DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1918, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

UREXUI. (From Our Own Corresepondent.) A very successful plain and fancy dress ball, organised by our Territorials in aid of Y.M.C.A. funds was held on the 23rd inst-, the hail being well filled, there being, in addition to a. full muster of local residents, a number of genuine sports from Waihi and Waitara. The fancy dresses made a pretty display, and proved rather a hard task for the judges —Mrs. Burke and Mr. Chapman (returned soldier) —to pick the winners. After the grand parade, the- ladies representing tihe Y.M.C.A. and "America were asked to accept the prizes for first and second places. "Charlie Chaplin" and "Sunflower Sam" won on the gents' side. Tho judges donated a second prize, amidst loud applause, proving th# winners were favorites. The music was supplied by Miss Jupp, extras by Miss Skciton, and Mr. Beg Spurr. The MjC.'s (Messrs A- Gilliver and L Spurr) were indefatigable in their efforts to provide partners for all. The evening's takings were between £l2 and £l3, so, after paying expenses, etc., the boys will have a nice sum to hand over to a worthy cause. Had the night been fine, they would have easily broken the record for a crowded house, '

The following is a list of the dresses: —Miss Sheard, Y.M.C.A., first -prize". Mrs. George, America, 2nd prize; Miss M. Howell, red Pierrot; Miss Dempster, day and night; Miss Eumibal, folly; Kiss Graham, pierrot; Miss Gilliver, "'butterfly; Miss D. Gilliver, Belgium; Miss M'Cracken, gipsy; Miss Marsh, gipsy fortune-teller; Miss E. Philip, African gold miner; Miss M. Philip, nurse; Miss Glentworth, Kid from Thnaru; Miss Trim, Carroelia Bill; M. Waitc. Sunflower Sam; Miss M. Spurdle, Quaker girl; Miss Frost, Swiss peasant; Misses Rouse and Pennington, Hooligan's twinssquad of six women war workers from Vvaitara, very highly commended. GentsMr- A. Gilliver, HIRjH. the Chef; Messrs Waitc and Vincent, two little girls in blue; Master A. Marsh, Aunt Chloe. Laurie Burke, Jack Johnson, gentleman; Mr. .T. A". Coleman (Hawera), Charlie Chaplin; Mr. Gilbert, Charlie's friend, Silly Sally.

LEPPEETON. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Despite the inclement state of the weather, a very fair crowd turned out to the concert held here on Friday evening in aid of the general fund of the N.T.P.L. Great credit is due to Mrs. Denton's concert party, from New Plymouth, in turning out on such a dirty night, and to the car driver who brought them. Besides our New Plymouth friends, we were entertained by two Stratfordites—Messrs Rowe and Andrews, whose comic turns caused great merriment.

The concert was opened by a pianoforte solo by Mrs. Denton. Misses Lepine and Jones gave a number of songs in a pleasing manner, and Miss Jenkins danced several dances in great style, as well as giving a recitation by way of variation. Friend Goldsworthy was to the fore with several of his evergreen monologues, and another familiar face was that of Mr. Hewlett, who, with his little cane, is quite a popular institution at our concerts. But undoubtedly the leading man of the evening was Mr. Rowe, of Stratford, whose final ''nigger act," in which he was assisted by Mr. Andrews, fairly brought the house down. The National Anthem concluded one of the most enjoyable concerts we have had here for a long time. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Denton, Miss Atkinson, and Mr. Hcllier (violin). A dance followed, for which Mrs. Denton Miss B. Giddy and others played. This was the first occasion on which the hall was lit by the "Wizard" light, and very favorable comments were made on its brilliant, yet soft, light. Despite the inclemency of the night, something between £9 and £lO will be added to the funds of the N.T.P.L. The school committee is putting in hand the imDrovements to the erounds,

which have been contemplated for some considerable time, but have been held up owing to shortage of labor. It is with much regret that I hear that Private Harry Wills has been rather badly gassed on the West front. Harry's many friends will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery.