DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1915, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNHO, (■From Our Own Correspondents.) The ladies' committee have been doing their "little bit" towards assisting, our wounded boys. A committee composed of Mesdames Blnnie, Butter, Gable, Knight, Muir, Whelan, Misses Harding, McEldowney, and Mackay (hon. secre. tary) canvassed the district for donations, with tfhe result that it was decided to hold a sale of work on Wednesday, July 21st, but owing to the inclement weather this was postponed till the S3rd. Notwithstanding the weather, about 25 turned up on the Wednesday evening, and amused themselves playing cards, draughts, and dancing till aßout midnight. We were favored with glorious weather, and commenced operations with a sale of work, which was opened by Mr. Knight. In the evening a social and gift auction of goods left over from the afternoon was held. Mr. Booker kept the crowd in roars of laughter during the auction, Rnd everything -was kept going with n good swing. During the evening a duet, sung by Messrs 'Newell and Willis, was much appreciated by the audience. A vote of thanks to Mr. Roberts and his staff, for erecting stalls, etc., was put and carried with musical honors. On the evening of the 10th hist, we gave a farewell social to the local men who had volunteered to represent us at the front, which proved a marked success. During the evening Miss Blyth and Mr. Knight contributed a duet (encored), Mr. Gable a song, Mr. Hawkins a song (encored) and recitation (also encored). Mr. Knight, on behalf of those present, wished our guests Godspeed and thanked them for the sacrifice they were making. Extras were contributed by Mrs. Rowe and Messrs Knight and Andrews. Our correspondent forwards details of cash donations which amounted to £lO2 12s, the expenses amounting to only £2 12s. Besides the cash, fowls, produce, cakes, needlework, and all kinds of things we're presented by the settlers.

RAHOTU. The last tea in the hall was presided over by the following ladles: Mesdames Baker (2), Fischer, and Williams. The function was well patronised. The proceeds from the teas considerably assisted the fund for the wounded soldiers. Mr. and Mrs. Groom have been for a hurried trip to Wellington to say goodbye to the latter's brother (Mr. Hugh. White), who left with the sixth reinforcements. The different committees have been very active during the last week farewelling and saying good-bye to the young men who are off to Trenthaon. The factory staff presented Mr. W. James with a shaving outfit. The Btaff of the local store met at Mr. Hughson's house and presented Mr. Coleman with a shaving outfit. Mr. Hughson and family gave him a fountain pen as a memento, and Mr. A. Gray a pipe. A few friends of Mr. W. Wright met at his father's residence and presented him -with a silvermounted pipe. Mr. Hall, a stranger in the district, was also presented with a pipe, Mr. Penwarden making the presentation. Songs were rendered by Messrs (Manning, Hughson, jun., Mrs. Wright, and a duct by Mrs. Wright and Mr. Fielder, Mr. Manning and Mr. Taylor reciting very appropriate pieces. Several members of the Anglican Church met at Mrs. Groom's house on Saturday evening and presented Mr. Coleman with a pocket Bible. Mr. G. Gibson made the presentation. Songs were sung during the evening. Mra. T. IP. Hughson, who has been in a private hospital for a few weeks, is now on the mend, and is expected home shortly. Dr. *A. W. Averill, Bishop of Auckland, assisted by Rev. Addcnbrooke, preached to a large congregation in St. Nicholas' Church on Sunday morning and administered communion. Mr. Andrews' chaff-cutter and thresher have been in the district. Most of the fanners' stacks are cut up well. A special meeting of shareholders of the local factory will take place on Friday, 37th inst.