DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

AWAKINO-MOKAU, (From Our Own Correspondent). Patriotic functions are all the go round here just now. A very successful and enjoyable one was/ the fancy dress ball in aid of th/ Red Cross fund?, held in the Awakino Kail on Friday evening (Sth). The night being fine, a good crowd turned up, and dancing was indulged in till 3 a.m. iSome were in evening dress only, bub several were in costume, making a very pretty and effective scene. Among others I noticed .Mrs, MeNeice as "Carnival," Mrs. Avery, "Egyptian Lady," Mrs. Sole, "Bridge," Mrs. Maine, "Florentine Lady," Mrs. Whitehead, "Crimson Rambler," Mrs. Calvert, "A Greenaway Girl." Miss Thompson, "Highland Lassie," Miss Drader, "The Pet of the Regiment," (this was taking costume in khaki), Miss Houseu, "Gipsy Fortune-teller,", Miss McDonald "Ballet Girl," Miss V. Black "Folly," Miss M. Black "Spanish Dancing Girl,"- Miss Wolfe "A Lady of the 17th Century," Miss M. Wolfe "Red Pierrette," Miss Bignell "Powder and Patches," Miss Cine "Dear Little Shamrock," Miss Woodruffo ".Fairy Qu?cn," Miss Jury "Pierrette," Mr. Maine "Black and White," Mr. Ennis "Bakar," Mr. Lett "Waiter," Kr. McMillan "An Officer of Hussars," Mr. M. Wells "Jester," Mr. Hurru "Bor.es," Master Jock Morton "Dick Whittington," Master Burring "Footballer." But the. chefs d'euvre were Mr. "Bosin" Parr as "Nurse." and Mr. E. Paynter as his precious charge "The Baby." These two were simply immerse, and their performance evoked screams of laughter. The hall was tastefully decorated, and in one corner was tho cave of the "White Witch" (Mrs. Christofferson), A very tasty sandwich supper was provided, also'the 'best of music by Mesdames MeNeics, Avery, Christofferson ar.d Miss Bignell. | ' On Saturday afternoon a football match—Mohakat'no Station v, Awakino —•was held in Mr. Black's paddock at Awakino, and resulted in an easy win for the .Awakino team. This was also in aid of tho Red Cross Fund, and as there was a good attendance, of the public and good business done in the sale of afternoon tea and collections on the ground it should add a substantial sum to the coffers.

The same evening, in (lie Mokan Hall, the usual fortnightly patriotic dance was held. A good crowd turneu up, and a real joliy"evening was spent, everyone having a good time, in spite of most of them "having been "tripping the light fantastic toe" so late tho night before. Tt is greatly due to the energy and vim of Mr. H. Maine that these little 'nrhiigl'itlv socials are so :;ueccs-ful. 'i'iiisn. v"V.t!ior wrint&c, i';o "At'*.-

entertainment in the Awakino Hall on Fviday, Iftth inst.- This is also patriotic, and should be well patronised. The ballot is calling away a great many of our capable men, and some that ca;i ill be spared. Among others I notice our ferryman, Mr. N. Clifton. It is only to be hoped that his successor may prove as sober, capable and reliable as he has been. The weather lias been very bleak and cold lately, but so far the winter has not been"bad, though there is not toa much feed for our cattle, etc. Talking of the ferry, I see Mr. W. Clare and his capable staff are busy doing good work in repairing and making storm-proof our p'.u;';. Good luck arc good weather to them!

The flaxmil! is sti'l working metri'y, though owing to a recent fire operations were at a standstill for a few dr.,'."'. We 'Were sorry to hear that tbo.it £SO or £OO worth of damage "j.s cc\:s=d. The roads are fcirjy good for this time cf the year, ar.ci a good vr.r.-.iv travellers go to and fro on the old iiie.il coach.

I don't know whethtr the district bens have all gone "on strike'' or not l , rut there's a decided dearth cf |round here. As Mrs. Partington has it, "Hoggs is heggs thew days," nr.d -butter is butter, too! In fact, if the present price of living continues, I fear we shall scon have to live on cockles and pippie;, or seaweed broth or such like.

There will be very little b'jshfoliing this year. Oh! this war! It seems to' U3 the authorities have been rather severe on Mr. J. McManon. It is not likely that after the boy had sacrificed his farm and made all ready to go to camp that he was going to desert. Not at all. There must be some misunderstanding, and we think it is rather a pity that the family has had such a slur put upon them, especially just now when they have had such sorrow in the death of a fine- promising "lad, Mr. Dick MeMa'.ion, and another brother lying so seriously ill as to be beyond recovery. Mr. McMahon belongs to an honorable family, a:;d we feel suro would not be guilty of a dishonorable action. So we hope the matter may soon be righted.