DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 100, 18 October 1911, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents). TONGAPORUTIJ. For some days- a native child about two and a half vears old was suffering from a slight cold, and on Friday last it seemed much better, but became unwell again on Saturday. On Saturday morning about 10 a.in. the child got out of bed while Mrs Rattenburv's attention was engaged in another room. On going into the child's room again Mrs Rattenbury missed it, and she found the child outside on the grass in an exhausted state. She carried the child back into the room, but it expired in Mrs Rattenbury's arms. The telephone office at Mokau could not be roused, nor could it be got tills morning, so the police at New Plymouth were advised. At the inquest the following verdict was returned:— "We are of opinion from evidence before us that the child died from the effects of a sunstroke received at Te Kawau on the 7th inst." We were all sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Gibbs at llrenui on Sunday. He was a former settler of these parts, and was highly respected by everyone.

We have been getting our share of Rev, Bates'cyclonic storm. Today (Tuesday) the wind was violent. To a large extent the wind and cold neutralise the good effects of the recent rains, which, by the way, were badly wanted. SIAKETAWA. The radical change in the weather has eventuated, and as usual, we have now the' extreme to what obtained a week oi so ago. Cold squalls of S.W. wind, rain, and hail—impossible to do outside work, and cows milking anyhow. As to politics: The News report of Mr McCluggage's Stratford speech comes in for very favorable comment, and growing. | interest is noticed in the forthcoming | election. "Mr McCluggage evidently believes in devoting considerable time in explanation of his views and in championing the cause of the present Government —in the past there has been too much "skimping" of such, and consequently more opportunities for misrepresentation are given. I am well aware that from a newspaper point of view the "least words the better" but all subjects to be thoroughly elucidated need to be ventilated and explained ill the plainest possible manner —hence our pleasure at the report of Mr Mac's speech as per News.

Thp miserable weather had a deterrent effect on the attendance at the concert held in aid of the Durham school prize fund on Friday last, but those present (and the. room was comfortably filled with young and old) thoroughly enjoyed the cxcelent programme submitted. Several of the vocal items were of excellent merit, and the same may >be said of the pianoforte, duets contributed. The pupils who gave recitations and vocal solos in almost faultless style showed careful preparation ..by the teacher (Miss I. Foster). The manner in which the little ones acquitted themselves met with the warm appreciation of the audience. The Todd family from Dudley Roacl. without which no entertainment in this district is complete, was present and their Scottish dances were highly approved of; the family deserve the thanks of all interested for journeying out in such weather for the amusement of the community—certain it is their items will always be eagerly looked for. The pianoforte duet -by Mrs Harris and Miss Lawrence (both holders of high-class sertificates) was splendidly executed and the audience demanded more of the kind; I might also mention that both ladies were former pupils of Durham school. The MciEwan Bros,' items deserve special notice and it is hoped will favor us on future occasions. Mr P. (2. McEwen's rendering of "The Vision of Life" was simply splendid and the same may be said of his duet with Miss G. Simpson "The Sea of Glass" both items being a bit above the average. .Mr 11. McEwen's songs "Tile Wrestler of the King" and the "Veteran's Song" were also highly appreciated. Mr Arnold's comic recitation pleased the listeners that an encore was demanded. Mr Bert Dombroski. of Norfolk Road, contributed a couple of songs and shows great improvement as a vocalist. It is impossible to particularise all the items submitted, and I herewith append the programme: —Pianoforte solo. Misses Bridgeman; song pupils; recitation Ethel Dombroski (6 years): song, Madge

Simpson (7years); recitation. Francis Budonskoi (8 years); song, "The Maid of Mala'bar" Miss 0. Simpson: piana solo. Miss R. Lawrence; song. Mr Dombroski; Scotch dance, Todd family; song, Mr P. G. McKwen; recitation, Mr Arnold; duet. "The Sea of Glass" Miss -G. Simpson and Mr P. G. McKwen; sons*. "The Wrestler of, the King" Mr A. Mc.Ewen; piano duet. Mrs Harris (Hawera) and Miss E. Lawrence; dance, Todd family; song. Mr Dombroski; song, Miss A. Bridgeman: comic song. Mr Simpson; duet, "Life s Dream is O'er" Miss Simpson and Mr P. G. McKwen; song, Miss Lawrence; song. "The Veteran's (Song" Mr A. McEwen: Scotch dance. Miss Todd. At the conclusion of the concert the chairman (Mr F. Hodges) thanked those present for their attendance, especially those who had assisted iu making the evening so enjoyable; it was nlso mentioned that the weather prevented many other assistants from being present. Refreshments were then handed round after which dancing was indulged ill till about three a.m.