DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1915, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

PUKEARUHE. The sad news of tlie death of Mr. Z. M Wells, of Mangorei, cast quite a gloom over this district as elsewhere, two of the late gentleman's sons (Messrs. P. and H. Wells), being residents here. Their mother and family have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement. The death of Mrs. W. N. Perkins also removes from our midst a lady who was most highly respected and widely known in Taranaki and throughout the coast. The deceased lady was especially esteemed for her affectionate and kindly disposition, and Mr. Perkins and family have the deepest sympathy from a very wide circle of friends in their sad and irreparable loss.

OKATO. On Friday last a grand concert was ■Tiven in tho Hempton Hall by Mr. E. B. Barnett's pianoforte pupils. This was third concert given by pupils, one 1 laving been given in Tataraimaka and one in Warea, and the manner in which each item was executed reflects great credit on their teacher. The Okato Glee Club, also of Mr. Barnett's tuition, rendered their items excellently and received well merited applause. The programme was as follows:—Glee Club, "The Bells of St. Michael's Tower"; Isabel Ashley, piano solo; Olga Aroa and Mr. Barnett, pianoforte duet; Mrs. Stoeet, song, "Knitting"; Olive Street, piano solo; Ada Ashley, piano solo; Horace Larking, violin solo; Phyllis Street, piano solo; John Ashley, piano solo; Rev. Addenbrooke, song, "Tommy Atkins"; Dorothy Fox, piano solo; Glee Club, "True till Death"; Isabel Ashley, piano solo; Mrs. Vincent and Mrs. L. Andrews, duet, "Come Sing to me"; Olive Street, piano solo; Phyllis Corbett and Mr. Barnett, pianoforte duet; Horace Larking, violin solo; Phyllis Street, piano solo; Messrs. Newell and Willis, duet, "Sea of Glass"; Dorothy Fox, piano solo; Glee Club, "Comrades song of Hope." All the items were by local talent and were a great success.

At the close of the concert Mr. Barnett thanked the audience for the hearing the pupils had received and promised something much more advanced next year. He also thanked the pupils for the hard work they had put in, which had made the concert such a success, and asked the parents to encourage the children in their musical education. The stage, which resembled a drawing room, was very prettily decorated by Mrs. Fox and Miss Sterry, who deserve credit for the pleasing effect. After the; concert supper was provided by th" iadies and handed round by the children. Mr. Barnett, assisted by the pupils, provided the music for the dance which followed, at which Mr. C. Eustace proved himself a very capable M.C. During the evening, Private Albert Flower, who is leaving for the front, was to have been presented witli a wristlet watch, but as he was unable to be present, it was given to Mr. Hawkins to hand to him. The Eev. Addenbrooke expressed th« good wishes of the people of Okato towards Private Flower and wished him God-speed and a safe return.