DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 192, 18 July 1916, Page 1

DISTRICT NEWS

MERCER. PKOPEKTY SALE DISPUTE The civil action brought by George William Metcalfe, miner, of Hiiutly, against Cecil Norman Bamfil Mardou was resumed at the Supremo Court on Friday before His Honour Mr Justice Hoskiug. Tbo case was one in which the plaintiff asked that au agreement to purchase certaiu land near Mercer be set aside, and an order made for the payment by the defendant of £l5O damages, owing to the alleged misrepresentation by the defendant that the land was not subject to flood. Mr H. H. Ostler and Mr L. A. Taylor appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr J. E. Eeed, K.C., and Mr M. G McArthur represented the defendant. The case for the plaintiff had been completed on the previous day, and k was agreed that the hearing of the case for the defence should be postponed until a claim of a similar kind against the defendant should be heard.

In the second case plaintiff was John Cook, a farmer, of Thames, who claimed £584 damages and money paid in connection with an agreement to purchase land from Mardon, and asked that the agreement be set aside. Mr A.'M. Gould appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr J. E. Eeed, K.C., with him Mr M. G. McArthur, for the defendant.

The case for plaintiff was outlined by Mr Gould. It then appeared possible that the parties might come to a settlement, and the Court adjourned to allow thensL.to confer.

On resuming, Mr Reed intimated that a settlement had been reached, and at his request the case was adjourned until July 24th, in order that the terms of settlement might be carried out. PATRIOTIC BASKET SOCIAL.

The district's initial effort to assist the Navy Fund eventuated on Friday evening last, when a basket social was held in the Public Hall, under the auspices of the new committee appointed to control the patriotic work in the district. The proceedings took the form of a dance, with an auction sale of 18 baskets, donated by .'adies, the purchaser of the respective baskets becoming entitled to secure as a partner in the dance the fair donor of the basket that he acquired As a result there was naturally good competition for the lots offered. Mr J. T. Stouibridge, of Pukekohe, acted as honorary auctioneer, assisted by Messrs Freebourne and Crowhurst, and a very satisfactory sale resulted the highest bid offered being £l 7s (3d, whilo tho total proceeds amounted to £lo Is 'Jd, which was supplemented by a donation of a guinea by Mr Ucorge Morgon, and the door takings amounting to £3 Is. Tho music for the function was kindly supplied "by Mesdames J. Bush and H. Valentino, and Miss H. Gallery and Mr Preebourne. There were about oo couples present and so thoroughly enjoyable was the dance, with Messrs H. Bilderbeck and R. Kelly as M.C., that it was continued until 1.15 a.m. The secretary (Mr Crowhurst) in particular rendered valuable assistance while the committee were untiring in their efforts to make the function a success.

HUNUA.

HELPING THE BELGIANS. A concert was held iu the Huuua Hall on the evening of Monday, July 10th, in aid of the Belgian Solief Fund. The school children of the district supplied the programme, which was much appreciated by a fairly large audience. Patriotic songs and choruses, solos, duets and recitations made up a very interesting programme, the excellent rendering of which testified to the capable training imparted by the headmaster, Mr E. B. Hillam. Mr T. J. Lockwood, J.P., presided, and in his opening remarks emphasised the need of immediate assistance being sent to the dependants of our brave allies—the Belgians. After the concert was over the ladies provided supper. In the meantime the floor had been cleared and within a very short time dancing was in pro- ! gress, Mr H. McConnel supplying the music. The evening proved to be a real evening of enjoyment, and as the result the sum of £5 will be forwarded to the Belgian Consul from the school children of Hunua. During the proceedings Mr E. McConnel, on behalf of the setllers, congratulated Mr Lockwood on the honour of " J.P." being conferred upon him. Mr Lockwood suitably responded. * ♦ I

PUKEKOHE EAST.

LADY LIVERPOOL LEAGUE. The fortnightly meeting of the Pukekohe East branch of the Lady Liverpool League was held at Mrs Holmes' residence on Wednesday, July 12th. Although tbera are only a few ladies in this branch, quite a lot of comforts have already been made and forwarded to the Auckland centre for our " boys " at the front. A collection was taken up and the president, Mrs Robiason, was authorised to buy more material to be made up. At piesent the ladies are busily engaged making felt slippers for the invalided soldiers and knitting socks. Mrs Holmes handed round afternoon tea and the ladies present accepted Mrs S. Hamilton's invitation to meet at her home for the next meeting.