MATAROA NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 270, 16 August 1915, Page 8

MATAROA NOTES.

“SEND-OFF TO “THE BOYS.” (Own Corr csponden t.) An enjoyable evening was spent in ..he Mntaioa Hall on Friday opening last, the occasion being a ‘"send-off” ,nd presentations to Messrs Iviurphy, Masteis, ‘ Sinclair, and Bennett, who have “joined the colours.” Over a hundred people were present, representing all parts of the district within ■i radius of 15 miles The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens and flags and was a most enchanting sight, 'to which the various coloured dresses of the ladies considerably added when the dancing commenced. The chair was occupied by Mr. P. Casey, who, after delivering a very pleasing and appropriate speech, formally introduced Mr. R, W. Smith, M.P. Mr. Smith, in a neat and happy speech, referred to matters of defence generally, and referred to the great sacrifice many mothers were making in losing their sons, and also the generous and hearty manner in which young myn of the Dominion were offering their services in the noble cause. He finished up by calling for “throe cheers” for our gallant volunteers, followed by the singing of “They are Jolly Good Fellows” and “God Save the King.” Mr. Smith, on behalf of the Mataroa district, then presented each of the four volunteers with a very handsome wristlet watch and a safety shaving outfit. Each of the watches was suitably engraved with the recipient’s name, “Mataroa,” and date of presentation. The recipients severally reI sponded, thanking the contributors for their handsome presents, and for the very enjoyable evening given in their honour. Miss Stephens, in a very able and accomplished manner, presided at the piano, playing most of the dances and various accompaniments; also contributing a very well received recitation. The Messrs. Stephens gave several songs towards the pleasantry of the evening. A sumptuous supper was provided by the Jadies, which was amply enjoyed by those present. Altogether, a most enjoyable evening was spent. I have omitted to mention that several “extras” wore played by the Misses Troy and Murphy, to the gratification of all present. A troupe of six school children, dresseef in appropriate costume, under the guidance of Mrs. Kennedy, sang a “Marching Song,” which was greatly appreciated.

FORTUNE IN ENEMY'S HANDS. It was mentioned at the first meeting of creditors of Lady Theresa Holmes Booth she had over £17,000 in Austria, and her son over £13,000, but ns they were alien enemies of Austria they could not obtain any money. A trustee was appointed. MOTHER'S DREADFUL GRIME. Driven mad by the incessant crying of her nine-months-old son, Mrs. Sjminonds. of Queen’s Place, Lotting Hill, London, was seen to walk down the Temple stairs on the Embankment and jump in the water with the child clasped in her arms. The woman’s body has been found at Rotherithe. At an inquest at Westminster on the body of the - child the jury returned a verdict of “"Wilful murder” against the mother. REJECTED ROVER’S CRAZY ACT. A young miner. Harry Shead, was remanded at Mansfield, charged with the attempted murder of Ellen Clarke and Ada Elizabeth Radford, girls of 17 and 15 years respectively. It was shown that he had kept company with Clarke, who. however, recently declined his attentions. Surprising her and Radford in a lane when going to work, he is stated to have beaten them both savagely about the head with a hammer. Seriously injured, they wore taken to hospital. When arrested and charged with the offence, Shead said, ‘ ‘ That's it: guilty. ’ ’