TUAKAU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 451, 25 July 1919, Page 2

TUAKAU.

Peace celebrations were enthusiastically honoured atTuakau. Tin l climatic conditions on the whole were very favourable to the successful carrving out of the programme, under ihe auspices of the Tualtau Town B'iard. The town was gaily decorated with hunting, and business premises similarly embellished, presented a unique spectacle Tuakau, on the day, appeared to be the prettiest little place in the whole of the Auckland province. The residents of Tuakau and surrounding districts flocked together in numbers, an outstanding feature being the large representation of the Native race. The Maoris, like the Europeans, celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Without doubt, such a largo crowd had never heen seen in the streets of Tuakau since the town was founded. Punctually at 11.10, a procession was formed up, and all the virions societies participated, as well as a large number of residents llnfoituately the town is without a band, hut McLnod, of Auckland, with his bagpipes, acted as a substitute. Ho led the procession, which presented a brilliant and striking spectacle The school children, under the command of 'he t<ach »rs,

flocked together to celebrate " The Day." Speeches appropriate to the occasion were delivered by Mr Dynes Fulton (chairman of the Tuakau Town Board), Mr G P. Ewing, of Whangarata, and Rev. Foulkes (Anglican vicar at Tuakau). At 12 noon the large crowd stood bareheaded for five minutes, as a mark of respect to the men who had made the supreme sacrifice in the great fight for freedom, after which the Last Post was sounded by Trumpeter Burton, of Auckland. Lunch was served in a large marquee erected on the old butter factory site. The afternoon's proceeedings were devoted to sports, in which a large native contingent participated. The latter also contributed hakas, musU cal items and songs, which added materially to the success of the day's outing, and which proved of a very entertaining character to those as* sembled. In the evening a large crowd attended a free picture entertainment in the Public Hall. On Sunday thanksgiving services were conducted in the various churches, at which there were exceptionally large congregations. Monday was children's day, and large bands of juveniles from Tuakau, Pukekawa, Onewhero, Whangarata, and Harriavillo, were hospitably entertained. The large marquee was filled with the hungry youngsters at lunch time, and one and all did full justice to an appetising repast, which was served by a large committee of local bodies, of which everyone worked assiduously for the benefit of the juveniles. In the afternoon they were entertained at a free picture entertainment. The committee was fortunate in securing the services of a New Zealand champion child Scottish dancer, Miss Ruby Phillips, a little dot of about 11 years of age. It is not necessary for us to enumerate the capabilities of the child, but we can say that she is the posesssor of of about 150 medals, all of which were won by dancing. Little Joyce Maunsell, also of Auckland, and also a Scottish dancer, entertained the gathering Both dancers were accompanied in their efforts by Piper McLeod. In the evening a monster peace ' social was held in the Public Hall, and this was also largely attended. Dance music was supplied by Miss Geraghty, while Mr A Govan acted as an efficient M.C. Vocal items were rendered by a number, and these were duly appreciated. Supper was partaken of and a pleasant function terminated in the small hours of the morning. The sports programme was held on the main street, owing to the paddock in which the sports were to be held being in an unfit condition after the rain. The street was sjvept, and it proved an excellent running track. The Town Board members race was a very interesting encounter Mr W Barnaby annexed the event, but we undertand that a considerable amount of jostling took place, in which one competitor tell. The Maori races were decidely interesting, and a large amount of money was devoted for the Natives; An event which attracted considerable attention, was betweon a Maori Wahine from Pukekohe and Mr Connelly of Tuakau. In a race of 100 yards for a trophy worth ss, the male conceded the female 5 yards. The wahine won easily in spite of the fact that she was suffering from an injured leg. For a £1 trophy, both competitors to start off the mark. Mr Connelly won the event. " The Day " has come and Tuakau can feel proud of the way in which the residents celebrated an occasion which may never be equalled again.