DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 124, 22 December 1915, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS

DRURY

VALEDICTORY A farewell social wa3 tendered on Tuesday ot last week to Sergeant Douglas Biemner and Private Nathan Stewart, two ot the Drury "boja" who are ab>>ut to take patt in the cui.fli.t of nations A lar*e gathering ot the fiiend and wellwishers of the soldiers met in the Hall, function was without doubt an exc<llnt one. Dancing wa enjoytd by you gad old, and the intervals were till-d in by songs and musical iU-mi cf whLh M s Murray waa the chi.f cjntnbuto', her efforts being wtll r ceived. Miss's looman and Hamilton haJ conir 1 if the gathering, end when that is said it L is needless to add they did their bett to make everything go with a swing. Speeches-were delivered by Messis Flanagan, Glass.n and Fyfe, and Sergeant Bremner made a most eloquent response, Private Stewart also expressing appreciation cf the honour extended to him by the presence of such a large company. Mr Swann was steward; and Messrs J and J Rugg catered for the oupper, which was thoroughly appreciated. BAND OF HOPE

On Wednesday night the Band of Hope Committee and their energetic s.cretary must have been thoroughly gratified by the manner in which the public hailed the prt gramme presented to them. Tne meeting was opened by the singing of a hymn from tiia Band of Hope Bymnal, and after prayer a fine programme was submitted to an enthusiastic audierce. The president, Rev. D Madiil, opened with a brief aadreus, and than the Misses McNaughton were heard in a pianoforte duet, which was well received. Master Trevcr Lodge sang "A Scldier Like Your Dear Old Dad" in gooJ voice and time and was awarded applause. Irane Robinson, a tiny mite, gave a recitation and acquitted heiself spendidly. A trio by the Misses Lodge and Miss Robintion, tiny tots all» brought down the housj. Tha vice-president, Rev W Potter, gave a stirring speech to the boys and cicls, and then Mrs Dickson Bang a song in great style: dui the ciearo of the evening's entertainment was the last item, a finely staged dialogue entitled "Old Father Christmas," the chief parts in which were taken by Misses A Dixon and McNaughton, and Mr W Sutherland. Considering the time thay had had to prepare their efforts were good indeed, and this remark applies also to the minor characters. The item that chiefly interested the childien, and even the grown-ups, was the splendid Christmas Tree and the wondroui fruits that adorned its branch-.s, which were eooa rendered bare by the incessar t demands which were mada upon them. In addition to the prizes frtm the tree, many of the children received valuable books as presents, and the last night of the session was in every way a happy one. Too much credit csnnot be given to Mr S Fitlding, wto as secretary takes such an interest in the children. To Misses A Dixon end McNaughton, Mrs McNaughton and Messrs Wall and Hill, the able committee ot management, all due praise should also be given.

Now the sound of the mower among luscious grass is heard, and many hands are employed making bay. Never has the farmer been blest with such perfect weather for the job than that of the past fortnight. The reaper and binder i 8 busy amongst the cereal cropß, and from any of the hills about Drury a panorama of stioks and hay ticks meets the eye in all directions. Traction engines attached to chaff-cutters perambulate the country, and the farms are humming with the sounds ot labour.

POKENO.

STOCK SALE There was a good yarding of all lines at Messrs Altred Buckland and Sons regular tnootbly stock - sa 13 held at Pokeno on Monday last, and buyera wire present in tair numbers. Pricee, however, were easier. Dairy cows and beifers made from £5 10s to £9 10s, according to age and quality; bull* from £5 10s to £8 15s; good calves were down in price, s.lling up to £2 3a, and othsrs from 10s to 30s; two and a-half year old Btters «old to £8 10s; yearling to 18 month', £3 15s tn £4 15s; and htifais £3 to £4 lUs. Beef sold at Westfield rates. Weaner pigs made from 10a to 12s 6d. The President of the Farmers' Union Kifle Club, Mr Deane, bv obtaining a loan cf 10 rifles and a supply ot ammunition has enabled the Club to complete their mueketery calls. He his farther arranged lor staff instructors to attend parades to instruct the rank and tile. Owing to harvest operations engaging atte tion the usual monthly meeiin? ot the Pokeno Koad Board was not held last Monday.