DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

1 OTENUI, (From On: Own Correspondent.) There was a big concourse of young and old at the Urenui Hall on Thursday last, "when a fitting send-ofl' was given to Messrs W. Hick and H. filcntworth, nvho were home on filial leave. A most enjoyable evening was spent in dancing and singing, etc. Probably the happiest feature of the evening was the very able and appropriate speech made by Mr. Harry Ellis (in the absence, through illness, of Mr. A. H. Halcombe) when he made presentations of safety razor outfits to Privates Hick and Glentworth. Sympathetic reference was made in regard to the recent barbarious bombing and murder of innocent and defenceless women and children in London, such a Hunnish outrage being no better than the atrocities of the Ancient Romans In iKero's reign. In' extending to the guests the best wishes of £Hose present, and the hopes that they would be spared in health and fitness to uphold the great name already won by Xew Zealand in this war, Mr. Ellis exhorted them to never forget their mothers, sisters, and all others dear to them, and above all to be true to themselves, so that their hoped-for safe return would be even more glorious than their departure. He then called for three cheers for the guests, after which the latter suitably responded. The music was supplied gratis by Mrs. Isaacs, of Waitara, extras being played by. Miss Hick (piano) and Mr. iNewton (violin) and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the musicians. MDKAU. A meeting of the patriotic committee was held here on the night of the 21st. There were present.: Messrs. H. Maino (chairman), S. Whitehead J. Terrill, 11. Smith, A. Sampson, and L. MacDonnld. The minutes of the executive meeting of the North Taranaki Patriotic League were placed on the table, also the annual report of the Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association. On the motion of H. Maine, seconded by S. Whitehead, Mr. C. JTallam was re-appointed to represent the Mokau Pafrfctic Committee on the Executive of the League and he was thanked for his good offices during the past year. Mr. S. Whitehead moved: "That a joint presentation bo made to Mr. and Mrs. N. Clifton, who are leaving the district, as well as a special presentation to the former who is going into camp, the function to take place on June 21), W17." —SecoTidcd by Mr. H. Smith and carried. It may be explained the Mokau Committee run a presentation fund in the interest of departing soldiers, but ; it is quite separate from the ordin- ! iu'v patriotic fund. The latter—less in- ! cidental expenses—is entirely devoted to {patriotic jurjosog,