PATEA NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 303, 1 June 1915, Page 3

PATEA NOTES.

• (I'l'om Our Own Correspondent.) Lats Friday was a memorable dav for latea, ill fact its greatest dav, wlum Hi of a fine type of Zealandia's manhood made their departure for Trentham. Tile scene was a most impressive one as the largest procession ever seen in the town wended its way to the station. The town was en fete, being unsparingly decorated with bunting hung across the main thoroughfare at dillerent points, flags of the Allies, being flown on all available poles, children waving Union Jacks, and everyone seemingly imbued with true patriotism worthy of the occasion. The business premises were closed and the streets were lined with people moving stationwards to bid au revoir t»

"Our Boys." Tile procession moved off from the Town Hall at !>.30, comprising the Rorough Hand, a fine muster of the National Reserve, veterans,, prominent citizens, and school children, and I'atca's quota of the 7th expeditionary reinforcements.

At the station speeches appropriate to the occasion were delivered bv the Mavor ' (Mr. C. A. Larcombe) and"Mr. G. '\V. ; il'earce, M.l'., urging upon all eligible .Voting men to follow the glorious ex-| ample set by those about to depart to ' do battle, for the Empire, and trusting for a safe return and assuring them of i a right, roval welcome when they come home again. * ;

Pathetic scenes were witnessed prior to the departure of the express, mothers, i sisters and friends bidding (iod-spced to | the boys, and as the train steamed out of the station the cheers and waving of handkerchiefs were inspiring, ( Patea is striving to raise £IOO for a ! bed in the hospital ship, and present j indications point to that sum being rais- j ed by the time specified. j

Arrangements are. well in hand for the; Rifle Association's meeting here on June , Excellent entries have been received, j and, given fine weather, a splendid day's outing is assured to visiting competitors. The local men will, no doubt, take a lot of beating, as their marksmanship is proved by their still retaining (he championship shield. Eltlraiu and Inglewood have both tried to wrest it, but 'nave each been unsuccessful. I

The surrounding country has been in need of rain for some time past, and coming through from Wanganui one notices the scarcity of feed along the line; but at last the rain has come, and with it the sound of thunder.

Mr. Muller, the new postmaster, has arrived and taken up his duties. Prior to lea-ving Bakaia a public presentation was giv«i him. Apart from his official duties Mr. Muller takes a great interest in civic affairs, and there is great scope for him here.