DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 535, 28 May 1920, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MERCER. LEAP YEAR BALL. On. Wednesday of last week a very enjoyable Leap Year ball, arranged by the young' ladies of Mercer, was held in Mercer Town Hall, under the management of a committee, Miss M. Kelly acting as secretary. The hall was gracefully decorated in nikai? palms and .lilies. Misses Selwood, Roose, and B. Walsh capably officiated as M.C's. Music was supplied by Miss Geraghty, of Tuakau (piano), and a gentleman from Tuakau (name not ascditained, violin), which was very much appreciated. A of the evening was the prompt fining of several rash young men for crossing .the floor unescorted by a lady, this being regarded as an infringement of women s rights. A dainty hand-round supper was pro\idcd and much appreciated. Extras Avere played by Misses Kelly, belwood, and Watts. The ladies insisted on their prerogatives throughout the evening, reserving the sole right to engage partners for every dance except two, thus carrying out the function true Leap Year fasion. The dance broke up at 4 a.m., those present considering it one of the most enjoyable dances of the season. TUAKAU. RATES STRUCK. . The rates for ithe year were agreed upon by the Tuakau Town Board at a special meeting on Tuesday night. It was decided to strike, for the year ending March 31, 1921, a general rate of l%d in £l, and a special rate cf H,id In £l, both on capital value of all property in the Town Board District. Out of the IVid general rate, the board will pay the special rates of lid in £l, each on the Whangs rata special loan, the Pukekohe East special loan, also the Hospital nnd Charitable Aid Board levy, which, year, comes to £l2O 5s 2d, being an increase of over 50 per cent, on last year's levy. The lVjd special rate is, of course, to pay interest and sinking fund on the £9OOO which has been taken up out of the Tuakau Town Board special loan of £12,000 (1917). OBSCENE LANGUAGE. For using obscene language in Liverpool Street, Tuakau, on May •», 1920, William Inglis was convicted and fined £3, and ordered Jo pay costs, in default 14 days' free board at the expense of the state, by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Court recently. A prohibition order was also issued against the accused. WAIAU PA. On the evening of fthe 19th a farewell dance was given to Mr. and Mrs. Grinter. A large number of residents were in attendance, but the bad state of the roads and uncertain weather prevented many from being present. After supper, Mr. on behalf of the people of Waiau P«", presented Mr. and Mrs. Grinter with a travelling rug as a small token ot esteem and appreciation of their work in the district during the past six years. Mr. Grinter, in returning thanks, said that he hoped that if. the future there would be many opportunities of renewing old f.iendships, as they hoped to settle somewhere m|t too far away. On Friday afternoon, the 21st inst., there was a meeting in the Waiau Pa Hall of the Waiau Pa and Glenbrook settlers to discuss the prospect of dairy producers for 'the coming season. It was agreed that every effort possible should be made to secure a free market for all dairy produce exported, and telegrams to thir effect were despatched to the Prime Minister, urging him to use every possible means in this direction.

PAPATOETOE. ORPHAN HOME. The Church of England )rp'nan Home enters upon Jts diamond jubilee this year. The home was founded by Archdeacon Lloyd 60 ye?.rs ago, and has carried on its philanthropic work without intei'mis>ion ever since. It began with a small house in the city, accommodate? a few destitute di'phans. Afterwards the welt remembered block of buildings was erected at Parnell, ind for many years sheltered large numbers of orphans, until a fire demolished the home. Subsequently land was acquired at Papatoetoe, and a new set of buildings erected. These building now house 76 children. The home is inconveniently crowded, and the trustees find themselves compelled to provide moire accommodation. At the annual meeting of subscribers, to be held khis afternoon under the presidency of Sir Frederick Lang. JVUV important changes will be foresladowed. A determined forward movement is contemplated. At present the trustees are coritinually refusing applications for admission, owing to lack of accommodation. GRAND VARIETY CONCERT. The postponed grand concert to be held in aid of the Home on Wednesday, June 9th, promises |to be a tirstclass entertainment, judging by the excellent programme now beingprinted. Among the items aft* solos, duets, character sketches, a diverting play, "A Burning Question, in the second half, also nigger minstrels.