TAUMARUNUI NEWS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 139, 2 September 1927, Page 7

TAUMARUNUI NEWS

LABOUR PARTY BRANCH A branch of the New Zealand Labour Party has been formed at Ohura, the following being the elected officers:—Chairman, Mr. S. Speakman; secretary, Mr. E. Meachen; delegates, Messrs. S. Speakman and S. Cruttenden; committee, Messrs. S. Cruttenden, F. Graham, L. Quintal, T. Worthington, J. Langstone, L. O’Reilley, and J. McGort. It was resolved to thank Mr. W. Beever, of the Taumarunui centre, for his work in organising the Ohura locality.

Vital statistics for the Taumarunui district for the month of August are: Births 18, deaths 1, marriages 2. In comparison the figures for the same month of 1926 were: Births 15, deaths 7, marriages 4. Weather statistics: Rain fell on 21 days during the month, with a total of 6.21 inches of rain for the period, the maximum fall being on the 21st inst, 1.05 inches. The total rainfall for August, 1926, was 10.09 inches.

Mr. L. J. B. Grant., of the Lands and Survey Department, who has been in the Lumsden district, Southland, for the past three years, has been transferred to the Taranaki land district, and is stationed at Taumarunui. Mr. Grant formerly held positions as supervisor of discharged soldier settlers’ land districts, and fields instructor in North Auckland.

The Bishop of Waikato, Dr. Cherrington, has paid a second visit to the Taumarunui parish, as well as the outstations at Kakahi and Manunui. His lordship conducted most of the services during his visit, and at the close was entertained by the members of the Christ Church Club.

The committee and teachers of the Otunui Public School have been organising with the object of improving the school grounds, and for providing a new piano for the building. In conjunction with the parents a good deal of work has been undertaken, and about 150 trees, raised by the scholars, have been planted out and are growing well. Preparations are now well in hand for the school concert. * * o An enjoyable farewell social was held at Matiere, when Mr. Papps was extended greetings by his friends on the eve of his departure from the district. During an interval in the dancing, Mr. Dougherty referred to the guest’s interest in everything that was of worthy note, and wished him every success where he was going.

Interest In the Ongarue euchre tournament is being well maintained. The last evening’s play resulted in Mrs. D. Gardiner winning the lady’s prize, the lady’s consolation going to Miss A. Whiting. Mr. H. M. Smith won the gentleman’s prize, and Mr. W. Lees the consolation.

Ongarue recently witnessed the largest gathering that has ever filled the local hall, when the townspeople and settlers met to farewell Mr. and Mrs. Sage, of the local school staff. The proceedings were most cordial throughout, and every effort was made to show the guests how greatly they were appreciated in the district where they have laboured for a number of years. During the evening vocal items were given by Mrs. A. H. Delaney and Mr. A. Haar, who both had to respond to insistent encores. Mr. A. H. Delaney, chairman of the organising committee, addressed the gathering, and invited Mr. and Mrs. Sage on to the stage, where Mr. D. J. Gardiner, chairman of the school commitee, presented them with a silver tea service as a memento of appreciation and goodwill from the residents of the dis-

trict. 2.1 rs. Sage was presented with a beautiful handbag made in the native fashion, from the Maoris of the locality. Mr. Sage suitably responded, and “Auld Lang Syne” was fittingly rendered. Mrs. D. K. McCracken supplied the music during the proceedings. Mr. and Mrs. Sage were also given a cordial farewell by scholars and parents at the school.