DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

COASTAL AFFAIRS. (F'rom Our Own Correspondent.) So far as the coast ic concerned, the past week has been one of farewells. On M.-nday night the Puugarohu hail was crowded with friends and visitors on the occasion of farewelliug Sergeant W. Giuld. The chairman (Mr. 11. Fleming), in making the pi.veutation of a pair of field glasses an.; case of pipes, spoke strongly upon iln- necessity of every nan enlisting in defence of this grand country. This was followed by a gift from the school children, who were represented by the little Hisses Harrison and Fleming. Mr. W. Giuld returned thanks on behalf of Sergeant Giuld. Miss M. O'Korke, who was in splendid \eico, sang "Somewhere a voice is calling," which was highly apppreciated. Mesdames Harrison and Pope presided at the piano, Mr. Parker playing an entra. In spitt. of the rain on Tuesday night the Kahui road school was rilled on the occasion of a send oil' and presentation to Mr. Percy Kitchenmun, who joins the 18th. Mr. Annis (chairman), called upon Mr. T. Candish to make the presentation which lie did in a telling way, pointing out the high patriotism of the men who without any great share of thte world's gcods put their lives at the disposal of their country. Mr. W. R. Wright responded for Mr. P. Kitchenman, anil the rest ot the evening was devoted to dancing. The combination of intense darkness and heavy riin at Oaonui on Thursday night failed to damp the farewell festivities in connection with Privates firans' and N. Lord's final departure. A large crowd gathered and the troopers must have been pleased with their reception. It should be noted that this is the II should be noted that this is the sixth son of Mr. and Mrs. Lord who has jointd the colors, a fact which places them in 'be front rank of the patriotic fathers and mothers of New Zealand, and cortrast" somewhat sharply with the records of other families on the coast.

On Friday tlio usual afternoon tea was given in the Kahotu hall, the hostesses being Mesdamos Eattocli, O'Xoil, W. R. Wright and Whyte, and for three hours they weie busily engaged in attending oe the crowded tables. The hostesses for the next afternoon tea will be Mes4ames Baker sen., Fischer, A. Phillips and MeGregor. In the evening there was a large attendance to farewell the departing troopers. Mr. W. R. Wright, who presided, said the committee had arranged for a presentation to Privates V. Candish, Beamish, Hopkins, Posser and Stratton. but Private Prosser had been given a fend-off in another district, and Privates Beamish and Stratton were visiting friends. Mr. G. Gibson, in an interesting speech, spoke of the ideals these troopers had before them and tlie pleasure they would feel in answering the call of duty. Mr. Eli Taylor, in presenting Private E. Hopkins with a wristlet watch and Private Val. Candish with a ease of pipes, as well as with a pipe and tobacco pouch from old friends on the Kahui road, gave a stiiv ring address to all eligible men. and, on behalf of all those present wished Godspeed to the troopers. Mr. S. Candish having suitably responded on their behalf, three cheers were again given. Songs were sung by Messrs. T. P. Huglison, jun., and Manning, also a recitation by the latter, the accompaniment being played by Miss Hughson to songs that were interspersed with the speeches. Then followed the usual fortnightly dance in aid of the wounded soldiers at the front Supper was handed round, and non-dancers indulged in games of uards.

Another contingent of Bahotu boys left here to entrain on Monday for Trentham. It would be a hard matter to find a ysung man, who is eligible for the front, in our district who has not enlisted.