DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

CONCERT AT AWAKIM). (Contributed by*.a Visitor.) Although a stranger in this part of the district, I feel I cannot leave without expressing my heartiest appreciation of the small concert I witnessed in Awakino, en route to Taranaki. The little concert pajty comprised ten or eleven young ladies, and their untiring efforts to bring their little entertainment to the height of success proved effectual, to the extent -that their items were up to the city vaudeville standard, which points to the fact that splendid musical talent is in evidence even fifty miles away among the hills of a large farming district. I was particularly impressed liy two of the items by one young lady, whose voice, though not powerful, was sweet and natural, her enunciation being perfect; and her dainty attitudes shewed decided talent for the stage, especially in her item "Dixie Land." The same little artist proved excellent in a small revue turn, in which she led the chorus down the hall in a fascinating little song, "Tickle, Tickle Tob." I am not over-estimating this little artist's claims to admiration when I state that her amateur efforts, both as a male impersonater and a dainty artist, surpass those of many city girl's who have every opportunity of witnessing professional shows. Special mention can also be made of a pretty hunters' dance, and no doubt this would have been a special feature of the evening hud there been a larger stage. Another striking item was a vocal duet containing reference to several prominent residents/and great honors go to those wo young ladies who so cleverly sang their respective parts, and who composed the entire duet. My only regret was that time did not permit me to personally congratulate this little party of entertainers Should I journey through to the next cattle sale I hope the same little band of entertainers will be able to put before the public as good an entertainment as the last one.

HURFORI) ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Recently a meeting was organised by the local'ladies to form a committee for the purpose of managing the ■welcomehome of our local boys who have been away in defence of our homes and flag. A willing committee was formed, with Mr. K. Williams as chairman, and Mr. W. Walsh as secretary and treasurer. The committee will have a busy time for some time to come, as there are about a score of boys expected hack. On Friday night, the 14th, a reception was held to welcome home Sergeant W. Matthews, Privates L. Hart and Ij. Shrimpton, and it proved to be the bestattended social held hero since the beginning of the war. On behalf of the people of the district the chairman, in a neat little speech, welcomed the boy* hack home, each fo them briefly replying. All present joined heartily in singing, "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." During the evening songs were given by Mr. H. Smith and a recitation by Miss Spence. The chairman during the evening explained that it was the committee's intention to run a scries of entertainments fortnightly to raise funds whereby they will be able to present each soldier, on his return home, with a suitable memento. The takings for the evening amounted to £ii 6s Gd, \vhicii was made up as follows: Cushion donated by Mrs. W. Walsh, £2 8s; tin of biscuits presented by Mrs. Spence, 10s; takings at door, £1 IPs Gd. The committee is open to receive gifts suitable for euchre prize.*, they already having some in hand. Music was supplied gratis by Mrs. .1 Revell, while Mrs. Walsh, Miss' Love-ridge .and Miss Taylor played an extra. Mr. Williams made an effective M.C.