PATRIOTIC WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1916, Page 8

PATRIOTIC WORK.

HAWERA'S GREAT EFFORT. !

COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS.

ABOUT J-SOO CULLEOTED

A sph-ndid response was made by the residents of liawera oil Friday evening and Saturday to the appeal for funds required tor the provision of Christmas com forts for New Zealand soldiers on active service, and tin? carnival held in connection with the effort was liberally supported. The weather throughout the period of the gala was perfect. The town was en fete, and the main streets were gaily bedecked ivith bunting. A torchlight profession was held on Friday evening, the Wangamii Hussars aiul New Plymouth Pierrots, who were present to assist in the campaign, were escorted from the railway station to High Street by the Citizens' Band, the National Reserve, territorials, senior cadets, boy scouts, and fire brigade. Mr T. B. Slipper, the "judge," who presided ovtr the mock court on the following day, was presented with "the freedom ol the city.'' The Mayor (Mr, E. Dixon! ■welcomed the visitors', and invited them to do their best.

A dance recital was given by Mrs. Edwards and her pupils in the' Opera House on Friday evening, and the-per-formance was greatlv appreciated. A beautiful silk ilag was offered at auction during the interval, and the sum of £825 was realised.

High Street presented nil animated scene on Saturday, when the Hussars and Pierrots, in their gay costumes, pursued I their campaign. The procedure observed was similar to that adopted in the ve- | cent .X'omforts Week Campaign in New .Plymouth, Numerous parcels wero offered the public at a stipulated price, and these were eageiilv bought up. Soon ■ the stock was exhausted, and the resourceful salesmen at once made purchases of hams and tins of tea. These brought very high prices before they were finally disposed of. The sums raised from tin raffle of the hams Varied from 00s to Ki3s, while as much as 38s was contributed before a 51b tin of tea was hjuulcd over. The Hussars apd Pierrots worked like Trojans. On ti lorry, which a small party 'of them occupied, £ll4 was taken. A mock court was held in (he Opera House, and the public was treated to much amusement as the various, ''prisoners" were hailed before "his Honor' 1 and penalised for sundry "offences." It ips stated that about £2OO was raised in this way. At every corner a crowd was kept interested in the evolutions of a clown, in the efforts of citizens to "ring" a prize in the "hoop-la," or in listening to the performances of the Maori band or a troupe of singers. The crowd was in a happy inood, and recognised the object for which the carnival was organised. The ladies were particularly generous, and entered into the spirit of the campaign with a heartiness which redounded to their credit. At the Opera House, in the evening, the Mayor expressed the thanks of the local committee to the Wangftnui Hi'ssars and the New Plymouth Pierrots for the notable assistance they had rendered the cause.' As the result of the two days' efforts it is estimated that between £7OO and £BOO was raised. The proceeds will be cabled to England, with instructions to. purchase coin forts for distribution among the troops for whom they are intended.

RED CROSS MART. Satisfactory business was done at the Rod Crops Mart in Devon Street on Saturday, and as the result £9 los was added to the Red Cross Fund. CHRISTMAS PUDDING DAY. A number of orders have been received by the organisers of the Mart for Christmas cakea and puddings, next Saturday having been set apart for the sale of these goods. The organisers are desirous of securing a. liberal supply of cakes and puddings for the sale, as they arc dependent upon tlio generosity of friends of the cause for the success of US •" Saturday's effort. FLOWER STALL. At the Patriotic Flower Stall on Saturday £ll (is was taken. Amongst the other flowers, quantities of. sweet peas were greatly admired and found ready sales. Miss Sahvay and Miss D. Barry did good business as buttonhole sellers. The committee wish to thank all thoie who sent donations of flowers.