DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 276, 1 May 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondent). 'J'o use a modern colloquialism, last night's patriotic social ivk a "decent little turn out." Weather was not very favofabV, as it luul been raining, with fog following, but all the same quite a number rolled up to the old hall to have mi evening's amusement, and incidentally help the Belgians. Proceedings started by Mr. Curteis, the chairman of the Patriotic Committee, explaining the objects of the gathering, pointing out that in that night's paper it had been cabled that there were still almost .starving conditions among the poor of Belgium, who had been brought to that condition through the action of our enemies, lie appealed to all to help to raise our fund to another £SO V>y entering the competitions, etc. There were two items given during the evening. 'Professor Higham (who had come from Hawera on such a wet night) beautifully played a violin solo, "The Last Rose of Summer," with Miss M. Lambic as accompanist. Mr. G. T. Walters, by request, gave "Queen of An'"' " <vith violin ob'igato by Professor IK ..an. I have heard this singer many times, but seldom perhaps had he been in such good voice as in last night's number. Mangatoki public will miss him very much in social affairs. The competitions caused endless fun, especially the "bed-making" for bachelors, who were not at all backward in coming forward and exhibiting their skill. Mrs. Higham, of Hawera, kindly judged, and bracketed Messrs R. Dawbin and C. Astbury as first, the latter winning on the toss. Many of the ladies did good business selling tickets on various articles, prominent among whom were Mrs. Dawbin, president of the ladies' branch of the Patriotic Committee, Mrs, Lambie (secretary) and Mesdames Evans, Gifford, Linn, Curtei3 and M'c'Guinne3s. Mr. W. Lambie- acted as M.C., and besides dances there were a few games. The winders were: Rug, Mr. R. Dawbin, senr.; tray-cloth, Miss E. Corkill; cake, Mr. W. Pryde; fiicld glasses, Mr. W. Lambie, senr. The traycloth, cake and field glasses were donated by Mesdames Linn, Lambie and Gifford. The takings for the evening totalled £l4, which was very good, considering there were mainly young people present. The expenses were about £1 10s. In the Bank is £29, so that about £43 has been raised since the last patriotic sociah A vote of thanks to all helpers concluded the entertainment.

OPUNAKK (From Our Own Correspondent.) j The marriage of Mr. A. S. Julian to Miss Kthel Madolin O'Brien was celebrated in the Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Hornett on Wednesday' morning. The bride was attended by her I sister, Miss Kate O'Brien, as bridesmaid, and Mr. Julian's brother acted as best ] man. The parents of the happy couple are well known farmers in this district, consequently the church was crowded during the ceremony, and a large number of friends wcr,o the guests of Mr. and V.vs. O'Brien (Ihaea Eoad) to celebrate the occasion, which was done right royally. The honeymoon is to be spent at Auckland. The Native Land Court is at present sitting here, and will likely continue for a fortnight. There are a number of visiting natives who are claimants to | various landed interests. Judge Jack is the presiding judge.

The Hibernians' social was well attended last (Wednesday) evening. For the three wards vacant by effluxion of time for the Parihaka Road Board, namely, Rahotu, Oaonui, and Pungarebu. only one ward will be contested, that of Rahotu. Mr. Young (chairman) has been returned unopposed for Oaonui and Mr. Harvey unopposed for Pungorehu. Messrs Green (sitting member), Willoughby and Chapman are contesting Rahotu.

Messrs Mildenhall, Chambers, Malcolm, Revs. Welsh and Lindsay were elected to the School Committee at the annual meeting of householders. The retiring chairman (Mr: J.ooney), who has served continuously for thirteen years, declined nomination. The householders placed on record their appreciation of his long and faithful services. Mr. J. J. Mildenhall was appointed chairman and the position of secretary was held aver till next meeting. •

Mrs. Thorpe, Miss King, and Mrs. Council, of this town, are the local patients in the New Plymouth hospital. The former, who underwent a serious operation, is doing well, but anxious moments are awaited in respect to Mrs. Thorpe.