POKENO.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 191, 1 May 1914, Page 3

POKENO.

FAKEWELL FUNCTIONS. Tnough tha rain came down in torrents last Wednesday evening, it did not stop a large crowd from making their way to the hall where a farewell banquet ard social was tendered to two families long resident in this district, namely, Mr and Mrs J. Graham and family and Mr and Mrs R. Pendergrast and family, who are leaving here to reside in Auckland. The above two families have all taken a leading part in the lucal afairs of this disttict, and were always ready to help forward in any movement for the benefit of the district. A banquet was held in the first part of the evening, and those present sat down to a first-class spread. The banquet was not a "mere man" affair, there being as many ladies as gentlemen present. The following is the programme of the banquet which, like the spread, was good: Toast, "The King," by the ctiairman. Song, "Twilight," by Mr S. Seymour; selection, by Marriage's orchestra; song, "Somebody's Waiting for Me," by Mr E Arnold; toast, "The GuestF," by Mr R. McKenzie. Mr McKenzie, in proposing the toast, referred to the Bterling qualities of their departing friends, and on behalf of the district wished them long life and happiness in their new homes. Messrs J. Graham and R. Pendergrast responded oa behalf of themselves and families. Song, "Idle Dreams," by Mr G. Stanton; violin bi:1o, by Master Austin Gra ham; song, "Merry Green Fields of Ireland," by Mr T. Stevenson; toast, "The Ladies," bv Mr J. Brown, senr., responded to by Mi W. J. Anderson. The banquet was brought to a close by the Binging of Auld Lar.g Syne. All the toasts were drunk with musical honours. After the banquet was over the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept going until daylight. Between the dar.ces the following items were rendered:—Song, by Mr S. Seymour; Highland fling, by Mr R. Pendergrast; song, by Mr 1 Stanton; recitation, by R. Pendergrast. Mr R. G. Pendergrast occupied the position of chairman for the banquet and also carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner. The music for the banquet and for the dancing was provided by Marriage's orchestra. ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Mr C. W. Landon, of Mercer, has presented the Rev. Mr L. Foulkes, the Vicar ot this parish of which Mercer forms a part, with a section on which to build a church. The church people are deeply thankful to Mr Landon for his nandsome gift. In making the present of tha section to the church, Mr Landon has removed one of the main obstacles in the building of the church. Now that we have a section we hope to have the church built and in use within two months. FARM SOLD. Mr S. Graham has sold that portion of his farm known as Lincoln's farm to Mr F. Lowry. TELEPHONE OFFICE. Owing to Mr J. Graham leaving the ditarict, the telephone office at Pokeno Valley, which was in Mr Graham's residence, is to be removed to Mr Leven's house. THE COMING RAILWAY. The question of making a flying survey of a suggested railway route from Kopu to Pokeno was brought before the Prime Minister by a deputation at Thames on Tuesday evening. The spokesmen were the Mayor of Thames (Mr H. Lowe) and the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr S. Hetherington). They stated that the route from Kopu to Pokeno would pass over much more stable ground than the proposed route from Paeroa to Pokeno, and that the cost of construction would be considerably less. It was stated that the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. W. Fraser) had already promised that a flying survey would be made.

Mr Massey said that he would remind Mr Fraser of the matter. The Government engineers, he said, had been very busy lately. CONFLICTING ROUTES. The merits of the railway route from Paeroa to Pokcuo, as opposed to tho suggested line from Kopu to Pokeno, were urged by a deputation which waited upon the Prime Minister at Paeroa on Thursdayr Mr H. M. Corbett, chairman of the Ohinemun County Council, snid that the deputation desired that the Paeroa to Pokeno line should be included in the next Railway Authorisation Bill. This route, he said, was recommended by the Hon. W. H. Hemes, tho Auckland Chamber of Commerce, tho Auckland Railway League, and also by tho Auckland City Council, which was recognised as one of the leading local bodies in the Dominion. In referring to the suggested Kopu rout", Mr Corbett said that tho distance from Paeroa to Waitakaruru (a point which would be touched by either route) was only 13 miles, whereas if tho Kopu route were chosen the distance from Paeroa to Waitakaruru would bo 28 miles. The line, if taken from Paeroa, would go there through the centre of a large block of Crown lauds.

Mr Massey : It has been suggested that the Paeroa route is not a feasible one.

Mr Corbett said that tho greater portion of the route from I'aeroa would pass ovor solid country, and that tho peat country which would be met with would also be encountered if the Kopu route were chosen. Mr Massey said that this was a matter which would be considered by the Cabinet whim the time came tor bringing down au,,Authorisatiou Bill. Ho did not know when this would be, but ho was iucliued to think that tho Bill would be introduced next session.

Good general servant required. ; Mr J. S. do Montalk, instructed ; by Mrs Painter, will hold a clearing ' sale of furniture on Wednesday.