RANGIRIRI

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 356, 1 March 1918, Page 1

RANGIRIRI

The recent but long deferred proclamation calling upon all male eligible Maoris to register for military service, with a view to an intended ballot, has been made an opportunity for holding a mass meeting of Wuiicato Nativas at the settlement at Mauiea Rangiriri, when several thousands attended on Friday and Saturday and Sunday last, and where, after much "palaver," the matter ended where it began. It was a ease of ' as jou woro,' each man being left to please himself by 'joining up' or withholding, as lie thought tit. The Defence Department and the general pakeha public may, however, yet have some voice in this matter and tVel inclined to echo in reply. —Perhaps -i Upon the completion and informal opening some months ago of the new bridge across the Waikato river at Kungiriri it was considered, on account of war conditions, inexpedient to hold at that time any ceremonial proceedings, but a number of residents in the district were not content to lot the occasion pass entirely

without at least some deferred function to mark the addition to the locality. This has resulted in a regatta being arranged to take place on Saturday, March 9th, the profits from the proceedings to be handed over for patriotic purposes. A very varied programme is advertised, which should ensure a good attendance. A fine view of the acquatic sports should be obtained from the new bridge, as well as from the open banks of the river, and as the posters announcing the various races, etc, are headed "Rangiriri Annual Regatta " it is evidently hoped and intended that these become a yearly recurring event. The saleyards, which for some months have been undergoing considerable alterations in the way of relaying out, additions with concrete floors to the pens, provision of troughs and a windmill, etc, to ensure a permanent supply > of water for the cattle, etc, are now approaching completion. The two auctioneering firms who jointly own the yards, viz., the Farmers' Co op. Coy and the N.Z Loan and Mercantile Coy, intend to hold cattle sales more frequently than has hitherto been the case. The recent sheep fair held at Rangiriri could scarcely be considered a success, some sheep being sold as low as ninepence each. What about cheaper mutton ?