DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

WHANGAMOMONA AND KOHURATAHL (From Our Own Correspondent ) Last Friday evening a social and dance was held as a farewell to Mr. Fawkner, bank manager to the Bank of Australasia, Mr. Fawkner has been a pillar of strength to Whangamomona and the surrounding districts, and many a farmer owes him a debt of gratitude for the help given him. Mr. M'Cutclian, sen., made the presentation, and paid a very high tribute to Mii, Fawkner as a bank manager and a citizen, and presented him, on belialt of the citizens and farmers for many miles round, with a handsome silver coffee service. The recipient responded in a tippy speech Air. Fawkner belonged to about ten committees, and it is said that whatever he went into he made a success of. Mr. Fawkner is going to another branch. The bank here will be open only one day a week, the reason being that so many men nave been called to the Colors from the Bank of Australasia. , The Anzac celebration here to-day was the biggest effair this year. It was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. The Returned Soldiers and Legion of Frontiersmen were in strong force. The school children, under Mr. Thomas Taylor, headmaster, were in full muster and marched from the school to the hall. Two senior girls carried tte New Zealand flag in front. The hall was taxed to overflowing, many people having to stand at file doors. On the platform was Mr. M'Cutchan, sen., the Revs. Smith and Norrie. Mr. M'Cutchan made a few introductory remarks, then the Rev. Smith gave a speech, making feeling reference to the Anzacs. Mr. Fawkner then sang the ''Marseillaise," after which the chairman called on Mr. Thomas Taylor to address the school children. His address was based on the word AN.Z.A.C., and he explained to the children the meaning of the word, what each letter stood for, and what the word really meant to New Zcalanders and Australians. He told the children of the landing at Gallipoli, the difficulties encountered, and the results, as far as known. His address was a very fine one and very instructive. The chairman called on'the school children to sing "The Men of Harlech," unaccompanied, and they sang it right through, witli very great credit to Mr. Taylor, who had charge of the baton. Mr, W. Hoskin sang "The Veteran's Song." The final address was given by the Rev. Norrie, who impressed upon the children that in the coming years they would be able to look back'" with nridc to the glorious deeds done by our New Zealanders in the present war. The meeting terminated with the singing of "God Save the King," The calling up of the Class B caused some speculation here, as there are quite a number of that class in this district; but so far only two have received their notices, in the persons of Messsrs. H. H. Rawlinson and Alan M Cutchan. "Your Own" has missed it, so far. A sheep sale was held at Koliuratahi on Wednesday, 24th, and the prices were good for the purchaser, but not for the seller. Tt is mooted that the train service is to be curtailed in the near future, but wo hone it is a long way off yet. It is no fault, of the district, but due to the shortage of men. KAPONGA. Kaponga, April 26. A surprise party of ibetween 50 and GO friends of Mr. and Mrs. Jl. J. Power gathered at their residence 011 the Eltham road on Thursday evening, to bid farewell to Martin Power, who goes into camp on May 1. The organisers had worked hard and in secret, the result being a great surprise to Mr. and Mrs. Power. A most pleasant evening was spent, the large dining room being cleared and dancing freely indulged in by the joung folk, whilst card-tables Were provided for the older folk. Songs were contributed by Mesdames Kelly and Hill, Miss H. Tait, Messrs Brewer, Power, and Hill. Mr. M'Gill also gave some gramophone selections, while Miss Power provided the music for both songs and dances. After a bountiful supper, supplied by the ladies, Mr. Hill, on behalf of (hose present, presented the departing soldier with a handsome illuminated wristlet' watch from the gentlemen and a money-belt and set of military brushes from the married ladies. Miss Jean Phillips, buckled on the watch. Mr. TI. Thrusdt, on behalf of the single ladies, presented a fountain pen, and trusted he would put it to good us in writing to them all. A case of ebonybacked brushes was presented by Mr. and Mrs. R. Law. The singing of "For He's a .Tolly Good Fellow," "Auld Lang Syne," and the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable evening to a close. Mr J- Phillips carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual capable manner.