DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 275, 30 April 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TARIKI. On the 27th'inst. a smoke concert was held in the Tariki Hotel to farewell Mr. .). Roche, who'has for some time past been our station master here, and who has now been moved to Hawera. Owing to Mr. Roche'having been away on his holidays the actual date of his leaving Tariki was not known until the morning of the 27th, when there was a spontaneous movement on the part of the residents here to accord him a fitting farewell, and the large attendance, in spite of the short notice, demonstrated the popularity which Mr. Roche enjoyed. Mr. W. V. Harkness occupied the chair, and after the loyal toast had been honored, lie proposed the health of the guest of the evening. Mr. Harkness paid a high tribute to the way in which Mr. Koche had carried out his duties as stationmaster, arid'in private'life they all recognised that "Jack" was one of the best, arid a, true sport. (Applause.) When he personally expressed his regret at the departure of Mr. Roche he felt lie was at the same time voicing the sentiment of all present, who, he felt sure would, with'him, miss their ?•:'■■ "'.r.ivk" very much indeed. (Ap:d:i. .:<..) The chairman then presented Mr. Koche with a Russian leather case containing a complete shaving outfit, which he asked Mr. Roche to accept as a slight memento of the esteem in which he was held by the residents of Tariki. The toast was drunk with 'musical'.honors.

Mr. Roche, rising to respond, was received with enthusiastic applause. He regretted his inability to find words to express his appreciation of the way they were treating" him. It was a great surprise, but' none the' less a great pleasure to meet so many friends, although no one regretted more than; himself bidding farewell. He had spent many happy days in Tariki, and though'lie much regretted leaving, it would always, afford him pleasure to think he had so many good friends there. (Applause.) Mr. Roche gave a very'interesting account of a visit he had Tcee.iily paid'to the Trentham Camp. He said that everything there was under first-class management. The men, who were as fine a lot as one could wish to see, were in the best of spirits, arid he never heard it word of complaint the whole time he was there. He had met two of the Tariki hoys (Messrs 11. Summer and A. Bust) both of whom were looking very fit. A short toast list, "interspersed with songs and recitations passed a very, pleasant sociable evening, which was concluded with a hearty rendering of "Aiild Lang Syne." The catering was all that could lie desired.

TIUIRANGI. One of the fortnightly euchre fatties was held on Thursday evening, April 22, but owing to other attractions there was only a fair attendance, nine tables being occupied. The'ladies' prize (three bottles honey) was won by Miss Fulton; Mrs. Herrick 2 (glass jug and tumbler). Mr. A. Sampson won the gents', (set military brushes); Mr. S. Smith 2 (stud-' box). After the euchre refreshments | were banded round, when the usual dance took place till 1 a.m. Miss Carr provided the music for the dances. Mr. J. Fay carried out the duties of M.C. Mr. Wtephe.i Turnbull has sold his farm, the purchaser being Mr. Heppel, u-lio has just dbposul of the homestead block in the Pencarrow Estate. As the only unsold portion of Pencarrow is right opposite Mr. TurnbuH's .property, it will be a valuable addition to Mr. Heppei's recent purchase. Mr. J. Pentecost has sold liis farm to Mr. F. Letlibridge, of Waverley, at a I satisfactory figure. , The. death of Mr. William Kowe removes from our midst another of Taranaki's veterans. The deceased gentleman had attained the age of 88 years, and had practically never known what it was to be laid up with illness. Born in Devonshire, lie lived a life of adventure, having "been at sea, and sailing to many parts of the world. He also saw life on the Australian goldficlds, and eventually came over to New Zealand, arriving in 1854. He settled in Tara.naki, and went through the Maori war, having many stirring tales to tell of this part of his career. After the war he farmed at Huirangi, where lid has resided ever since. He leaves five sons and one daughter, who have the sympathy of a large number of friends 'in their sad loss. The funeral took place at the Huirangi Cemetery on the 27th inst., and, despite the wet day, a large number followed the remains to their last resting place. The Rev. Hamson officiated at the graveside. Bugler Walker sounded the "Last Post."

Mr. A. Wilson, who a few years ago resided at Huirangi, but now of Pigeon Bay, Canterbury, met with a serious accident by which Mrs. Wilson was killed and Mr. Wilson seriously injured through the capsizing of a buggy they were driving. The accident happened at a corner of the road known as Kennedy's Corner on the Pigeon Bay Road. The unfortunate lady had her leg broken, while one of her feet was practically torn off, and she sustained other injuries to which she succumbed. The wheels of the buggy passed over Mr. Wilson twice, and he was kicked in the back by the horse. I am glad to be able, to report that Mr. Wilson is now progressing slowly but favorably. A son, Mr. George Wilson, now a resideift here, learned of the accident by telegram, and has the sympathy of a large'number of friends in his sad bereavement. The householders' meeting on Monday evening lapsed, only three attending, namely, Messrs F. Y. Andrews, J. Fay, and 0. J. Herriek. The next euchre party will be on March 5. As the net proceeds at the close of the season are to be given to the Belgian Relief Fund; good attendances are anticipated.