DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correoundenl.) A farewell social was tendered to Mr and Mrs A. 11. Calvert, of Bexley, Awakino, 011 September 14th in the Awakino liall. In spite of the short notice given of their departure, there was a good crowd present, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves, except that one and all were regretting that we were not welcoming the guests of the evening, instead of farcwelling them. Both Mr and Mrs Calvert have endeared themselves to the people of our district by their hospitality, geniality, and readiness to assist in everything thai might further the good of the place and its people. They have also been energetic ill helping on all our patriotic efforts, and as secretary of our Hall Committee, Mr Calvert has been an indefatigable worker, and will be greatly missed in this capacity, We one and all wish them "God Speed" in their "fresh fields, and pastures new" During the 'evening dancing was indulged in to the excellent music supplied by Mesdames McWeice and Christofferson, and Miss Shell, and Mr Stewart who very kindly played some extras. Songs and recitations were given Ify Mrs McNeice, Miss Shell, and Mr Rockel. After fh'e tasty supper was disposed of, Mi J. MeNeiee, in a fetv well-chosen words, presented Mr and Mrs Calvert with a. liand'some suitcase, after which the rafters rang with "For they are jolly good fellows," and the usual "Hip! hip! hip!" That concluded, we all jotned hands, and gave them good "Auld Lang Syne!" Dancing then went on with a "vim" until midnight. There are whispers of still anothei who is likely to be leaving our midst. 1 refer to our genial road engineer, Mr Ennis. We sincerely trust that "Dame Rumour" is at fault this time, for Mr Ennis is another who has made himselt popular not only with the people of the district, but also with his men. The weather has been very bad lately, but to-day it seems as though a change for the better is going to take place. Shearing ha 3 already started on some of our stations, so it is to be hoped that the weather conditions will be favorable. I noticed a fine line of fat sheep going up to Bexley, which I may state has changed hands, the buyer being a Mr Duncan from the South. A hearty welcome is extended to this gentleman, and his wife and family.

The war has carried off yet another of our fine young men —I refer to Mr Syd. Black, only son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Black, of Awakino, wiho was in action a week or so back. His parents and sisters have the sincere sympathy of everyone. Lads of his stamp and his coflsin Reg's (who fell in action some little time before) can ill be spared from amongst us. Our factory (cheese) is again in full swing, so that before long we expect to see our boats steaming up our lovely Awakino river to the little wharf at the factory, to carry off their crates. We still have Mr Scott as our capable manager. Our roads are in better condition than I have seen them for some years at the same season of the year. We are glad to hear that Mrs Morton, wife of our local blacksmith, who has been very dangerously ill, is making a good recovery, and we hope she will soon be about, and as well as ever. I hear Mr Leonard Leech has been very fortunate with his lambs this season having 80 per cent, which is, I think, the highest percentage round here. Mr and Mrs McNeice gave an evening in honor of Mr and Mr A. H. Calvert. A very enjoyable time it was. Songs, pianoforte solos and recitations were given by Mesdames Calvert, McNeice, and Ohristofferson and the Misses H. and •M. Wolfe, Messrs Paynter, Ennis, Lake and McNeice, and the "guests of. the evening" were toasted with musical honors, the "3 times 3" being heartily in the extreme! Fish seem to be very plentiful in our river just' now, especially the luscious flounder.

MAHOE. (From Our Own Correspondent.)' The plain and fancy dress masquerade ball held recently was a great success. The weather was fine and a good crowd rolled up, including visitors from the surrounding districts. The music was supplied by the Foster Bros.' orchestra, and it alone afforded an evening's enjoyment. Extras were played by Miss Melville and Mr Maindonald.. The prizes for the best fancy costume were won easily by Mr*. S. Mellow (the Glaxo baby), and second by Mr J. Hodinott, (the American cowboy), and the ladies' was won by Miss R. Bivis, representing the Welsh people. Miss Melville and Miss M. Harry won the gold medal for the waltzing competition, Miss Reed and Mr Scoon coming in a close second. Miss Melville kindly handed the medal back, the tickets sold bringing in nearly three pounds. Miss Kemp struck the lucky number. The floor had been prepared for the occasion, and was in fine order, while Messrs H. Mellow and T. Davies carried out the duties of M's.C. in their usual businesslike style. A. doll beautifully dressed by Mrs Daviea* was auctioned, no one guessing the right name. At about 11.30 p.m. a splendid supper 'was handed around, and then dancing was resumed until 2.30 a.m. Altogether there will be over £35 available for the Red Cross Ftmd, and the ladies managing' the concern are to be highly congratulated. Mr C. Corbishley received the sad news on Friday la%t that his only son, Private Charles A. Corbishley. was killed in action somewhere in France on September 7tih. Private Corbishley was about 22 years of age, and had seen a good deal of hard fighting in France. Prior to his enlistment he was working on his father's farm and was much respected by all. The greatest sympathy is felt for his people in their sad bereavement.