DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

LEPPERTON. (From Our Own Correspondent.) I regret to have to report the death of Mrs. Geo. Hall, one of lepeprton's oldest residents. The deceased lady resided here continuously for over .50 years, and only recently removed to New Plymouth, her failing health necessitating regular medical attention. Her death severs one of the links that remind us of the days when Lepperton was "Manutahi North," when war's alarms necessitated the surrounding of the township with a system of trenches, enclosing a blockhouse looped With holes for riflefire against a possible foe. Through all these vicissitudes of the pioneering days Mrs. Hall lived, bringing up a large family and doing her part as an Empire builder. Mr. Hall also is, lam sorry to state, seriously ill. "Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves" is being astonishingly proved in connection with the great "Battle of the Babies." Although Lepperton is being left to do all the battling for the "Country West" baby, I think the Y.M.O.A. candidate will make a good show when the finals go up.

Last Tuesday, Mrs. Denton, assisted by her pupils and a number of New Plymouth performers, gave one of her popular concerts in aid of Baby Crowe's candidature. Pianoforte solos were played by Misses Hazel Copestake, P. and G. Waldie, S. and A. Mace, Alice Ackland, and Mary Harrold, also Masters A. and S. Sampson and C. Hellier, and a duet by Mrs. Ocnton and Miss Ackland. Messrs Okey, Veale, Whelan, and Harvey sang several part songs, which were immensely appreciated by the audience. Songs were contributed by Miss Leach, Miss Ruby Dick, Mr. Whelan, Miss Cocker, Mr. Okey, Miss Mclsaacs, Miss Ackland, Mr. Howlett, Miss Hazel Copestake, Mr. A. Veale, and, by way of variation, Mr. Gadd played two banjo soloa. Mrs, Denton played most of the accompaniments, and deserves great credit for the organisation pf the fine programme submitted. The customary dance followed, Mrs. Denton again doing most of the playing, Mr. Hellier assisting with the violin.

Next Tuesday the young ladies of the district wisk ,t« stc us all in bur oldest clothes at "hard-up" social—object, more votes for Baby Crowe. I understand a nice programme of songs and recitations is being arranged to alternate with dancicg.

The campaign will conclude on Friday,' 19th October,, so far as Lepperton is concerned, with a day for the children, who are laying themselves out to rake in the pennies for our little Y.M.C.A. candidate. A Maypole, a crocodile march, a Christmas tree, sundry stalls, afternoon tea, are amonj a few of the diversions promised for the day.