DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 268, 3 April 1911, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

MANGATOKI. (From an Occasional Correspondent), The Mangatoki Athletic Club's sports I held last week were very successful. The weather was perfect, and all the events were got off without any hitches, reflecting great credit on the officials concerned. ■During the day the proceedings were enlivened Ity the Kaponga Brass Band, who discoursed a fine musical programme. Space will not allow of the enumeration of all the events, but the horse-jumping was an excellent display of equestrian art. ' The day was fittingly terminated by a concert and dance in the Mangatoki Hall, and was a huge success financially r.nd vocally. By 8 o'clock there was standing room only, and the audience was a very appreciative one, as testified to by the hearty applause which greeted the various singers' eflorts. The programme opened with a quartette by members of the Kaponga Band, and was followed by Mr. P. Slieehan, who sang "Take me back to Bendigo," and, being recalled, gave "Paddy McCarthy." In the second half the same singer gave "Down at the Farmyard C.'ate," and in response to an imperative demand responded with "Arrah go on," in his breezy Celtic style. Mr. Beesley (Eltham) then sang "My Bonny Barque" in very pleasing style, and in response to an undeniable demand gave "0 Promise me." Later, in the .second part, Mrs. Beesley gave "Dolly's Revenge." This lady has an excellent stage presence, which, combined with her undoubted ability as a vocalist, doubtless accounts for heT great popularity throughout the district. Mr. J. Charles' light baritone voice was heard to great advantage in that martial song. °The Deathless Army." For an encore he rendered " r Mona," and later on in the evening "Island of Dreams." Mr. Hubert ,Pochin, otf Matapu, possesses an excellent tenor voice. He gave "The Veterans' Song", and "An Evening Song." Both items were rendered most artistically. Mr. G. A\alters chose "The Carnival," and gave an excellent rendering of it, for which he was recalled. The same singer also participated in a duet, "Larboard Watch" with Mr. Charles, it being greatly appreciated. Miss Xeilson i (of Eltham) was in good voice, and "Happy Song" and "Marguerite" • very sweetly, for which she was granted much applause. Miss young sang" "Philosophy" and "Sunshine and Rain," both > a pleasing manner. As a counterpoise to the more serious items, Mr. R. Farmer (Waitara) contributed six humorous songs in a manner that totally upset the gravity of the audience. His burlesque, in character, "The Hobble Skirt," was followed with great interest by-the fair sex present. During the proceedings Mr. J. Marx officiated as chairman. After the concert concluded a dance was held, a large number participating. Mr. and Mrs. Beasley, of Eltham, provided the music. The accompaniments of the concert were played by Mrs. Beasiey, Miss V. Robinson and Mr. 'Sargent. The takings for the concert and dance amounted to £3O odd, being, 1 understand, an advance of £5 on last year's gathering. This should -be very satisfactory to the committee, who worked hard to ensure success. ' ' MIDHIRST. (From our Own Correspondent). On Sunday week the Primitive Methodist Church held their harvest festival services. The church was decorated in appropriate style, and the afternoon service was taken by the Rev. Motson. On the''Monday night following the sale of goods took place. There was a good attendance, and eivryone had a real good time. The Stanley School held their annupl picnic on Thursday. It proved it great success. . - i ...