TUAKAU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 256, 6 March 1917, Page 3

TUAKAU.

There was a large gathering present at the send-off concert and dance given to Mr W. McKee last Thursday evening, when presentations were mude to him by the chairman, Mr W. G. Graham. These consisted of a wristlet watch from the Patriotic League and a parcel of comforts from the Women's Patriotic League. The chairman, in a fitting speech, stated that he was sure Mr M cKee would do his duty. A first claa« musical programme was gone through tho e contributing songs being the Misses Valentine, Foulkes, Pulman and Messrs H. Bartrum, H. Leahy, E Revell, E. Leigh and Private L. Stevenson. During the evening the Misses Gallery, Dickens, Fouikes and Geraghty and Private Stevenson acted as a< companists. Dancing was enjoyed by a large company, Mr C. Deed acting as MC. Supper was kindly provide! by the ladies. Mr McKee leaves for camp to-day. The death took place on Sunday last of Mrs Margaret Halfpenuy at the advanced age of 84 years. The deceased lady, who had been in indifferent health for some years was the widow of the Mr James Halfpenny, who predeceased her many years ago. She leaves several grown up children to mourn their loss. An inquest was held on Saturday last before Mr Dynes Fulton, J.P., acting Coronor, on the body of a Maori boy, John Nuka, aged seven years, who was found drowned in the Waikato river. From the evidence it appears that deceased, who had lived with hi 3 uncle, Dick Rapua, was last seen alive on Feb. 27th about 5 p.m when he was playing near tho river at a spot where there is a very heavy current. The child's father, when he found him missing, did not look for him that night as he thought he had gone to stay with another native. As the boy did not return home the following morning the matter was reported to the police and search was made but it was not until Saturday morning last that the body was found whqn it was seen fluating down the river. The jury, of which Mr E. Frost was Foreman) returned a verdict " that the deceased was found drowned."

The death occurred suddenly at his residence in Dominion road on Sunday last at the age of 60, of a highly respected inhabitant in the person of Mr Geo. D. Hunter. The deceased was for many years in business in Tuakau as a saddler, but latterly lived a retired life. For some time he had been ailing The late Mr Hunter had a high reputation as a bass singer. He leaves a widow and daughter to mourn their loss. At an inquest held yesterday before Mr Dynes Fulton, J.P., acting Coronor, a verdict of death from natural causes was returned.