DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

"" fRAHOTU, i (From Our Own Con'c=pniulents). A pleasant little gathering of nil denominations took place at tlie Wesleyan Church on Monday evening to big goodbye to Rev. T. \V. and Mrs. Feathcr,stone, who arc leaving for the South 'lsland. A very nice travelling rug was presented to Rev. Fcatherstone. and a silver sugar basin and jug to Mrs. Featherstone. Mr. Fcatherstone suitably responded for himself and Mrs. Featherstone. Supper was then partaken of. On Thursday a concert was held to bid farewell to Corporal M. Huglisont Private S. Baker (who is the*fourth son from that family), Private IS. James (who is also the fourth son to join the ranks from Mr. James' family) and to welcome Private Wa tU of the crew of a warship Mr G. Gibson presided. The opening item was a clarionet solo by ■Rev. E. B. flosnell, Mrs. T. ITuglison, junr,, accompanying him on the piaffffr Songs were sung by Mrs. Wright, Messrs lllingsworth, Groome, Manning, Rev, Gosnell, and, oy special request, Corporal T. Hughson,. who was received with applause. All singers were in splendid form. Recitations were given by Mrs. lllingsworth, Misses D. Looney, Hedwick, Dawson and Williams, which were appreciated. At intervals presentations were made to Privato Watts, a case of pipes, Mrs. Green handing them to him. Corporal Hughson received a ivristlet watch. Miss Hilda Wright fastening it in its place and wishing him God-speed. Miss A. Williamson came forward to fasten a watch on Private Baker, and wished him a safe return, as did Miss Dew for Private S. James. Private Watts nnd the soldiers responded. Speeches were made by the chairman and Messrs Taylor, Wright", Cooper and Rev, Gosnell. Jilts. Hughson, junr,, played all the accompaniments. Three cheers were given for the soldiers, sailor and tllie chairman, and the National Anthem was sung. Supper was 'ihen handed round and brought a very sociable and enjoyable evening to a close. It is with pleasure we hear by a letter to Mrs. Colmer from Corporal J. Glentworth that her Christmas cake; as well as those of Mrs. W. E. Wright and Mrs. Evetts, have reached some of our boys, arriving in splendid order, and, coming from old Rahotu, were received with great pleasure in the trenches. The Y.M.C.A. had forwarded them on. Letters have been received from Gunner Woodhead in which he says he is quite well, also one from Privato iP. Coleman, who is now convalescent, but slitters very much from cold in his wounded hands and fingers. Private Snrgenoi', who is a prisoner of war in Turkey, has been ill, but is better again, and says he will be glad to be back with the old companions (prisoncis) in Turkey. He does not complain otherwise. Private Sliarrock is also convalescent. Go,ocl Friday services in both churches u-ere better attended than usual. Our local factory mnnager is still on i'lie sick list, and has been granted a .nrfcher month's leave of absence.

OMATA. The following pupils have made full attendances for the quarter ending March 31, 1917: Primer classes—®. Seamark, E. Cowling, A Suhr, E. Suhr, E. Sanger. Standard I. —L. Fioast, M. Mace, P. Jury, M. Lichtwark\ A, Sanger, B. Stacliurski, H. Seamark. Standard lI—P. Crockett, S. Jury, I?. Saucer, F. Morris, G. Kronk, 51. 'Stacliurski, M. Geddes. Standard TIT.—P. Frost, B. Kendcll. Standard IV.—J. Bravitzki, W. Frost. B. Hughes, >\.\Jur\i, N. Mcyenbcrg, P. Pease, W. Revell, E. Seamark, L. Sanger, P. Stacliurski, M. Bayly, .J. Clemw, E. Jury, E. Kendell ,M. Kendcll. Standard V. —H. Geddes, W, Mace, H. Maet\. L. Seamark, E. Hart, M. Loveridge, K. Morris, \V. Mace. Standard VI.—L. Morris, 11. Rickard. Percentage of attendance for the quarter—Bovs 93.1, girls 97.0; average, 95.3. ' MAIIOE A farewell social and dance, was held in tlm Mahoo Hall on April 4 to hid farewell tp Lance-Corporal Rolf and Private Smith who were up on 'final leave. The weather being fine enabled a large crowd to attend. Songs were sung during the evening by the Misses Coates anil Gladys Wliittington. The chairman (Mr. Rheiee Anderson) requested LanceCorporal Pelf to accept an illuminated wristlet watch as a token of the best wishes of the Mahoo people. Ho also called upon a young lady to fasten the watch on Corporal Relf's wrist. Miss Pearl Coates responded to the call. The voldier then thanked the people for thtlr kindness towards him and said he hoped to do his duty when lie got there. The chairman next called upon Mr. Pelf (senior) to tako charge of Private Smith's wateli as he was"unable to attend on account of matrimonial affairs. Mr. Belf thanked the people on behalf of his son and son-in-law for their haiul-.-omn pifts T',„ n f « For , He >, a Jolly Good Fellow" took place am' cheers 'were given for soldiers oil final leave. Supper was handed around and was very much appreciated by all. Special thanks are due to Mr. Ciimberworth and Mrs. Wliittington for the way they worked at such a short notice. Dancing was indulged in instil inid-niglifc, the music being supplied by iMss Riley, extras being played by the Misses Maindonald, Coates, and Messrs Pemvarden and Maindonald. The. duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr A. Bulmer. Another of' our soldiers, Rifleman J. Beivley, was presented with a wristlet watch as a token from the Mahoe people. Tile school is now being closed for a fortnight to enable the teachers to go to New Plymouth for agricultural instruction.