DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 October 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent). One of the most successful concerts ever held round the coast took place in, YV'area on Monday evening, September 24 The night was foggy and damp, but that did not prevent visitors coming from Rahotu, Pungarchu, Puniho, and Okato. Shortly after eight the hall was well filled, nearly every family in Warea being represented. Mr. Dunstan and his party, including Mrs. Hooker, Misses Bennett (2), Cocker, and White and Messrs Okey and Neilson, gave a most enjoyable musical treat, every item being greatly appreciated. The Warea, .people tender their sincerest thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of the party who so kindly came out from New Plymouth to assist them, and also to Mr. Thompson, who placed his car at their disposal and thus helped to give them such a pleasant evening. The results of the guessing compete tions are as follow:—Turkey (donated by Mrs. Black) realised £2; correct .weight 181b Soz, won by Mr. Martin. Cake (donated by Mrs. Clothier), realised £2, and was won by Mr. Boniface, the correct weight being Slbs. Doll (donated by Mrs. Barak) realised £2 19s 6d; name "Mary," won by Mr. H. Barnett. Picture (donated by Mrs. Barak) realised £2 4s 6d, being won by Miss Mackay—number of beans 272. The funds Will benefit bv about £25.

HJREN'UI. (From A Correspondent). Right over north Taranaki at the present time "King Baby" demands paramount attention, for he is out on the stump for votes in four places. Four different committees are.banded and are organising all sorts of sports and entertainments in aid of the candidature of. their respective "kid." These committees appear to be working as methodically and as energetically as do the committees of candidates "for Parliament; and it can be truthfully said that they are giving the people plenty of entertainment and fun for the money they extort from them. It is very pleasing to note, in passing, that the North Taranaki public are dubbing up right royally, for they know the money is all needed for the various patriotic purj poses. In connection with the battle of the babies it is worthy of mention, and appropriate, too, tha't the Urenui Rifle Club is taking quite a leading part on behalf of the North Country Baby; and it will be largely to the energy aiid credit of this club if bonnie wee "Baby Willison is returned at the head of the poll. As a Rifle Club they have not one eligible single man but who is, or has been, away doing his bif) for his country, and it must he cheering to those soldier boys to know that the veterans in the persons of President A. H. Halcombc, Captain Charlie Rumbold, Vice-Captain" flarry Ellis and others are keeping the club's flag flying and inspiring and enrolling the younger lads in the meantime, "till the boys come home."

This club gave another very successful and enjoyable plain and fancy dress ball in the Urenui Hall on the 2tfth ulto., and the proceeds will further augment the North Country Baby fundi. An account of this ball lias already appeared in the Daily News. A feature of this function was the arrival of the "Bing Boys" precisely on the tick of S p.m.; one, like a bolt from the blue, by way of the stage steps, the other by ail obscure side entrance, and each deposited his large muchly-labelled portsammy in a conspicuous place on the floor of'the ball room. In the clever mirth they created, who could have picked them to be the well-known lUfle Club members, W. Vincent and Dave George? Another very amusing incident was when a popular local young lady in typical costume had to draw her six-shooter on a male offender who described her as a "cowboy," -when lie should have known that she was no mere boy, but a wonderfully real impersonation of the Mexican cow girl. Another .prominent feature of the hall was the personification of "John Bull" by Mr. Harry Ellis, and "Italy" by his amiable wife. Allies ever, this popular couple looked and acted it to the life, and their presence and complete fancy costumes will certainly be remembered for a very long time. It would not be fair to omit a special word of praise for the good dance music played by Miss Jupp, of Waitara, and for the extras played by Mrs. Napier McLean, who is a very popular visitor to our casual functions. A great treat is anticipated for the gala day at Urenui on the 11th inst., to wind un at night with a big Christy Minstral Concert, now being organised by the worthy school-master, Mr. Pope. ;

MAXGOREI. (From A Correspondent). A patriotic concert was held on September 19 at the residence of Mr. Fred Healy, Puketotaara road, in aid of the 'Mangorei Returned Soldiers' Fund, Mr. J. H. Magee presiding. The following programme was highly appreciated by a delighted audience. Most of the numbers were exceptionally good and encores were numerous :—Overture, Mrs. and Miss Worn; farce, "Ably," controlled Ijy Mr. Hughes; song, Miss Hannah; recitation, Master Reg. Cox; recitation, Miss 0. Cox; song, Mr Rasna; pianoforte solo, Miss Way; recitation, Mr. McAlister ; song, Mr. Twcedie; song, Mr. F. Skipper; song, Miss Connie •Beauehamp; step dance, Mr. Geo. Tweedie; song, Miss Jessie Magee; song, Mr. Brider; song, Mr. Hughes; song, Mr. Arawata; duet, 'Messrs Skipper and Taylor; song, Mr. Skipper; song, Mr. Waitre; step dance in costume, Mr. Tweedie. The concert concluded with a Maori haka, after which dancing was indulged in till 3 a.m., Mr. Brider making an efficient M.C. The sum of £3 10s was added to the fund.