 ley waS tho right man as M.C. At_intervals musical items were given, all of which were much enjoyed. Miss Evans played a pianoforte solo in good style. A vocal duet by Misses Elva and Plorric Bevan was a most pleasing item, deservedly encored, while a vocal duet 'by. Misses Myra Bevan and Wchi-; poihana was another enjoyable item, j Miss Ada Burnell gave a capital recita- ; tiou, while Mr J. H. Andrew- contributed a song. -Mr J. H. Andrew (chairman of the Patriotic Society) apologised for the unavoidable absence of Messrs 11. H. Bryant, P. Simeox and P. Penn. ■

A letter was also received from an old Manakau resident (Mrs Geo. HanIon), conveying her appreciation of the services rendered by the Manakau boys, and wishing them a hearty welcome home. . .

Appropriate addresses of welcome were delivered by Messrs Andrew and Les. Atkins, who said this was possibly tho last gathcring'of tho kind to be held dt Manakau, as- all the local soldiers had now returned to their homes. They expressed the wish that all those who were suffering from wounds or sickness would speedily become quite well again, and assured the men that the Patriotic Society was anxious and willing to assist the men by any means in their power.

Sergeant-Major Askew, on behalf of the rctHi'Red men, returned thanks for i'm: cordial welcome they had received, the kindly references made by the speakers, and the trouble taken by those responsible for that night's most successful function. '

As imual, a splendid supper was provided, tho ladies working admirably in this direction.

Dancing was kept up till a late hour, and so ended an exceedingly happy and successful inaction. NOTES.

A gale was experienced in Manakau and district on Wednesday night. Though very severe, little damage was done, beyond levelling a few fences, uprooting several trees, etc. A pane of glass in the Town Hall was blown in.

Mrs A. ilcKenzio and family left this morning for Wellington, prior to taking up residence' at the Marlborough Sounds, where Mr McKcnzic has secured a farm. Mr McKcnzie will follow shortly. Mr Duncum and family, who recently acquired a property at Manakau, have arrived in the district, as has also Mr and Mrs Stuckey, secured the form lately occupied by Mr Marshall, who is moving on ,to Johnson villo.