ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1917, Page 3

ELTHAM.

BOl'S' HOME DEMONSTRATION. From Our Own Correspondent Klthani, Dec, JS. There i* one event each year for which Elthani reserves a. date, and that is the concert givon by the ■icholars attending tho Itoys' llama, It ia quite a number of years since Mr. Tom Jenkins and liis wife conceived the idea of a home for boys who had lost one or both parents. The need of the home may not have been apparent to many in its earlier stages, hut it has since demonstrated its usefulness by educating and disciplining boys who would probably he debarred these advantages if left to their own natural inclinations. Sow that the home is established, its usefulness is recognised by all, and it has made a reputation for work that has attracted attention from all parts of the Dominion. Last night the town hall was crowded by an audience that was more than pleased with the generous proportions of the pleasin" programme. The boys are under the control of Adjutant and Mrs. Scotney, who were also responsible in a largo measure for the training of the lads for the concert platform. Commissioner Hodder presided, and his was a pleasant task, whilst he was very happy in the few remarks he made during the evening. The items were all above average merit, but owing to the length of the programme encores were "tabooed.'' Tho items contributed were: Songs, ''Wave the Flag." "Keep A-goin'," ''Mouse \op=." "Teasing," "Come Along, Children'': recitations, "What, is a flentleman?" "Racing the Flames,'' 'little fiiffen"; dialogue, "What the Bean Said." The Maori Party (aressed to the part; danced hakas, swung the poi, and pav.i tableaux. The Pyramid Party were engaged in several tableaux. Pillow and Swedish drill added further variety to the, programme. Prizes were awarded to . Rex Stephens (Sergeant-Major Mahonev's gold medal) as dux of school, whilst book prizes were awarded to all the scholars, these being donated by Mr. H. 0. Carman. The proceeds of the concert were .n the neighborhood of £r>o.

Eltham is still receiving rather sad news from her young men at the front. Last, week I had to record the death of Charlie Barnard. To-day news was received that another Charlie (Clarr'y) had "gone west." Young Clarry was one of the early pioneers, and, starting as a private, worked up to the position of Sergeant-Major. He is reported to have been killed in action on December 3, and, previous to this, has had some close calls by wounds and sickness. His parents were represented by four sons; two have since returned, one, Albert, is still keeping his end up, and Charlie. Another well-known Elthamite reported severely woundpd is Private Herb. Glentworth. Only a few weeks back he was reported ill in hospital.- In the interval he has evidently recovered from the sick bed, and, going to the trenches, sustained a casualty.

After being six years or more an employee of Messrs. liurrell Bros., Mr. (Jeorge Paaps has severed his connection with the firm. Before his departure he was presented by the firm and workers with a set of carvers, as a token of goodwill existing between Mr Piuips and his comrades. Mr. Paaps finds the work in the smithy and eoachbuilding line a bit too heavy, hence the reason for his desiring lighter employment,