ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1916, Page 3

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Eltham, Oct. 24. Tlx.ro was a good house at the Red Cross Concert given on Friday last. The weather was vile, but the programme excellent, and those who braved the elements were rewarded with an entertainment that was of high-grade merit. Our Rawhitiroa friends surprised and pleased patrons by the artistic manner in which they produced a neat little sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer showed an intimate knowledge of stage-craft and elocution that merits commendation. Mr. was also a notable performer. He gave two capital recitations, and with Mr. Hill-Johnston took part in a sketch that was enjoyed by all. The items given by the other performers, whd were well-known to Eltham audiences, were also much appreciated.

There wis a little storm in a Red Cross tea-room or similar institution here recently. It appears that several of the ladies are running these teas for patriotic purposes, and besides making i cakes, etc., also wear an apron and wait on patrons. One dimpled waitress noticed that the cake she.made was non est as far as the general public were concerned. Making enquiries she found some of the "ladies'' preferred her bake to that of the baker's. Perhaps it was better, anyway, and was decidedly cheaper, so the cake was not to be cut, Imt taken home. The "cook" and owner objected to this, and wanted it given to the public. Her interrogator then wanted to take home half, and let the remainder go to the Red Cross cause.. It seems strange that ladies should act so, but'there are some things in this mundane sphere that baffle the comprehension of ordinary men folk. There.are many Elthamites and Qtliers in this district who will learn with rcI gret that an ex-Elthamite (Serg. Arthur Pruden), is numbered amongst the missing in France. Pruden, whilst farming at Rawhitiroa, was an enthusiastic volunteer of the Eltham Rifles, and was a promising non-com. He was married and had a family. He is Missing, so there is a probability that lie may be moving round above ground, and the wish of his many friends is that Sergt.-Major (his war rank) Pruden I will be restored to his wife and family in due course.

The young man Con Volkert, killed in action recently. lived on the Cornwall Road, between Eltham and Ngaere. He was a fine, quiet, unassuming citizen, well esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. His aged parents will have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.