MATAKANA.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 18 September 1903, Page 2

MATAKANA.

(Own Correspondent.)

PHOGESSIVE BUCHRE,

The expected progressive euchre party came off on the evening of the 9th inst., and was well attended, there being thirteen tables filled besides the spectators." The arrangements were a credit to the promoters. The excitement lasted from commencement till finish and the usual bustle and commotion was more evident than previously seen. The priaes were won by Mrs Cozens Ist Ladies, Mrs J. Cruickshank Ladies' Booby. Mr E. Richards jun., Ist Gentlemen, Mr White Gentleman's Booby. The ladies' prize consisted of a handsome table square, and the gentleman's Ist prize, silk hankerchief. The booby prize caused very great amusement, especially as there were many ties, and consequently a good deal of speculation as to who should ba winner. Afier this a very agreeable dance commenced which lasted unbroken till supper time when the fine spread was much apprecited and had full justice done to it. Dancing was again resumed and continued until the ' wee sma' 'ours.'

COAL,

On Saturday sth a meeting was hurriedly called to consider the advisability of getting a better knowledge of our mineral wealtli. There is a possibility of a coal area existing here and it was thought some expert evidence would be necessary before going further. A gentleman who said he had a long experiertee in this line gave expression to the impressions he had received during nearly a week's residence hepe,' he being .occupied the whole time in observations in this particular' thing. ' He gave very hopeful testimony and advised the people to go fui-ther and develop the coal or prove that it would not be desirable, to do so. However you will hear more later on.

OBITOABY.

The people were reminded on Sunday, 13th, inst., that the weeding out was going on, as one gentleman expressed it, in the death of Mrs Geo. Wallace of Lower Matakana, who had been a sufferer for the past nine years, a long portion of her time being confined to her bed. Her sufferings were borne with fortitude and christian resignation. She came out to the colony with ber husband 48 years ago, and has lived to see her grandchildren's children. The funeral took place at Matakana cemetery, where the-service was impressively conducted by the Rev. McKinney, who at the conclusion gave a short panegyric on the life of the deceased, in which he eulogised her consistent christian character. A good number of her relatives came from various parts to attend the last offices they could render.

FOOTBALL,

Last Saturday, a disappointment awaited the crowd that had gathered to see the contest between the Warkworth football team, and our own. A rumour was current that the expected visiting team did not intend putting in an appearance, but the public would not give credence to this, yet it proved true. Two. of the Warkworth boys however tuTied up and offered to do their best to maintain the honour of their team, by playing alone; the local team appreciated their great valour but declined and chose instead to play a scratch match, and so interest the spectators, We were reluctantly compelled to claim the game by default. -"""_.

DAIBYINoV

The flutter which proceeds, anything of importance is already evident iv the dairy affairs.The Whangaripo creamery, is complete, and pronounced to be in perfect'running order. At the trial the boiler took a > urprismgly small quantity of fuel, this is owing to Special pro-" visions and precautions having been taken in construction, which slightly extra cost will be amply repaid in saving H fuel, in a very short time. Mr' Garner supervised the construction". ancLerect^d, the ras^efrfounV-jlr aC~ Mf-i &..,,._ john being the contractor--^jftho building J which he completed some time back, and to the satisfaction of the manager and the company. . .