DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TOKO. (From. Our Own Correspondent). On the evening of Wednesday, 28th nit., a very large gathering took place in the Toko Road Hall to bid farewell to Mr. Bert Marfell, who has been here on finalJeave. He was presented with a handsome wristlet watch and a soldier's diary, the presentation being made by Mr. Gall, chairman of the local Patriotic Committee. The guest of the evening having responded with a touching little speech of thanks, other speech of thanks other speeches were made by Messrs Marfell, senr., Lucena, tiatenby, Fletcher and Sangster. While remembering all that Mr. Marfell, senr., had sacrificed in every possible way since the war began, there could have been few (it any) present at that gathering who were'not touched deeply by bis speech, Passing on from what he was still further prepared to sacrifice personally, he earnestly exhorted the young women of the district to be ready to bear a yet greater share of the labor of the farms than hitherto in order that they may relieve still more men to go to the front. Surely city women as well as theii country sisters should take these words to heart, for, indeed why should any woman, wealthy or ot. nvise, be less strenuously exerting herself to end the world's turmoil than the men? Mr. Marfell's words were but an echo of what he and his family have done and are still doing. The remainder of the evening wa« taken up in dancing _nnd songs. The vocalists were Mrs. King, Misses Sangster, Thompson, Maunsell and Messrs Hale and Rowe. Miss Curtin acted as musician for the greater part of the evening and proved herself quite as well adapted to the performance of dance music as that of a classical nature. Extras were played by Mrs. Maunsell and Miss Thompson. The supper provided was duly appreciated, and although the gathering >was a record one, the supply as usual proved more than ample.