DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOEAU. PATRIOTIC COMJIITTEE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Patriotic Committee met on the sth inst., Mr. H. Maine ■presiding. There were also present: Messrs H. J. Smith, S. Whitehead, A. C. Sampson, J. Terrill, and J. L. MaeDonald. As the result of a discussion on the advisalbility of keeping a few presents on hand for times of emergency, that is, for when soldiers have to leave the district at short notice and are unable to return to receive the orthodox sendoff upon final leave, but who would thus be enabled to receive a presentation upon going into camp instead, Mr. H. Maine was authorised to act in the matter. It was decided, on the motion of the chairman, that the residents of Mohakatino be asked to co-operate with Mokau in giving a fitting send-off on the 7th inst. to Sir. Jas. Lennox, of Mohakatino, who was shortly going into camp. The treasurer stated that the presentation fond "was in a state of depletion at present, whereupon Mr. A. G. Sampson signified his intention to donate three guineas thereto, in order to help it along a bit. Mr. Sampson was heartily thanked for his opportune gift. " Proposed oy A. G. Sampson, seconded by H. Maine and carried: "That in future all persons, with the exception of waiters or members of the committee, must leave the ante-room for the body of the hall while supper is on, upon nights of patriotic dances." It was decided, on the motion of Mr. J. Terrill: "That upon the occasion of future patriotic dances the charge for admission to all gentlemen shall he 2s, irrespective of whether they be dancers or spectators." The secretary presented a statement of accounts, showing a credit balance of £7 odd. It was decided not to remit to the League until double figures were reached. Several small accounts mere passed for payment.

GENERAL. The farswell social, presentation and dance tendered Mr. and Mrs. Norman Clitfon, who are leaving the district (the former being called to camp), took place on June 29. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather a large number of friends assembled to do honor to the gnests of the evening. Dancing wa9 interspersed with songs by various local j talent, whilst a sketch by Mrs. A. Christofferson and violin solos !by Mr. A. G. Sampson were especially appreciated. Immediately before supper the joint presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Clifton took place. This took the form of a handsome piece of silverware, inscribed: "To Mr. and Mrs. If. Clifton, from their Mokau and Awakino friends. 29/6/17." Mr. S. Whitehead made the presentation, and in a few felicitous words referred to the very great esteem in which the recipients were held in the district in which they had resided for so many vears. Be handed to Mr. Clifton a handsome wristlet watch, subscribed to by the many supporters of the patriotic funds in our midst, and on their 'behalf wished him a safe journey and a speedy return from the terrible war nanraging. Mr. Clifton suitably aoknowl-' edged" the gifts and kind wishes. Supper over, the enthusiastic gathering broke up to the sounds of "Hip! Hip!" and "For He's a Jolly Good (Fellow." Mrs. J. L. MactDonald, a recent arrival In Mokau, has just received a wire announcing that her brother. Corporal Geo. A. Johnson, has (been wounded in the late terrific fighting on the Western front. Corporal Johnson left the Dominion with the 10th Reinforcements. He was a fine stamp of a man and extremely popular with all who had the [good fortune to know him. It is to be hoped his wounds are not of a serious nature.