DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 114, 29 November 1915, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS

PATUMAHOE. SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC BAZAAR. The bazaar and fancy fair tbat was opened in the Patumahoe Hall on Thursday in aid of ths Wounded Soldiers' fund wj>s brought to a successful finish on Friday, a record assembly being present for the concluding stage in the evening. The scene inside the building was reminiscent of a Yankee hujtle sale, an increasing change of articles for the proverbial ccin continuing from early evening until past midnight. No effort was spared to extract from the "goodnatured" that which was to provide for those who have virtually given their lives for those who remain behind. Men and women alike were massed together, but the discomfiture of having to be so closely packed was lost sight of in the endeavour by the officials to do their best. Rsffles vrere conducted by Messrs T. Montgomery, J. Henry, £. C. Cuff, R Moroe and A. Moore, and the ladies in charge of tha stalls win were attired in fancy cos umes which added to the glamour of the scene. The articles disposed of included gold and silver watches and articles too numerous to mention, the amateur salesmen Bbowicg no litte amount of talent. An auction sale of the goods remaining was commenced at 10.30 p.m., Mr J. Henry wielding the hammer with 3uch ability that before his labours ceased every article had been dieposed of.

Pianoforte selections were rendered at interval) by the Misses V. Bailey and Graham, while apart from the serious side of the function hat trimming and hairdressing competitions for men eventuated, the non-competing ladies in particular hading much amusement from botb sources. The winners were:—Hairdressing, Mr L. Marauch and Miss Florrie Baillny; hat trimming, Mr Roy Moore. During the afternoon nail driving competitions were won by Mr K. Johns, Mrs McMurtrie and Master Wesley Fleydtlll. Meedamts H. E. K. L. Wily and Zmzao adjudicated over the hat trimming c mpetitiou and the latter in the hair dressing.

A s'ipper room, in an ante rcom to the main hall, made a pleasanc rendezvous, where a pleasing cup at tea or strawberries and cream were served at the shortest notice. It was made partcularly pleasant by decorations of nikau and drawings bung from the walls. The ladr.s officiating in that branch of the tunctien were Mesdames J. Henry, B. Caramel, Woolsey, R. Cotter and the Misses M. Finlay, Doris Knight, Hcgxood 2, Gladys Davy, Nelly Goldsworthy, 0. Waria and Eva Wlight.

The stall-holders, some representing the Allied nations were as follows:—Confectionery, Mrs E. Rishton, Belgium, and Miss Frances Bailey, Japanese; plain sewing stall, Miss Florence Bailey (Vanity Fair), and Miss D. Knight; fancy goods, Misses D. Hay and V. Wright, as Red Cross Nurses; fish pond, Misses Flossie Devereaux. Gladys Goldsworthy and Nora Graham; bran tub, Miss Marjorie Urqubart; ice cream, Mrs E. C. Curt; refreshment stall, Mrs J. Wright, assisted by her son, Master G. Wright; flower stall, Misses Lily Woolsey, Amy Hay and Miss W. Davy (Nell Gwynne) and Dons Howard (France) sold buttonholes amongst the gathering. A Paddy's Market in close proxmity to the entrance did good business, the joint holders, Messrs Goldsworthy and N. Cotter having a slOik from which they could practicality Lifer their customers anything in the way of eatables, etc.

A small laboratory where the potato blight and wheat rust, etc., coula be viewed through a powerful magnifying instrument, in the charge of Mr Graham, schoolmaster, was another of the attractions which deserves mention. Mr Clive Willy conducted a rifle gallery, that was well patronised. During the afternoon and evening visitors were present from Pukekohe and all the surrounding districts, including Mr ii. G. R. Mason, Mayor of Pukekohe, and Mr and Mrs A. B. Barter and Miss Shipherd, Puni.

With exceeding loyalty to the cause Mr F. W. Kavanagh acted as doorkeeper and remained at bis post right through an arduous evening. ,

One and all woiked in selfdeDving manner, and both donors and officials demonstrated that the Mauku district was not to be found wanting in contributing its share to the patriotic fund. As organiser and secretary.Mr E. U. Cuff is to be congratulated on bis admirable arrangements, which were largely responsible for such a brilliant success being brought about.

The total takings, from all sources, for both days amounted to £159, of which amount £l4O has already been forwarded to Auckland After a four months rest, Private A. E, Robinson, of Patumahoe, who departed with the 16th Waikato Infantry of the Main Expeditionary Force, and was wounded in the arm during an engagement at Cape Helles, left for Wellington to-dey to report for active service. He was passed a fortnight ago by the Medical board at Hamilton for further active service.