DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

CARDIFF. (From Our Own Correspondent). A large number gathered at the Cardiff schoolroom to welcome the return of Private L. Marchaut. The recepI ion took the form of a social and dance-with an e.v.-ellent programme of vocal items. Songs were contributed bv Messrs Walters, Peters and Wilson, of Stratford, Mrs. C'rosbie, and Misses P.elskic and Osborne. The items were all of a high order. Mr. C. 11. Fox played the accompaniments and supplied the music for the dancing in his high-grade style. The principal feature was the welcoming speech and presentation of an illuminated address to Private Merchant. In making the presentation, Mr. \V. liichards referred to the present aspect of the war and the honorable sacrifice that was being made by each individual soldier, stating that wounds and losses received in the cause of freedom were records of bravery, the speaker concluding with wishing Private Marcliant a speedy return of health and strength.

Private Marcliant, after expressing appreciation of the kind welcome ami address, stated that though he had only tried to do his bit, he felt that he had scarcely merited their great kindness. Dancing was continued until early morning.

A meeting of the shareholders of the Cardiff Dairy Co., was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Owing to the difference between the estimated cost of rebuilding and the contractors' tender prices, Mr. W. Richards, chairman of directors, stated that they had decided to ask the meeting to make a definite decision as to whether they would accept the responsibility involved in exceeding their original vote ;for [rebuilding or oiotj. After much discussion the meeting decided to take the risk and have the whole of the factory erected. This may involve earlier closing down this season so that the new building can be ready at the beginning of the forthcoming season.

LEPPERTON. (From Our Own Correspondent). On Thursday evening last, an Anzac service was conducted in the hall by the Rev. Cf._ B. Hinton, Methodist clergyman from Waitara. He was assisted by Mr. \Y. N. Ackland, who officiated in his capacity as lay reader for the Church of England, there being at present no viear in charge of the Wait: parish. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Perkins, Presbyterian Missioner of Waitara. A large congregation assembled, and listened attentively to the preacher's address. After paying tribute to the Anzac heroes, the rev. gentleman enlarged on the necessity for a deepening of the spiritual life of the Dominion, and deplored the fact that so little had been done by either church or State to counteract the national evils during this critical period of our history. A collection was taken up. After expenses are paid, the balance will be paid over to the funds of the Y.M.C.A. The public apathy with regard to hall affairs is now, I am glad to say, a thing of the past. A large and representative crowd attended the post, poned anual meeting on Saturday even* ing, and a strong committee of management was appointed, consisting of Messrs R. Copestake (president), N. i./ight (secretary and treasurer), A. P. Sampson, F. Hall, N. Sampson, C'. Hinge j T. Baker, and G. Stimpson. Votes of thanks were accorded the outgoing committee, and Mr. •T. Little for his services as auditor. / vote of thanks, carried by acclamation, was accorded Mr. F. W. Atkinson, who retires from the position of president, which he has Allied for over twenty years. After considerable discussion, it was decided to increase the number of signatories to the joint and several, and to maintain it at the present amount, viz., £SO. It was mentioned that the hall is now practically free of debt, and, considering that most of the functions of late years have been of a patriotic nature, and hence nonrevenue producing, from a hall point of view f it speaks well for the careful management of previous committees. It is only fair to mention this, in view of the criticism that has been levelled at the last committee, who, whatever mistakes they may have made in management, certainly left the hall in a sound financial position. The incoming committee were directed by the meeting to attend to the installation of a better lighting system, and other conveniences.

A conference will be held on Tuesday evening next, between the Patriotic Committee and the Hall committee to make arrangements for a concert to be held on Friday. 24th May, Empire Day. The proceeds are to be in aid of the general fund of the N.T. P.L. to enable that body to meet sudden and urgent cases for relief that may arise in connection with .soldiers or their dependents

OMATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The social in aid of the Blinded Soldiers held in the Omata Hall on Friday last, was a distinct success. The takings at the door and froni the sale of tickets amounted to about .-£B, and total altogether, with donations, Jill 4s, this being considered a good return under present circumstances. As both the Hall Committee and Mr. Pearson, the musician, made their charges as light as possible, the expenses were inconsiderable. During the evening musical items and .songs were rendered bv several ladies and gentlemen, and were all greatly appreciated. Tin; music, supplied by Mr. Pearson's orchestra, Was splendid, and nondancers as well as those who joined in the revels were delighted with it. All the members of the guild heartily cooperated in making the afl'air a success, and wish to thank all who assisted them, especially the gentlemen who took the arduous task of door-keeping and heavy work in the supper-room oil' their hands. In stating the amount of the proceeds the guild particularly would like to mention the sum of His 2d contributed by the Omata school children. When one realises that in most cases this sum means the diverting of pennies from sweets, etc., it shows a certain amount of self-denial on the part of these young people. Since the establishment of the guild, the children have I always li?.en found iready to render •what help they are able in patriotic work.