DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 302, 31 May 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

•PURANGI. Tliore was a record gathering in the Purangi Hall on Friday night at the social which was organised by an energetic committee in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund, but which it was after-1 wards unanimously decided to devote to the Hospital Ship Fund.The hali was crowded, settlers attending from as fains Inglewood and Strathmore. Practically the whole of Purangi was represented, including some old and respected former residents in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Silk. Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas, Mrs. Barnott, who had driven over from Douglas, and who received a warm welcome. Mr. J. Thomas, who has volunteered and been accepted for active service, was warmly congratulated. The Purangi district has sent a number of men to the front, but one could not help thinking that there were some fine young fellows present from other districts, who would he very useful to the Empire. The social, which took the nature of a dance, interspersed with singing and competitions, proved a great success, and the committee, comprising Misses Wilkes, Webb and Stott, Messrs. Viosin. Brough, G. Bowman, F. Territt, A. Webh and P. Casey, is to be congratulated on the results. The energetic, secretary, Miss Stott, was indefatigable in her efforts and her organisation contributed largely to the financial success of the gathering. Messrs. TSrough and Voisin acted as M's.C. and kept the ball moving merrily until about 3 a.m. The music was a treat, being supplied by Messrs. ,T. Sutherland (piano), A Stockman (clarionet) and IT. Manson (cornet), who gratuitously gave their services. Mr. ,T. Brougli kindly •undertook the responsibility of conveying them to and from Inglewood, whilst Mr. Hanover entertained them, all voluntarily. Extras were played by M'es- j dames Thomas and George. and Mr. j Pearson. Songs were contributed by Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Todd, and a duet was rendered by Messrs. Todd .and Stewart. A dainty supper dispensed by the ladies of the district provided a pleasant interlude. The waltzing competition, which was judged by Mr. .1. Sutherland, attracted ten couples, and was won by Mrs. Brough and Mr. McMutlian; the I hat trimming (judge. Mrs. W. Dowmanl was won by Master P. Casey i/om eight competitors; the guessing competition, six prizes, was won by Messrs 0. Hanover.- ,T. Thomas, A. Twomey, A. Wilkes, A. Webb and Mrs. Moles. The prizes for this competition consisted of sheep, pigs, geese, ducks and lambs, the donors being Messrs. Sander, Field, Webb, Ayres. Taylor, Moles and Wilkes. Several of the winners sold their prizes in aid of the fund. Mr. IT. Sander, who presented the prizes, made a short speech, congratulating the district on the success of"the gathering, and pointing out that it was the duty of those wlio stayed at home to do their utmost in assisting with this fund in recognition of the efforts of the brave lads who bad gone to the front.