DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 202, 22 August 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS

POKENO. k On Saturday, August 12th, wemkra. of the Pokeno troop of the Varmers' Union little Club travelled lb Maungatawhiri Valley to meet the Valley troop in a shooting match, tho home team winning. The best score for the day was made by Mr R. G. Pondergrast. The ranges tired at were 100 yards and 200 yards, Mr T. Gordon being in charge of the score book. The markers were R. G. Pendergrast and 8. MoOaw, relieved by Messrs 0. A. Hille and J. Bitler. What might have been a vtry serious accident occurred during the afternoon. A young member, not lauiiliar with target regulations, opened fire on the target when the red flag was up and the tnarker out of the trench. Fortunately the bullet went wide but it is to be hoped that the incident, will be a warning for more supervision to be exei vised in future. Mr S. McCaw, secretary of the Pokeno Rifle Club, writes : "In your issue of August loth I noticed .an account of the annual meeting of the Pokeno Bifle Clnb, which stated that the balance sheet showed that the Club was in a sound financial position, I beg to contradict that statement. As secretary I presented the balance sheet which showed a debit balance of 16s 6d. Of course if all the members had been 4 sports ' and had paid their subs, it would have been all right, but as it was only 6ome twenty members paid up."

WAERENGA. A distressing accident happened on the Te Kauwhata-Waerenga road, in front of Constable Rock's residence—the scene of three similar accidents—on Tuesday afternoon last. Mrs T, Allan, of Taniwha, hai driven her sister to the Te Kauwhata railway station and was returning home when the swingle-trea of her buggy became detached as the vehicle whs passing down the hill near Constable Rock's residence The shafts struck the road and smashed, the occupant being thrown out, and a wheel passed over Mrs Allan's body, injuring her shoulder and breaking a rib. She managed to walk to Mrs Roctfs house, where she was later on attended by Dr McDiarmid, of Huntly.

BUCKLAND. BABY'S SUDDEN DEATH. An inquest was held by the Disrict Coroner (Mr C. Boadley) on Wednesday last at Buckland on the body of a four-months-old baby boy, who had died suddenly on Tuesday evening. The evidence was to the eff ec that the previous (Tuesday) afternoon the grandmother noticed that the child, whilst lying in its " pram," was seized with convulsions. She placed it in hot water and it apparently got better but another attack ensued in the evening, to which the child succumbed. Dr C. H. Wake, of Pukekohe, deposed to having carried out a post-mortem examination of the body, which showed that the child was well nourished, the cause of death being a congestion of the right lung. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, remarking that he was satisfied that the child had been well looked after. Sergt. Arthur Delaney, is repotted as having bean severely wounded on August {Jth. He is the youngest son of Mr Li.. Delaney, late of Buckland, now of Matamata. He I'tt with the Main Expeditionary Force and was six months in the trenches at Gallipoli. At tbe end of that time he became ill and was invalided to Cairo. After recovering, be went to the Egyptian froutier, where he was wounded. His two brothers have also been wounded, and one was invalided home to New Zealand gome months ago.

V PUNI. CHILDREN'S PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT. On Saturday evening, the 12th inst., a very enjoyable time was spent in the Puni school by young and old, and despite the inclement weather a good attendance was recorded. The function took the form of a Belgian babies tea party, the funds being devoted to the Belgian Relief Fund. Under the able management of the Misses Glover the fish pond was the centre of great attraction, as also was the Sweets Stall presided oyer by Miss Chalmers. The evening was devoted to the pleasure of the children till about 10 p.m., and judging by the happy, smiling countenances of the little ones they enjoyed it to the full. After supper dancing was indulged in by the adults till midnight. Qreat credit is reflected on Miss Chalmers, the assistant schoolmistress, who with the aid of the Puni ladies made the gathering such a success. Miss Chalmers, it may be mentined, has always been most energetic on behalf of war funds and as the result of the patriotic spirit she has instilled into the minds of her young charges many a little gift is sent awuy by the Puni scbool children to gladden the hearts of the troops in the trenches. The nett proceeds amounted to just over £7.

HUNUA. v | Included in the Hoi! ot Honour issued yesterday ov the Defence Department is the name of Farrier Alfred Bates, son of Mr James Bates, who wes killed in action. He wad twenty-two years of age, 8I) d wap ore ot a family of Bix none, educated at the Fapakura fabjflLSchool, he worked for a period at his father s timber mill in Hunua, hut at thf time of en list ins; he was employed gt Mr Lareen'B smithy at Fokeno Previous to his departure for service he was farewelled at both Fokeno and Paaakura. At last night's meeting "I PApakura Town Huanl n vnl(' "f condolence to Mr and Mrs Bates and family was [pawed. *«.,

MERCER. A SUDDEN DEATH. An inquest wu held at Mercer on Friday bv Mr C. Roadley, District Coroner, on the bodyof a widow, named Mrs Elizabeth Wallace, aged 72 years. The evidence went to show that the deceased experienced internal pains on Tuesday and was attended to by Mrs Charles WilKinson, her married daughter, but death ensued on Thursday evenis?. She bad had a severe illness some time back when Dr. Marsack despaired ot saving her ife owing to the condition of her heart. Dr. Wake, of Pukekohe, deposed that he was sent for to see the deceased but arrived after she had passed away. In tvs opinion a post-tnort c .m examination was unnecessary as previous history and the age of the deceased pointed to death being due to h?art failuie. A verdict accordingly was returned by the Coroner.

ONEWHERO. THE KABBII' NUISANCE. The monthly meeting of the local branch ot the Farmers' Union was held in the Hall on Saturday afternoon, the 12th inst. There was a good attendance of members, about twenty-five being present. ( The pre«ident, Mr Moore, rcas in the chair, and after the ordinary business wss disposed of, those presnt settled down to consider the rabbit pest. Mr, Moore mentioned that some time ago Councillor Tapper brought this n.atter before the Raglan County Council, advocating that energetic steps should be taken to control the pest, but nothing was done. Several members testified to the folly of procrastinating until rabbits h«d increased to such numbers as to be a menace to the small farmer, and all agreed that it would be wise to try and cop« with the evil while in its initial stages. A snb-committfe. consisting of the following, Messrs D. A. Moore, Charles Walter and Kutherford, was elected for the purpose of obtaining all information as to the procedure to be followed in having the Kaglan County Council constituted a Kabhit Board and the County declared a rabbit infected area. The sub-committee will report to the next ordinary meeting of the branch, when subsequent action will be considered. The following resolution was then moved by Mr Kutherford, and seconded by Mr Cameron, and unanimously carried, viz "That this meeting of farmers urges upon the Government the advisability of at once declaring the Kaglan County a rabbit infested area, and that the Kabbit Act be enforced." It was agreed that a copy of this resolution should b* forwarded to all branches of the Farmers' Union in the County, asking tor thsir support in the matter. v HONOUR NG THE BRAVE On Wednesday last, August 16th, the Onewhero Hall was crowded by local residents who met to say good-bye to three of "our boys" on final leave from Trentham, viz., Privates H. Smith and J. Liddle, who proceed to the conflict for the first time, and Corporal Ohlson, who has already received his baptism of fire. Eulogistic speeches were given;, by the chairman, Mr D. Moore and by Rev. Butterworth. Sorige and recitations wee contributed by Mrs Bark and Messrs Butterworth, Parsons, Glasgow and Bark and one feature was the hearty singing of the patriotic choruses by the audience. The children also sang a couple of items. After supper the usual danca took place and it was not till about 3 a.ir. that the company separated.

CLEVEDON. (See also Page 4.) THE KOLL OF HONOUR. SEKGT. WATERS KILLEO. Word was received by Captain A. Waters on Saturday evening last that his youngest son, Sergt.Mervyn Leigh Waters was killed in action in Egypt on the 4th August. Sergt. Waters enlisted along with an elder brother, Rupert, in the 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifles, sth Reinforcements, and had served at Gallipoli for seven weeks, when the Peninsula was evacuated ard the mounted men were transferred to Egypt. He was born at Hoteo North in 1892 and three years later came with his parents to Clevedon, where he had resided right up to the time of his enlistment, On the conclusion ot his school days he became interested ;n fruit tarming with Mr Sam Brown, and followed that pursuit for a lengthy period until he and his brother Rupert tcok over the management of Miss Thorpe s tarm, in the occupation of which they were still engaged when they joined the colours, bergt. Waters took an active interest in all matters that had for their object the betterment of his tellow-citizeoß and of the district. He was a corporal in the Franklin Mounted Rifles before the territorial scheme came into force, being afterwards promoted sergeant. In sports he excelled both in tennis and football, and had been secretary of the Clevedon Tennis Club. Numerous telegrams of condolence have been received by Captain Waters, who is an Bctive member of the Oversea's Glut', the senders including their Majesties the King and (jueen, Lord and Lady Liverpool, the Kight Hon. W. F. Miissey (Prime Minister), Sir Juseph Ward, Bart, K.C.8., and the Minister ol Defence, the Hon. Jas. Allen. At yeterdny's meeting of the Wairoa Road Board votes ol sympathy were passed with Captair and Mrs Waters and family, am also with Mr F. Bailey, whose soi recently died in the training camo

manurewa. SUCCESSFUL RED CKOSS TEA. Another of the series of Ked Cross 'lea gatherincs promoted by the Manurewa ladieß took place in the Public Hall on Saturday afternoon last, Mrs T. H. Juckes being the organiser on this occasion and earning out the duties with extreme efficiency. Thtre was a large attendance, including many visitors from Fapakura, l'apatoetoe, Alfristnn and Auckland, the company b. iiiK riceiv-.i I.v Mrs Juckes, ftHMslfil I'V Mi nit Kilty Juelvt 1 ;. I lie buildll>p; was profusely decorated with flags*, palms and ilowers.

The Vicar, Kev. W. C. Wood, delivered a most stirring address on the war, and referred to the neceesity ot keeping the trade witbin New Zealand, mentioning the fact that quite recently Japan a Commissioners had toured New Zeaiard with the one object in view, viz., to catch the trade that had previously eone to Germany. He appealed to the ladies to help the British Nation by buying only British made goods. On behalf o± Mrs Jukes he wished to thank the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly helped to make the afternoon tea a success and particularly Mr Mabee, for his moßt artistic decoration of the hall in which be bad quite excelled himself, also Mr f. C. Seaton for arranging such an excellent musical programme. Mrs Hudson Williamson in thanking Mrs Juckes and the residents and visitors for the sum of £lO 5s taken at the door during the afternoon, read a letter from htr son who is at thp front, pointing out what a boon it was to the solders to be able to go to the Ked Cross Depot, when thty want a change of clothing, and asking his mother to continue on with the gord work of Ked Cross teas, as without the Ked Cross Depot, which was kept supplied by '!' e Victoria League and its many branches, which Manurewa is ore, the "hoys" at the front, ss tar as clothing is concerned, would have to suffer many hardships. Mrs Williamson referred to the great necessity for the people in the different districts, where branches of the League had been formed, to put aside the religious question and work together in helping to end the war aucessfully tor the Allies. The musical programme, 'arranged by Mr T. C. Seaton, was very much appreciated by the audience. The following items were rendered Pianoforte solo, "The Storm, Mrs F. Leonard; song, "Mountain Lovers," MIBs Violet Levy; song, "Doreen," Miss 1. Yardley; songs, "Till the Boys Come Home/j "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and "No One Knows, No One Cares," Miss I. Manigan; duet, "Come, Sing to Me," Mrs Wilson Tayler and Mr A. 0. Mabee; eong, "Nevana," Mr T. C. Seaton; Mrs Archdale Tayler and Mr T. C. Seaton played the accompaniments. During the afternoon the following young ladies assisted in handing round afternoon tea to the visitors: Misses M. Jukes, B. Craig. A. Coxhead, M. Warlisb, D. Warlißh, L. Lupton, M. Funnel I, D. Druce, D. Lovall, L. Thompson, H. Costar, 1. Pegler, B. Smith, H. Smith and Margie Tayler. Tha gathering terminated with the singing of the National Anthem, and the tea proved one of the most successful held in Manurewa.

PUKEKOHE EAST. SOLDIERS I'AREWELLED. A very rnjoyable social and dance was held in the Pukekohe East Hall last Wednesday evening in honour of Private Percy Ferguson ard Percy Keane, who, as members of the 17th Reinforcements, were home on final leave. Recitations were given by Mr H. V. iiribblfe and sjngs were rendered by Mrs Ferguson, Mrs Keane, Miss J. Aldridge and Messrs J. Banks and W. T. Jones. Mr J. Glsnnie, during the evening, made a few eloquent remarks farewelling the departing soldiers. The dance music was kindly by Mrs Keane, ana supper was served under the capable supervision of Mrs Glenie.

PAPAKURA. The auditors appointed by the Government. Messrs Holmee and Morris, have just completed the audit of the Papakura Patriotic Society's accounts and have passed them as correct. The treasurer, Mrs A. Willis, was congratulated on the lucid manner in which the accounts were arranged.