WAERENGA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 366, 9 April 1918, Page 3

WAERENGA.

BED CROSS CARNIVAL.

Waerenga was en fete on Saturday last when a gigantic carnival was held in the interests of the Red Cross funds. All the residents throughout this prosperous district supported the efforts of the local Committee under the chairmanship of Mr J. W. Keith and the unanimous spirit in which each and all worked towards the object in view deserved the highest commendation. Waerenga has thereby gained a reputation for its good work, over £3OO being raised for the Red Cross as the result of the effort. In this connection the ladies rightly deserve every praise, for they by their quiet persistent endeavour they contributed largely towards the success of the undertaking. Supporters were present from Auckland, Ohinewai, Pokeno, Maramarua, Mangatangi and other places and the visitors who showed their interest in the undertaking included Mr T. W. Rhodes, the member for the district, who was present throughout the day and officially opened the proceedings. Patriotism was evinced by the flying of the Union Jack at the Public Hall and in the large paddock adjoining, where the Carnival was held, streamers of the allied flags gave a blending of colour, which, combined with the heavilyladen decorated stalls, presented an attractive appearance. OFFICIAL OPENING. As Chairman of the Committee Mr Keith in a cheery speech formally welcomed Mr Rhodes, their member, and expressed their pleasure at having him present on such an occasion. In declaring the Carnival open Mr Rhodes paid a high tribute to the work of the Red Cross Society and commended them all for their desire to augment the funds of the Society which was engaged in a truly noble work in caring for " our boys." Many came back wounded and, said Mr Rhodes, we all had a duty cast upon us to see that such were properly cared for. In this respect he felt sure New Zealand would nobly respond. As to their local effort he congratulated them on their Carnival and felt sure the ladies had devoted much time to the cause which, he trusted, would prove a financial success. Mr Rhodes then declared the Carnival open amid applause. Business was then speedily entered into The stallholders were : Plain and fancy needlework, Mrs T. James; lollies and ice cream, Miss Storey ; produce, Mesdames P. McPherson and-A. B. Carley ; competitor, Miss E Elliott; tea and refreshments, Miss Millson ; bran tub, Miss W. Stoken ; all of whom were assisted by many willing helpers. Red Cross collecting boxes were taken by the juveniles and these did well, Mary Davies securing the highest amount £4 19s 6d.

Various attractions were provided for all classes and in this respect the children were not overlooked, races being arranged for them as well as for adults. Chasing the greasy pigs, too, secured a number of pig-hunting athletes, the natives being tne winners in both cases. Gifts of live stock and produce included horses, cattle and poultry. The auctioneering of these by Mr W. Prentice proved him to be a '• champion " salesman, £3O being secured for half a ton of potatoes and £25 for a similar quantity of chaff, while other top prices were obtained for live stock. Ladies and child?en too were much in evidence securing customers for flowers, Mrs Vaughan and Miss Keith being busy in this way. During the day the playing of the bag-pipes by a pioneer settler, Mr A Oheyne, reminded one of" the land of the heather," while the sale by auction of surplus goods from the stalls later in the afternoon added to the general amusement, Mr G. McEvoy, a returned soldier, proving both a humorous and capable amateur auctioneer.

One pleasing feature worthy of note was the splendid spirit of helpfulness shown by these responsible for the varions sections, each in turn contributing their best services for the advancement of the object in view—the Bed Cross Fund. The executive consisted of Messrs J. W. Keith (chairman), J. Sampson, W. Jefferies, A. Keith, G. McEvby, Q. Elliott, 0 Carter, E. Waite, with Mr C. Teddy, honorary secretary. Io the evening a well-attended social and dance was held in the Public Hall and dancing was freely entered into with zest, the M U.'s being Messrs J. Sampson and A. Keith, while Mr T. Dimmock played the violin. During the intervals vocal items were contributed by the following : Miss Millson sang " Wake Up " and was well received; Miss Mcintosh delighted all with her rendering of " Killarney " ; while MrsVaughan sang in her usual gord style " Keep the Home Fires Burning " and for an encore favoured the audience with " Mother Machree." A pleasing item too was the Highland Fling danced by Master Beit \ldndge, who had ito respond to a recall.

Some time was occupied by the Committee in ascertaining the winners in the competitionp, the prizes in many*cases being valuable lines. Mr Rhodes in announriig the names corn pli men ted the winners and made kindly reference to all who lias assisted to promote such a successful function resulting in over i'.'JDi) This announcement was greeted with applause. The winners in the competitions were:—No 1 horse, Mr J. Tudor; No 2 ho*se, Mrs J. W. Keith ; sheep, Messrs J. Jeffries and A. Dinimock (e<jnal) ; handbag, Mr W Jeffries ; watch, Mr A Reid ; No 1 picture, Miss V. Storey ; No 2 picture, Mrs Oarnhnm ; turkey, Mr W. Sherson ; Claret cup, Mr J. 11. Keith ; set fruit dish's, Mrs Freegard ; cosy corner, Mr T. Freegard ; crochet flounce, Mrs King ; pair curtains, Mr,' Vaiighan ; serviette rings, Mr J Paulsen ; lOOlbs flour, Mr W. Reid ; cushion, Mr C. Wood ham ; naming policeman (Johnny Walker), W. Jeffries ; No 2 sheep, Miss R. Fl'htt ; weight of cake (A|lhs) f E. A. Douglas.