DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 267, 17 April 1917, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

PAPATOETOE. PAPATOETOE ROAD BOARD. At the meeting of the Papatoetoe Road Board, held on Saturday, the 7th inst., there were present Mes9r9. E. Niceol (chairman), J. Bryant, S. Woolfield, and F. W. May, with the clerk, Mr. H. C. Ernest. Coronation Road. The chairman reported that it had been arranged to place eleven pipes under the footpath on Coronation Road at Woolfield's gully to carry off the storm water from that road.—This arrangement was regarded as satisfactory. Consulting Engineer. Owing to the development of the district, and the desire on the part of the residents to have better roads and footpaths, it was resolved, 011 the motion of Mr. May, seconded by Mr. Woolfield, to obtain the services of a consulting engineer for all work requiring expert advice. The chairman and clerk were authorised to make enquiries with regard to the charges of such engineer and to report at the next meeting. Tree Planting. On the motion of Mr. May, the scheme for tree planting throughout the district was approved of. and the chairman was authorised to obtain an estimate of the cost of fencing for the protection of trees. Rangitoto Road. 5 Mr. Pohlen waited on the Board and complained of the inadequate provision made for carrying off the storm water from Rangitoto Road, which at present lodged on his property. It was agreed that the chairman and Mr. Bryant should inspect and report. Public Hall, Intimation was made by the clerk that the Masonic Lodge (Auckland district) had agreed to advance the sum of £2,500 for the Public Hall loan—The Hall Committee were authorised to arrange matters relating to securing the loan and the issue of debentures. Election and Ratepayers' Meeting. It was reported that Messrs. Niccol and May were the members to retire by rotation, and nominations were fixed to close, on Tuesday, the 24th inst., at noon, polling (if any) to take place on Thursday, May 3rd. The annual meeting of ratepayers was fixed for Wednesday, May '2nd. Y.M.C.A. Miss M. Wylie, the secretary of the Ladies' Patriotic League, having brought ..to .the notice of the board the claims of the Y.M.C.A, for the institute's work during the war, it was decided that the board, as the local Patriotic Committee, should co-operate with the local branch of the Ladies' Patriotic League with the view of arranging a scheme 011 behalf of the Y.M.C.A. war funds, as outlined in their circular. SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL CONCERT. The school concert held in St. John's Church Hall on Wednesday evening, the 4th inst., was an even greater success than was anticipated. • The attendance was close on 300, and in this the efforts of the School Committee were much retarded, as had there been more accommodation the committee feel certain they could have sold 500 tickets. As it is, a sura of between £8 or £9 nett is expected to accure.

The chairman, in introducing the artists who had kindly given their services gratis, stated that the object of the concert was to provide a nucleus of a fund to erect a sheltershed at the school. The department, after much persuasion, had added another wing to the school, which did not yet fully meet requirements, and no further outside accommodation had been built, with the result that there were now 30 children riding bicycles which had t« be left exposed to the weather. The committee therefore hoped to erect a shed for themselves estimated to cost £4O. The chairman later remarked that the school piano had now l>een fully paid for, thanks to the support given at previous <xncerts, and was now insured for £6O. The programme arranged by Messrs. Perry and McCoombe included a .banjo selection by Mr, Chamberlain, two songs—"Wind on the Heath " and the patriotic song "March on to Berlin "—by Mr. Cornwall, who also crave an excellent mandolin solo—Gounod's " Serenade "—in masterly style. Miss E. Evans was heard t<> advantage in "One Morning Very Early." "Slave Song," and "Brown Eyes and Blue." A quartette chorus and encore by Mrs. McCoombe, Miss Evans and Messrs. Walters and Cornwall were well sung, and much appreciated. Mr. Walters also sang "Macushla," "Until," and " Parted." Mr. McCoombe. as usual, was thoroughly popular in hi> Scotch songs and anecdotes, and also rendered two capable solos en his one-string violin, with which he appears thoroughly familiar. The Road Board has at last had word that their application for a loan of £2,500 for the purpose of erecting a public hall has been granted. The board has been trying for upwards of two years to obtain the loan, and ratepayers are lucky in getting the money at the low rate of 5i per cent, interest for a period of 36 years. Now that the train services are to be curtailed, Papatoetoe will be more in need than ever for some place in which to hold concerts and public meetings other than the much restricted and primitive accommodation of the Church Hall. It is to be hoped the board will lose no time in erecting J the new hall. CLEVEDON. The annual Presbyterian soiree and concert took place on Wednesday evening last., and was a decided success, the seating accommodation of the Public Hall being taxed to its utmost. The concert programme, nrranged by Mr. J. V. Jaeobsen, the Presbyterian minister, consisted of a great number and variety of items, all nf which were highly appreciated by the large audience assembled. The 1 chief performers were as follow:—lnstrumental overtures: Miss Daw (piano), Mr. Jaeobsen (flute); solos: Miss Gallagher, Mrs. W. Stephens, Miss Gnllowav, Miss Walker, Mrs. Mason, Mr. A. Bell, Mr. C. Munrn, Mr. Col •y; recitations: Mr. O'Hara, Mr. I. B. Allen. The Presbyterian choir, conducted by Mr. .J. Wright, of Ardmore, also rendered Hiree enthems during th-• evening with marked success. The proceedings terminated with a vole of thanks to the visiting l>erformers, followed by the singing of tlie National Anthem. A Red Cross afternoon, combining tennis and croquet, was held on the lawns of the Wairoa South Tennis Club on Saturday, April 7th. Mrs. Parkes, of Auckland, was present, and addressed the gathering, being listened to with great interest. A farewell social was given to Mr. J. Shaw on Easter Monday. Dancing was kept up to a late hour, the evening being a most successful one. Messrs A. D. Bell and W. Duder are the members who retire by rotation this year from the Wairoa Road Board, and in connection with the election nominations will close on Saturday, the 23th inst., polling (if any) being fixed for the following Saturday.

BUCKLAND. BUCKLAND FARMERS' UNION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Buckland Branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the hall on Saturday, the 7th inst,, a fair number of members being present. c .. , The acting-secretary, Mr. b. weal, presented the balance-sheet for the year just closed, which showed a credit balance of £l2 18/7. A full report of the year's work was also read by the secretary, as follows " Our membership roll has increased by three members, and though several of our old members have left the district our number now stands nt 35. We have held seven ordinary meetings and one extra, which was convened for the purpose of giving the directors of the new Co-operative Bacan Company an opportunity to explain the objects and advantages of that company to the pig-producers of this district. Owing to the war, most of the subjects discussed at the ordinary meetings have been matters relating thereto. "The following local matters were attended to:—A consignment of produce was collected and sent to Sister Esther on May 9th. The question of a post office for Buckland has been kept to the front. The County Council wa9 corresponded with re road requirements. Various railway matters re freights and repairs to trucking yards were dealt with. "A grant waß voted towards the Russian Prisoners' Fund, and a collection of eggs made for the Belgium Fund.

"A successful farewell social was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Delaney and family on the occasion of their leaving for Matamata. "Our late popular secretary, Mr. W. Jeflerey, resigned the position of secretary owing to having enlisted, and Mr. Neal agreed to fill the office until the end of the financial year. To show the appreciation of the members for Mr. Jefierey's faithful services as secretary for three years thr present of a wristlet watch was made to him on the eve of his departure for training.

"At the present time questions relatin? to the war put every other into the background, but outside cf those the scheme for subdivision of provincial districts, and the formation of sub-executives, is one of the most important." In conclusion, the secretary unreel upon members the necessity of being more regular in their attendance p.t the meetings, and thereby encouraging the officials, and helping on the Union, who were doing their best for the interests of the farmers and the country as a whole.

The following officers were unanimously elected for the ensuing year viz.:—President, Mr. A. Glimmer

secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. J. Melville; vice - presidents. Messrs. Strickett and Pooke; auditor. Mr. J. K. Hamilton. Mr. A. Gummer was elected delegate to the Union Conference to be held in May. - ♦ PAPAKURA. On Wednesday, April 4th, in Richardson's Picture Hall, a "send-off" social was given by the Patriotic Committee to Privates Rollo Bates. Robert Bates, T. Campbell, G. Wilson. J. Fowlie, B. Hunt, A. Burgess, and \V. Brown, who were on. iinal leave. Appropriate speeches were given by the Rev. W. Wood, Rev. W. S. Potter, and Mr. D. W. Jones. Presents were made to each soldier, either of an auto-razor or a soldier's hussif acording to choice. Mr. J. Walker, sen., was also handed a safety razor, to be sent to his son, Private James Walker, who through illness was unable to attend a social before he left for the front. There was a crowded gathering. Mid the floor was in excellent condition for dancing. Those who played dance music were Mrs. Harold Walker, Miss Hubbard, and Mr. McConnell, vhile refreshments were kindly provided by the ladies under the superintendence of Mesdames McLennan and Stewart. Lighted by electricity, the hall presented an animated appearance, Messrs. Richardson Bros, having done their best to provide for the comfort and enjoyment of the company ( resent.

The Papakura Town Board announce that proceedings will be taken against all persons whose rates are not paid before the 21st inst. A quiet and interesting wedding took place in Auckland on Wednesday. the 4th April, when Mr L. J. Mills, a well-known resident of Papakura, was married to Miss A. Terry, formerly of Gisborne. Subsequent to the Sports on Easter Monday the Committee and several friends assembled in Mr Mills' office and asked his acceptance of a handsome tpa service as a wedding gift. In making the presentation Mr E. S Cole (President of the Club) referred in eulogistic terms to the good work that Mr Mills, as secretary, had done for the Club and for sport generally. For seventeen years, ho said, Mr Mills had laboured and it was due to his efforts that the Club was among the foremost in the North Island. Other speakers endorsed Mr Cole's remarks and wished Mr and Mrs Mills all good health and prosperity. Mr Mills suitably returned thanks. MAUKU An unfortunate accident befell Mr Wm. Guthrie, proprietor of tbe Mauku store, early on Sunday morning. He was splitting some wood for kindling, and by mischanc > brought the axe down on his instep, inflicting a severe and painful gash. Dj Wake was summoned and put in several stitches, but it is to be fearerl that recovery will be a long and tedious matter. PAPATOETOE. BOWLING. PAPATOETOE v. PAPAKURA. A couple of rinks of Papatoetoe bowlers visited Papakura mi Saturday, tin' 7th inst.. and nut an equal number of rinks of 111<■ Papakura tjjuh. The results were (is follow, the name(if the Papatoetoe players ln'iiiL' mentioned first in each case:— Chapman, Tidmarsh, Rawnslcy. Gladding, 21, boat Ashden. McLt'iinaii. McCarthy. Scaton, 11. Swaflield, Lennard, Undue. Trimble. 22, beat Grandfield, McLennan. June-. Criehton. 11. LAWN TENNIS. PAPATOETOE v. OTAHI'HI*. An interesting lawn tennis match was played at Papatoetoe on Saturday, the 7th inst., between members of the Papatoetoe and Otahuhu Clubs. The results were as follow, the Papatoetoe players being mentioned first in each case, viz.:— Ladies' Doubles: Misses Wyllie and Weston beat Misses Whitely and Peck, —62, 6—3; Mts. Larsen and Miss Haslip beat Mrs. Whitely and Miss Moran, 6—2, 6—3; Mrs. Bryant and Miss R. O'Loughlen beat Misses Knott ind Whitely, 6—2, 6—2.

Genii' Double?: Wyllie and Larson lost to Sheppard and Mclnnis, 2—o, ■1 —6; Perhani and Elder boat Whitely and Short, G-5, 2-6, 6-3; Slade and Brvant beat Blown and Willsteed, 6—4, 4-6, 7—r», 6—7, 4—o. Combined Doublet: Miss Wylie »iid Larson beat Mi<s E. Wliitely 'md Mclnnes, 6—l, 5—6, 6—4; Miss Weston and Wyllie bent Mrs. Peak and Whitely, 6—4, 6-5; Mrs. Larson and Perham lost to Miss Morrin and Sheppard, o—6. 2—6; Mrs. Haslip and Elder lost to Mrs. Whitely and Short, o—6 5—6; Mrs. Bryant and Bryant lost'to Miss Knott and Brown, 6—2, 3_6, n—6; Miss F. O'Loughlen and Slad'e beat Miss Whitely <md Willstead, o—2,0 —2, 6 —2, MERCER. HONOURS BOARD UNVEILED There was an animated and patriotic scene at the Town Hall on Friday last, the occasion being the unveiling of an Honours Board which, bearing the Daines of " the Boys x of Mercer who have already responded to their country's call with the future addition of the names of others who join the colours, will serve as a lasting memory of duty done. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags and the presence of the local Senior Cadets in uniform, lined up in front of the platform, gave to the surroundings a military atmosphere in keeping with the best traditions associated with Mercer. Mr Bilderbeck (the Chairman of the Mercer School Committee) presided over the gathering which took the form of a social, while Mr R. F. Bollard, M P., favoured the company with his presence and together with Mr G. Morgan (the Chairman of the Town Board) occupied a seat on the platform. The Chairman, having briefly alluded to the object of the gathering, expressed the pleasure they all felt at having Mr Bollard present that evening to take part in the unveiling ceremony.

Mr Bollard, in his opening remarks, paid a high tribute to the way Mercer had responded to the call for men in the fight for freedom. Alluding to the war, he said, they had reason to be proud of the magnificent services rendered by the British Army and Navy. He firmly believed that the end of the war was approaching. Speaking of the sacrifices made by many parents, he mentioned that it was only really felt when a member of one's own family went away. In his own case his son had recently departed and he rejoiced that he (his son) was not a shirker. Men, not money, said Mr Bollard, were wanted to win the war.

At this stage the Cadets, under Lieut. Taylor, saluted arms and Mr Bollard unveiled the Honours Board in full view of the assembly. In > doing so Mr Bollard explained that the Board contained the names of those who had left New Zealand for service and to it would be added others as they left for the front. The Board, which is a large and handsome piece of work, was subscribed for by various friends under the direction of the School Committee It occupies a position in the corner of the hall near the platform. The inscription in gold letters reads as follows : " Mercer—ln honour of our boys 1914—19 . Erected by School Committee and Citizens." Then follows the names of those " boys " who have left New Zealand service.

Mr Bildt rbeck, as chairman, next banded over the Honours Board to Mr G. Morgan (Chairman of the Town Board) for safe custody. Mr Morgan, in accepting the gift on behalf of the town, congratulated the School Committee on the magnificent piece of work which, he said, was also a credit to the artist who executed it with such skill. Mr Hallett also deserved *their thanks for being responsible for the payment for writing the names on the Board and he would also pay the cost when additional names were inscribed. He desired to thank Mr Bollard for his presence and the ladies who had given their valuable services in many ways. During the evening songs and musical items were rendered by various friends and were much appreciated. During the evening Corpl. Hector Lee, of the (77th) Mercer Cadet Corps, was presented by Mr Bollard with the Silver Cup shot for annually by Cadet Corps and which had been won this year by the Mercer Corps. Mr Bollard, in complimenting the lecipient, drew attention to the fact that the family of Lee had bee*n fortunate in winning several prizes for shooting and he trusted they « ould continue to do so.

Mr G. Morgau, as Chairman of the Patriotic Committee, presented Sapper Hawkins and Private Tregoth with a wristlet watch each and in the name of Mercer wished both good luck and a safe return.—Sapper Hawkins suitably replied.

After the concert the floor was e'eared for danc ; ng and a merry party kept going to ihe strains of the excellent musk; provided until morning dawned

Many friends of Mr A. C. Tribe «ill be glad to learn that he is now progressing favourably and is able to be wlieeled on the verandah at the hospital, at which institution he has been an inmate for the past few weeks.

It is interesting to record the fact that the sum of £S9 was collected by the Mercer School Committee during the past year a large proportion of wMch has been devoted to patriotic purposes. The much talke 1 of Maori wedding which was to liavo taken place at Morcer last Thurs lay was, owing to illnoss in the bri In's family, postponed until Thursday, 26th April Among the native- much disappointment was felt in my of them hiving made groat sacrifices so as to participate in the after proceedings.