DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 541, 18 June 1920, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

ONEWHERO. VALEDICTORY. Social Afternoon Tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cole-Baker. Popular Pott and Telegraph Officials.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

A very pleasant afternoon was spent in the Onewhero Hall on Friday, June 11, when a large and representative gathering of settlers of the district entertained Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cole-Baker, who have lately relinquished the local post office to take up farming at Kohanga. The hands of the ladies were evident w the tastefully-decorated hall, and fli ihe afternoon tea table which groined under its load of. good cheeit ~ Shortly before o'clojefe MjC? Leonard L. Allen, chjtirmatf' of tfifc gathering, rose to welewrte the guejß s of the afternoon, and in asking xt&m to accept a handsome oak canteajf of cutlery, and pipeJfliitably inscribed, thej£ifts w«e sn s" tokens owthe regagland esfeefcrf in whidfc, w. and -Mrs. N. Coje-Aker were held by evew residert&jnf their district (ApplMse.) Mr Alle|*went on to say that during Mr. BakerVterm as postal ar.dWelegraph' official Ipjiespite the* many disabilities under he... forked), Iheir guest' had done yeoman servicafor the district. All were exceedingly pleased to know that .although |fr. Baker was leaving the district, Ms new home was but a few* miles' distant. Mr. AlJen also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mrs Cole-Bakfr's willingness at all times to assist in wjfr work and public functions, anck mentioned that manysQaJ3& bed hip been cheered by Mrs. wCole-BakerM presence. (Applausen /T *ikMr. Wrn. Kew, the next speaker, Pfllb£h\t he has been intimately acfoaynfcfcV with Mr. and Mrs. Cole-Ba-k|r for many vlars, and that he wished to add testimony to that of Mr. Allen. No or* could have been more attentive anf courteous than their giests, and fhey, one and all, wished •Wr. and Mss Cole-Baker every success and happiness in the future. (Hearty anplause.) Mr. on coming forward to reply, iivas met by a storm of applause, and in responding on behalf of Mrs.JJßaker and himself, thanked their many friends for the handsome and uatful presents given to them that djy. He said that both he ano his wne would always have a warn; spot their hearts for Onewhero people, and that although their gifts wouja always be reminders of their ; friejhds, the many kindnesses both ;>fr£. Cole-Baker and he had received ajt/the hands of Onewhero people airing their term of office, would njßVer be forgotten. (Applause.) ,' During the afternoon musical «ems were contributed by Mrs. Ronfald' Crawford and Mr. and Mrs. "Floyd, and the afternoon concluded by all present singing "Auld Lang Syne," and " For They are Jolly Good Fellows," with nearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Cole-Baker.

The departing guests came in for a round of hearty handshakes and must have left the hall feeling that what they had done for Onewhero had been fully appreciated by all. For nearly a score of years Mr. Cole-Baker has held the position of post and telegraph official in this district, and in the early days of scattered settlement had to convey the mails to and fro by means of pack-horses over roads (Lush tracks) which for many months of the year were up to the girths in mud, and across flooded creeks over which the horses had to swim. On many occasions he had to gather himself and the scattered mailbags, and strap them on again after the pack-horses had slipped and rolled down steep gullies, or fallen through the old primitive punga crossings, which did service as bridges over the many creeks en route. Mr. Cole-Baker has also done his share of pioneering, his original holding being some 20 miles from Tuakau, by but a bush track. His first mob of sheep for sale had to be driven to Ohaupo, a distance

of some 80 miles. For many years Mr. Cole Baker has been a popular chairman of local entertainments and

meetings of all kinds. In his everyday life his sole aim appears to have been the promotion of harmony and goodfellowship. His genial disposition and Christian spirit have endeared him to all, and that both Mr. rnd Mrs. Cole-Baker may enjoy hedth find happiness in the future is the sincere wish of Onewhero people.

WAIAU PA.

VALEDICTORY

A social and dance were held in the hall on the evening of June l) as a farewell to two old and respected residents, Mr. and Mrs Munford, who are about to leave the district for Matakana. Dancing was in progress until 11 p.m., after which everyone enjoyed the supper which had been provided. Mr. Owen, on behalf of the residents, then presented Mr. and Mrs Munford with a razor strop and a travelling case. Mr. Munford thanked everyone for the useful gifts, sfter which dancing continued intil an earlv hour. The men of the district gave Mr. Munford a farewell smoke concert on the evening of the 14th. The evening passed very pleasantly, and there A'<u a fairly large gathering. HOCKEY. The Waiau Pa hockey team travelled to Pukekohe on Saturday, June 12, and after a very exciting game, drew with the opponent team. Goals Wl re scored for Waiau Pa by Messrs K Clark and W. Robinson. During the first half of the game Waiau Pa seemed to have the advantage, but in the second half they were hard-press> ed by Pukekohe, and the goalkeeper, wps called upon to save again and again. , . •-. On the same day Patumahoe junior te:.in came out to Waiau Pa to play the junior home team. Both sides played \ very interesting game, and the home team are happy and pioud in having scored a win, the le ult being one goal to nil. % ALFRISTON AND BROOKBY. A very pleasant function took place in the Public Hall on Tuesday nii'ht, when the residents of Alms ton, Brookby and surrounding districts gathered in large force to d< honour to one of the oldest and most hi"hlv respected residents of the dis trict, Mr. 1). A. Reid, J.P. Mr. Fen , started to take an active part in tin public affairs of the district ovo 2: years ago, and ever since he has al ways given his support to any m-.ve ment that has been for the bet efi and advancement of the district. Mu I sical items were provided by Mi Dunn, Mr. Neill, and a party <> friends from Auckland. Mr. J. M 'H on behalf of the residents ol the .lis trict, presented Mr. Reid wit!: handsome watch and travelling \<w 1 Mr. F. M. Waters, a member of th Manukau Co-inty Council, also spoV of the good work done bv Mr. Feu The guest, who has sold part of hi property and intends shortly to tak a well-earned holiday, suitably re 1 plied. , MEMORIAL UNVEILLVO.

On Thursday. June 24, at 2.30 p.m., the memorial to fallen soldiers of tht district will be unveiled by the Mayor of Auckland.