DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 571, 1 October 1920, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

PAERATA. SCHOOL WANTED. The meeting called for Wednesday last to consider the proposal for a school at Paerata was, owing to the weather, rather poorly attended. After some 1 discussion it was decided * to fostpbrie the meeting until Saturday next at M r. G. T. Smith's residence, when it is proposed to appoint a deputation to wait upon the Education Board concerning the matter. MANUREWA. WAR MEMORIAL MEETING. A public meeting of all contributor* to the Manurewa war memorial fond will be held,in the public hall on Tuesday, October 4, at 7.30 p.m., the main business being to appoint a committee to submit suitable designs for a memorial.

MAUNRATAWHIRI VALLEY. VALEDICTORY. \Tr.e residents of Maungatawhiri Valley and surrounding districts assembled in goodly numbers on Friday, September 24, to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs. A. H. Parlon and family. The function, which took the form of a social and dance, was in every

way a success. Local players supplied the music for the dance. Mr. R. G. Pemlergrast carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual able and genial manner. In presenting, on behalf of the local residents, a handsome collection of cutlery, Cr. Jas. Keith, in a characteristic speech, referred to the many good qualities of the Parton family. Their neighbours recognised In them straightforward people, who were always to be relied upon. Thev had always cheerfully given efficient help to their neighbours when aid was required at haymaking, etc. They had also done their duty to the country by leaving their farm in a far' more productive state than they found it. Mr. Parton's assistance with the dance music at the socials had always been appreciated, whilst Miss Parton's help in other departments would be missed. Mr. Keith's remark that Mrs. Parton had followed the good old English custom of staying at home and minding her own business was not lost on the audience, who realised that it might be copied by some others to the advantage of all concerned.

Mr. Parton, in the course of a very happy reply, said that his family would carry away with them pleasant recollections of their first near neighbours In New Zealand. After the singing of "For They arc Jolly Good Fellows," and "Auld Lang Syne," those present sat down to a supper, the quality of which clearlv proved tljat neither the hens nor cows in the district a« on strike. It was a distinct credit to the ladies concerned, as were also the table decorations. Mr. Parton goes to Aka Akn. hav-* ing purchased the farm of Mr. Mclntyro of tnt district. 1 k f^ Mr. Murray, ,of the Public Works Department, takes over Mr. Parton's farm here. Hopes of the Pokeno-Peaiw. railway; are reviving. Messrs Scott Bros.' sawmill at the head of the valley is now in full swing. StockS are not allowed to accumulate. The notes of the tuis have hardly died out of the trees before they are carted away as timber.