OTAHUHU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 342, 4 January 1918, Page 3

OTAHUHU.

"a singular case .* [To the Editor] 5 • Sir,—-Re the " Singular Case " heard at the Police Court last week, and reported in the Auckland papers on Thursday, December 20th. . As my name figures prominently in the report given in the Auckland "Star," any ordinary reader, not conversant with the merits and demerits of the case, might conclude that I myself was the ciilpriit, had taken the cash, and falsified my employer's books to cover my guilt. This being so absolntely foreign to the facts of the case, I , would like to say through your valuable pages that I have never altered a singular penny in connection with the case, and as to my business qualifications the attached report from the auditors who examine the firm's books will speak for it-self-—Yours faithfully, JOS. HUNTER. Otahuhu, Dec. 29th, 1917.

Letter dated Dec. 1917, from Messrs Gorrie and Carlaw, public accountants Auckland, toMr F. J. Andrew, Otahnhu : Sir, —With reference to the Magistrate's summing up in the case of the Police v. Bidgood, and more particularly to that portion dealing with your accountant Mr Hunter, you will remember that the Magistrate attributed any error on Mr Hunter's part, not to dishonesty, tat to incompetency. We feel sure that it is not necessary for us to discuss the question of Mr Hunter's honesty with you, who know him so welL We, also, have had an opportunity of forming an opinion on that point during the past twelve months in which we have, acting under your instructions, given him our advice and assistance. There is no man in Auckland in whose integrity we place more reliance. We shall, however, be doing Mr Hunter less than jusUce if we omit to add that we have always found him methodical, industrious, and painstaking. In our opinion, your Books, as a whole, are kept in such a manner as to compare favourably with the Books of any firm in Auckland doing a similar business to yourself. We"are, yours faithfully,— (Signed) GORRIE & CARLAW.

Thereturaed soldiers and those on leave in Otahuhu and in the surrounding district were the guests of . honour at a fancy dress social held on New Year's eye in the Parish ' Hall, and organised by the, Girl's Friendly Society and Physical Culture class. There was a very large number of soldiers with their relatives and friends present. The hall was prettily decorated with flowers and greenery. An excellent pro k gramme was provided, dancing I being the chief attraction of the evening, Ag 830 p.m the proceedings were opened with the Grand March which was led off by " Father j Christmas " (Mr Gurry). Many and varied characters were represented: Gipsies, Japanese, French, Grecian, Italian, Dutch, Highlanders, Australians, Fairies, Flowers, along with Rosalind, 80-peep, Yachting. Cowboys, Shakespear, altogether making a gay scene. The music for the dancing was supplied by Edwards' Orchestra, and was much appreciated. Vocal and instrumental items were rendered by Misses • Madigan and Mao Arthur, Messrs Alan Wood* and A. McDonald (Mayor) The Sailor's Hornpipe •*\ in good style by Miss Djpfoolley. Supper was served at 1 eleven o'clock, after wiiich dancing continued. <Jn the stroke of mid-

night, the Vicar (Rev. H. Mason) addressed those present, giving words of cheer to the "boys" and good wishes and God speed to # those about to leave so soon. The Mayor (Mr A. McDonald) also spoke in a similar manner. The ringing of the church bell ushered in the

New Year and all joined In ainging Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King. Dancing was kept up until 1.30 a.m, when the singing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable function to a close. The arrangements were well carried out and many thanks were given to the organisers and workers, who enabled tiie lads in khaki to carry away a remembrance of a happy ending of the year 1917. The proceeds were devoted to the Diocesan Fund for the spiritual needs of,our soldiers.