FOR THE BELGIANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1916, Page 5

FOR THE BELGIANS.

FETE AT WAREA. Despite the fact that the shortage of labor on the farms is felt by .the women of the country as well as the men, the women throughout Taranakl are nobly doing their part to assist the various funds for the relief of wounded soldiers, the Belgians, Serbians, Red Cross, etc., and a good deal of the money collected throughout Taranaki is in no small measure due to their efforts. At Warea, ever eince last October, an energetic body of ladies—the Warea Ladies' Sewing' Guild—has been busily working to provide a fund to, as the poster states, "help our brave allies the Belgians and Serbians, who are backing up the British Bulldog who watches by the sea." They have been busily engaged in sewing and making preparations for a monster fete, which eventuated in the Warea Domain yesterday. The morning broke boisterous, hut the stalls were snugly ensconced in the shelter of the pretty bush alongside the Waiweranui river in the recreation ground, a charmingly peaceful spot, in marked contrast to the troublous times that have recently struck the countries Warea was assisting. Later in the day the weather coni ditions became perfect. There was a good attendance, but still it was not quite what the organisers expected. The various stall-holders appeared to do good business, but there remained aiarge quantity of goods to be disposed of later. In all, it is expected that over £OO will be cleared, though last night It was not possible to state the .amount accurately. The committee responsible were Mesdames Millar, T. Larking, Magon, Parker, Donald, and A. E. Larking (secretary). All attended to their work well, the secretary admirably conducting her onerous and difficult duties. The various stall-holders were: Drapery, Mesdames Millar, Theo. Putt, and Magon; refreshments, Mesdames Larking, Parker, Donald, and the Misses Aylward (2); produce, Misses Clothier, Larking, and Donald; jumble, Misses'F. Corbett and Ina Wells; guessing competitions, Mrs. Theo. Putt, Misses Joyce Clifton and Circe Larking. An energetic men's committee, comprising Messrs .T. D. Ross (chairman), S. Hale, W. Gibbons. R. Barriball, H. Larking and J. A. Clarke (secretary) had arranged an interesting sports programme, which was run in conjunction and added considerably to the proceeds. The officials all worked well. They were Messrs P. Brophy (starter and handicapper), T. Julian, S. Hale, and F. A. chapman (j""g e s). T. Julian (sheep guessing), and E. Barriball (chain stepping). The sports resulted: — 100 yards handicap.—J. Aylward (4 vd?.) 1, H. Jordan (4yds.) 2. Also started: W. Gibbons (scr.J, R. Julian (4yds.), 0. Julian (4yds.).

100 yards schoolboys' race. —Ivan Parker *l, S. Jones 2. Also started: Murrav Clark, Monty Barak, Len. Wells. Sack race.—o. Julian 1, W. Gibbons 2. Nine entries. Schoolgirls' race.—Mary Lawn 1, Tlielma Clothier 2. Seven entries. Putting the shot—R. Julian (34ft. Bi/ 2 in.) 1, 0. Julian (32ft. Win.) 2. Twenty-five entries. Stepping the chain (ladies) .—Mrs. M. Jones 1. Sixteen entries. Stepping the chain (men).—Bert Jones 1 Sixteen entries. Tug-of-war— Ware* (R. Julian, M. Kelly, T. Barrett, H. Pearson, H. Jordan) defeated Newall Road (A, Rooks, J. Aylward, T. Eavn, C. Magon, W. Gibbons) by half an inch, after a pull lasting the full five minutes. This was pulled on ladders and proved most exciting. Single ladies' race—Mary Lawn 1, Millie Jones 2.

•Sheep guessing.—H. Larking, 98Vilb (actual weight 991b). The various guessing competitions were won by B. Jones (2), H. Larking, F. Larking, Miss Andrews, and Papa. During the afternoon a sale of gifts was held by Mr. S. Hale. A considerable quantity of poultry, etc., donated by residents, realised £9, and a considerable quantity of produce was hold over to sell in the evening. The principal items were: Calf (donated bv H. Corbett) £2 as, pig (Mr. MeEldownie) £1 Bs, sheep (P. Putt) ISs. Cash donations were given on the ground bv Messrs J. Burgess £.->, B. T. Booker £2, T. Julian £l. The district was well canvassed and a considerable amount rea.ism, a list of which will be published later. The principal items received during the day were: Cash donations £9. sale £9, gate £7 15s Ud, sports £4 13s Gd, sheep guessing £2 Is; stalls, drapery £4 IBs, cushions, etc., £3 14s, jumble £2 2s 9d, produce £3 2s Bd, refreshments £5. A concert was held in the hall.,in the evening, Mr. T. Julian presiding over a crowded house. The farce by the Opitnake Comedy Company was we'll pre<ent«d and equally well received. ■