DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1919, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

ai-WAKINO-MOKAU. V i 1 I''

(From Our Own Correispoinlenfc.)- 'S Oji Tuesday, December 31, a ol«ildr'en.'Bt evening, followed by a supper ami dtiuc» for tlie adults, washelu in the Awokiuo: llall. There was a record attendanceA splendidly-got-up and riehly-loden Christmas-tree was on tlie stage, and. from 7 to U o'clock the kiddies were entertained with games, polkas, waltzes, etc., and it was a pretty sight to see them enjoying themselves to the uttermost. That enjoyment reached its height when, just about 9 o'clock, * Daddy Christmas," in all his glory, appeared amongst us, greeted with shrie£s\of delight' from "the younger set." Our. W. I). Thomson, in a few well-chosen words, introduced tlie old gentleman to his little* friends, after which "Santa" ascended the platform and distributed the gifts to tlie children, saying a few cheery words to each. The happy look on each little. fa ce was proof of their satisfaction with what tlie tree provided them. After this, a bountiful supper—sweets and fruit were handed round, and then the floor was cleared, and dancing waa indulged in till early morning by the elders. Altogether, it was one of the most successful functions ever held here, and reflects great credit on the promoters, Meadames McNiece aM Christofl'er-

During the evening a handsome teddy bear, donnted by Mr. W. Avery, was auctioned, and realised £2 7s, the proceed* going to the Hall Fund. The role of Santa Claus was admiraiblv carried out bv Miss Norah Thomson, whose get-up and impersonation were perfect.

Thanks are due to all those ladies who so generously provided the dainty supper and to Miss Marie Avery, who worked hard all the afternoon, decorating the tree and In other ways, also to Mr. and Mrs. Baker, of Piripiri, who gave the tree itself; to Masters Cyril and Terry McNeice and Harry Wolfe, who "planted'' it; and to Messrs CChristofl'erson and J. McNeice, who looked after the defer and commissariat department. The music for the dance was supplied hy Mesdames McX«ice, Christofl'erson, and Misses K. Thornon and Shell. We must not forget to thank all who so generously subscribed in cash for gifts for the tree, especially "our hoys of the bush and the road." We were glad to see present and to welcome home one of our brave soldier boys, Mr. Jim Mortensen, who has Just returned from the front.

]S'ew Year's Day, 1919, came in wet and showery, hut, in spite of thin, many journeyed forth, ""on pleasure bent," some to the beach and some to friends' hofepitaible liome3. On Friday, January 3, Mr. and Jtfrs. W. D. Thomson gave an afternoon at their beautiful home, "The Anchorage-" The function was the second of many to be held in aid of "funds for soldiers" Eaeli person was expected to donate a silver coin, and the result was a collection of some £3 ISs !)d. The hostess received her guests in -a handsome costume of black crepe de chine, while Miss I\. Thomson wore a pretty flowered costume, and Miss 3f. ThojDsoit a smart white voile dress. The dainty afternoon tea was served in the dining room, after which musical items were rendered and enjoyed till 0 p.m., when all dispersed to their homes, after having spent a delightful afternooon. Songs were given by Mesdames McNeice and the Misses Eambridge, K. Thomson, and H. Wolfe, and pianoforte solos were rendered by Mesdames Thomson, McNeice, Avery, Ciiristoffercon, and Miss N. Thomson. Amongst the guests present were:—Mrs W. Blac, black silk; 'Mrs. Alfred Black, a dark gown; Mrs. Howard, black and white costume; Mrs. Averv, mole-colored crepe de chine, and her sister (MrsBeach), mole gabardine; Mrs. J. McNeice, navy blue coat, frock relieved with cerise; Mrs. Bert Condon, tussore silk, as also were Mrs, Ij. Jones. Mrs-Calvin, Mrs. Monk; Miss JTarjorie Black, white voile; Miss V. Black, light summer dress; Mrs. Scott, saxe blue costumoj Mrs. W. Tweedie, dark skirt with pale blue silic sports coat; Mrs- Sheen (who had ridden over from Mohakatino), riding costume; Miss Bambridge, navy blue tailor-made; Miss Waring, Fuji silk; Miss H- Wolfe, dark grey costume; Miss Marie Avery, cream dress; Miss Vers Avery, cream serge; Mrs. Monk and her daughter (Mrs. Galvin) wore light silk costumes, the gentlemen present were Messrs J. and I). Tweedie, MacElliott, Sheen, A. Condon, and Thomson. The next of these very pleasant gatherings is to be held at Mrs. Percy Howard's on Wednesday, 15th inst., and Is to take tlie_forin of an "evening" instead of afternoon, Mrs. Beach, of Ashburton, is visiting Iter sister (Mrs. W. Avery).

Misses Mario and yere Avery are spending the holidays with their parents.

Miss Corney is on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. W- Black

There are whispers that Mr. Dug. Black has joined the Benedicte, hut whether the rumor is'true only his return and time will tell. Anyhow, if it bs true, wo all- wish him and his partner every happiness, and, if it isn't true, we hope it soon will be. Our mail-car has not besn able to navigate Mount Messenger this season, so far. It has never ibeen so late jn getting through before: but, of. course, we have lad an exceptionally wet season. A few .private cars have been abls t0... get. through, and soon we hops, to see our old friend "Frank" piloting his "limousine" through the busy streets of Mokau and Awakino once more.

The .weather is still very cold and unseasonable. ■We hear that Mr. Joe Box, who will be remembered by many in tho Molfau-.. Awakino district, and who has been, acting as assistant commissioner "at' Nieue (Cook Islands).lias now been appointed 1 Commissioner there. This young gen-i tleman was educated at St. Patnjck's College, Wellington, and it' is a great credit to that institution and to "Joe"

himself, .that he has attained such «, position.

Miss Noonan is visiting her lueee, Sirs. Sheen, at Mohakatino. Much amusement was created on Jvew Year's Eve when Father Christmas called out: "Is there a good little boy of the name of Willie Avery here?" and. in response, up marched the gereial Bill of our acquaintance, who measures somewhere a)bout oft 11 in, to receive a rock-ing-horse about 3in long and 2in high. The next '"good" little boy was Jack McNeice, who received a string of pearls. Then came Georgie MacMillan, whose prize was a. peanut man. Next good boy who answered to his name was Mr. lirne Paynter, who received a dear little babe of celluloid (vest pocket size). MrC. Christofferson received the same for good conduct, also Mr. R. Parr. It was funny to see these big men coming up to Daddy Christmas for their gifts, with all the innocence of childhood. Mr. B. Parr made an efficient M.C. I have noticed some of the different freezing companies' buyers hovering round lately, also some of Mr. Newton. King's. Wei], they will find plenty of "fine fats" awaiting them, both in beef and mutton.

Miss Hazel Wolfe 11 organised a very enjoyable picnic up the MoKau River on Sunday, December 29, in honor of Miss (Nurse) Hudson, of the New Plymouth Hospital, who was her guest for a week. The party journeyed up the river in good old Victor's launch, landed, lunched, and spent a ripping time, returning to'lwakino about 5 p.m. Miss Eunice McNeiee is spending her holidays with her parents. " Miss Constance fiaddeley is visiting her sister, Mra- J. McNeice.