DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PIKGAREHU. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) Political controversy is now being encaged in for all' it.'is worth, and moving about the country one hears many opinions of the prospects of tho licensing poll, which is to determine -whether or not New Zealand is to go dry this year. Arrangements are now complete for the farewell social, to be held in tho hall here ou Tuesday, ISth inst. Glvea good weather, everything points to an enjoyable evening. Owing to the changeable weather experienced lately, colds and soro throats are vary prevalent in this locality at tho present time. Tho death of Mr. S, Sefton, which occurred at the Kew Plymouth. Hospital on Tuesday | last, came as a great shock to his relatives : and many friends. Tho deceased was on a short holiday visit to some friends, when he i accidentally slipped, fracturing his thigh, from which accident ho never recovered. He was connected with the firm of Hughson and Co., and continued in that company's service for a good number of yoaTS. The deceased, who was held in high esteem, took a keen interest in all social matters connected' with the district. He was 45 -years of-age, and leaves an only daughter, nis wife pre-deceaaed him a few years ago. The funeral, which took place on Thursday last, the internment being made at Rahotu Cemetery, was largely attended. Per report of the Education Board, It Is seen that that body contemplates a new teacher's residence for Pungarehu, the Board's architect having been instructed to prepare plans, and there is no doubt that such la Urgently needed. A start ha*s been made with the erection of the Caje Egmpnt Dairy Co.'s new storo here, thus making another step forward in the progress of this rapidly growing district. Tho work ia in tho hands of Messrs Grayling and Co. On Wednesday evening last, Emery Bros.' Circus paid visit to Rahotu. The attend* once was large. The hope is freely expressed that wo may again be favored with «a visit from tho party. PerTeport of the Egmont County Council, Mr. A. Tynan's application for a billiard room license at Pungarehu has been approved by that body. Tho Toom is being renovated picparatory to re-opening, and followers of this class of sport will soon be able to enjoy themselves. Word has been received that Lieut. McSavanay is likely to visit Pungarehu on the first week in December. The old shed, at ono time used by Mr. H. Clark, now of Rahotu, for his horse-shoe-ing business, has again been re-opened by Charlie Watson, of Parlhaka, for the same purpose. A sensation was caused at the local factory on Sunday morning, the 9th Inst, by a horse attached to a spring cart becoming fractious. By all accounts this terminated In the horse, while proceeding en the upward grade leading from the whey tank, started to back, and with tho cart-load of milk cans, rolled down an embankment into the river, which lucidly runs shallow. Beyond a milk can or two geting rather badly squashed, the horse itself was uninjured. The driver, who jumped clear, escaped with ft shaking. ,The turn-out, I understand, belonged to Mr.* Manual Dix. RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent). The school concert, which took place on the 10th, was a vert- great success from nil points. The items wore all appreciated, and Mrs Harrison and her assistant (Miss Mason) de- . servo great praise for the way the children performed, especially tho little Maori children. The teachers must have been untiring in their efforts to traiu them. Also Mr. Waswo, the j secretary, who had the construction, of tho human statue of peace and the pyramids and tho waxworks, of which there were about j thirty to manage. Mr Wasno did not spare | himself in any way, endeavoring to bring them lip to a standard and Mr. Chapman, the | chairman, asked that any mistakes anould be | excused as the time had been short for prnc- ; Using the events. j Tho stage was just splendid, being the work lof some of the committee men. Punga trees 1 and flax hushes were actually growing on , the stage, Chinese lanterns and arum Miles I being intermingled with the greenery. Tho j curtains, etc., wero also draped around, and tho effect was very pleasing. Mr Harrison put on colored lights at times, adding to the effect Tho children looked very picturesque, the girls being all in white and the boys Ui white shirts, scarlet ties and sashes Mrs Harrison played tho accompaniments, assisted by Mrs. Gerald Dawson. The "Red Rose of Ivo Man's Land" was sung by the Digger, Mr. M Hughson. while the nurse bandaged the wounded English officer. Both looked very effective In their costumes.

Tho programme was as follows: —Tableau. Human Statue of Pence; chorus, "Hold Your Hand Out, Germmy," school children; solo and chorus. "Over there," W. Leatherby and school children; action song. "Ten Little Nigger Boys," junior boys; chorus, "Pack Up Your Troubles," senior girls: recitation, "The Dunce," Eileeiv O'Neill; solo and chorus, "Little Maori Maid," W. Leatherby and Maori children; Quaker duet, "Local Hits." Eileen Hughson and Lilian Harrison; recitation. "Grandpa's Spectacles," the' juniors; chorus in Maori, "flaere ra e hlne ra," the Maori chiK dren; speech by the senior boy, Peter Fleming: chorus, "Good-bye-ee," senior girls The characters in the wax-works were:—. Ladies: Britannia, Miss Mason; New Zealano. Miss Chapman; Pence, Miss Hughson; Chinese lady. Miss .Tamieson; Dolly Varden, Miss Vierick; Ranch yirl, Mis'? Herron; Grace Darling, Miss Hedderwick; Gipsy, Miss L Kasper; Mary, Queen of Scots, Miss I Harrison; Quaker Girl, Miss H. Hughson; Japanese Lady, Miss M Champan; Erln-go-bragh, Miss L. Williams; Granny Chamberlain, Miss Tylee; BoPcep. Miss I. Fisher; Red Riding Hood, Miss P. Hodson; Red Cross Nurse, Miss D. Williamson. Men: Village Blacksmith, Mr. H. Clarke; Scare-crow. A. Baker; Charlie Chaplin, A. Looney; Swagger. E Looney, Digger, M. Hughson; Pirate, P. Chapman; Maori Wahine, T Layard; Cricketer, F. Quickfall; Robinson Crusoe, 7. Chapman; Man Friday, B. Chapman; Easy Monday. P. Parker; Nigger, F. Dawson; Clown, T Hughson; Dummy, R. Hughson ; and the Masters D. Newport (British Officer), C. Green (Boy Scout), tho Professor Candle, Mr. W. Waswo. A rocitntlon was given by Miss D. Looney, Mrs. W. R Wright and Miss Rowlands, also by Mr. Morgan Coffey f quite a new performer) kindly favored the audience with songs, which were much appreciated, while the waxworks were getting in place. At the conclusion supper was handfd around, and the chairman thanked the audience for their attendance and said about £2O had been taken, which was considered very good. A meeting of the Legion of Frontiersmen took at Mr. D O.'Neil's residence last Fi'lday week, Mrs. O'Neil and Mrs. Wright entertaining, them. A very enjoyable time was spent. A large number of friends and relations attended the funeral of the late Mr T Sefton He had been in the hosnltal five months, With hft» leg broken, and it had to be l amputated on Tuesday morning. Hw never recovered consciousness. He leaves an only daughter to mourn his loss. Mrs. Sefton predeceased him three years ago.