DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

! , T . v itAHOTU, (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) At a meeting on March 27 it was decided to hold a sports meeting on the final day of the peace celebrations, and the proposal has caught on well. A splendid programme of seventeen events has been arranged, including chopping and sawing, tug-o'-war, and running, including ladies' and school children's events. In the evening a social will be held. The proceeds will be devoted to a fund for building a soldiers' memorial institute in Rahotu, and, with the assistance of residents of the district, it is confidently expected that a good sum will be raised. BttNCAREHU. A very pleasant gathering was held at Pungarehu on Wednesday evening last, Lwhen a welcome home social was tendered to Private Panri Pue. As the returned soldier is a member of a wellknown and highly respected family it came as. no surprise to find the hall crowded with a very representative gathering, despite the fact that minor attractions were being held in two nearby districts from which Pungarehu usually draws freely. Mr. Guild, on behalf of the Pungarehu Social Committee, in -making the presentation said it was hard to find words to adequately express how glad and thaiakful Pungarehu felt to have the guest of the evening safe home again after the many hardships j and perils he had passed through. In referring to the splendid part the Maori boys in New Zealand had taken in the late war, he said it carried his thoughts back to the time when the Natives of this country were our enemies, but when the call came for the young men of each Dominion to take up arms to fight for King and country, the Maori boys were to, be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with the Britishers, willing to do their part in keeping the Huns from trespassing on British soil. They had done their duty for New Zealand nobly during the war, and he felt now that peace had come they would make the best of citizens. As a memento of the part Private Pvte had taken m the great struggle he was plcnsod to present him with a gold medal, which, doubtless, lie would value as a reminder of his association, with the British army. He was also presented with a wristlet watch which should have been given him at the time of his enlistment, but he left the district so huTriedly after being called up that no time was given to make any arrangements towards his farewell. The recipient then expressed appreciation of the action of the residents of the district in forwarding parcels, which, besides oontaining all useful goods, served as a link to many with old Pungarehu. At the same time he was very pleased to be home once more.

living the only Maori boy from Paribaifea who enlisted he richly deserved the ovation then given, which was repeated with musical honors Amongst the ladies who worked indefatigable in getting supper were Mesdames H. Layman, P. Grenfell, D. Cameron, and Miss MsKay. Dancing was, of course, the main amusement, excellent music being provided by Mrs. Pope. Mr. T. Barratt efficiently carried oat the duties of M.C. A number of returned soldiers were present and received a cordial welcome. It seems like old times again to notice so many young men back in our midst. Another of our soldier?, in the person of Private Strong Taylor, arrived home on Saturday last, "but, unfortunately for himself and his people, had to cut his stay short for the present, a visit to Auckland to interview a specialist being necessary owing to a severe attack (if heart disease. We all look forward to his safe return home again, and hope in a short time to see hhn back to his wonted health and strength. Arrangements for his official welcome home will, no doubt, have to be i postponed indefinitely. Or. Good Friday the only special service held here was m connection with the Church of England, the Rev. Addenbrooke's sermon being suitable to the occasion.

"Rapid progress has been made with the re-metalling of our main road, and we hope to see the side roads completed before the wet weather sets in, some of tirpm being badly in need of repaiT. The holidays, as usual, passed off very quietly here. A few of the residents made their way to Hawera to witness the trotting meeting.