Okato News.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 140, 17 June 1904, Page 2

Okato News.

(From our Correspondent.; The basket social held recently in the hall was fairly successful, weather considered. As this was the. lirtt of tlu> kitwl held here no doubt the next will be moro successful. Mr Holbein, who made his lirst debut with the "Dutch hummer," disposed of the baskets in quick lime ut good prices. All present agreed that notwithstanding the vioderate attendance an enjoyable social evening had been spent. The adjourned meeting of those interested in the formation of a co-op-erative bacon factory was better attended than previously, and various proposals were laid before the meeting. One elderly gentleman, while groping bis way in the dark to the hall door, took an unintentional

"header" into the "duck pond" cm the opposite side of the road. Fortunately ho fell on something that would alter its shape, or the consccjuences might have been more serious. Ii gossip report be a. woman of her word, the inconvenient position of the culvert opposite the hall is due to the fact that the county council iviil not allow.it to be placed diagonally across the main road, and thus give the. water its natural fall, to say nothing of the improved approach.lt would give to the hall door.

Football has not properly "'•aiigut on" yet, though there were (iftivn of all sizes and ages at lust week's practice, and it is intended to airiu\gp matches shortly with Opunake, Hell Block, and any others who are willing to have a game. The local school boys journeyed to Oa.kuna last Saturday week and were defeated by 3to nil. C. Johns scored the try for Oakura. I understood the game was contested in a thoroughly sportsmanlike manner by the lads of both teams. After the fray the Oakura team entertained them to such a "spread" as makes Okato boys long for another visit. Mr Kirkpatrick referred in happy terms to the afternoon's sport. The return match is to bo played at Okuto next Saturday, weather permitting.

The local cadet detachment wus taken to the butts recently, when several of them were put through their facings at the 200 yards range. Although the light was good there was a gentle breeze blowing across the range. Private Alf Gray proved himself lop scorer with 24 out of 28 possible. Ernest Baker and Bert (■ray, who have just received badges for lirsl-class shooting last year, tied for second place.

The opening of the Druids' Lodge last Thursday marks another epoch lin the advancement of the coastal district. Mr T. Downcs was.in the chair, and in n business-like manner initiated seventeen "raw" ones Into the mystery of "riding the goat." After the ceremonies special and iieculiur to the occasion were over the meeting was thrown open to the pul.{ lie, and a first-class supper was prol- - This was on such u scale* that it might very aptly have been termed a banquet. Several . toasts were duly honoured to the accompaniment lof mu.'ic. Such nn auspicious opening augurs well for the future of the lodge. The Rev. J. H. White preached his farewell sermons here last Sunday, when both morning and evening services were largely attended. during the eight years Mr White lias laboured here lie has won the respect of all denominations, and as one who lias given his services ungrudgingly and shared in the Joys and sorrows of so many homes, Ids place will he hard to fill. Always gonial and sympathetic, notwithstanding advanced years and weary rides in all weathers over a 25 mile circuit, no wonder he was a welcome guest in every home. The solid unostentatious pioneer work done by him will only be fully appreciated when it lias become a matter of history and others "find the sure foundation ho has laid. The only matter'of wonderment to the lay mind Is why one who has served Ms church so faithfully and long Is not allowed to fully participate In all tho financial privileges of superannuation, etc., granted to the ordinary ministers of his church. Wherever their lot may be cast, Mr and Mrs White carry with them the best wishes of all local residents.