DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OKOKE. (From a Correspondent.) Okoke was en fete on Thursday, the occasion being a welcome home to the returned soldiers of the district. Over two hundred residents and visitors were present to do honour to the seventeen men of the district who had so gallantly responded to their country's call. The function took place in the school grounds, where a marquee had been placed. The sumptuous lunch, the menu for which was one that would have put to shame many a one of a first-clafs hotel, was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Barnitt, and several toasts were proposed, the principal one 3 being "The King," by Mr. McKcown, and "The Army and Navy," proposed by Mr Halcombe and responded to by Lieutenant Hayward and Sergeant Ken. Blundell, D.C.M., and that of "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. Smith, and feelingly responded to by Mr. Lee and Mr. T. Wright. After luncheon, very handsome medals, suitably inscribed, were presented to Lieut. Hayward, Sergt. R. Blundell, D.C.M,. Sergt. Weston, Private W. P. Jones, Private A. B. Jones, Driver J. E. Jones, Gunner J. Roekett, Private G. Rcnch, Private R. Reid, Private C. Ekdahl, Private W. Henwood, Private G. W. Whittaker, Private J. Whittaker, Private S. J. Jones, Private G. Pestell, Private W. J. Wright, Private M. Howard. Medal 3 were also presented to the relatives of Privates L. Jones and J. Derby, who made the supreme sacrifice. The medals were presented by Mr. Darke Lieut. Hayward thanked the residents heartily on behalf of the returned boys. A very pleasant afternoon was spent in playing games, and at night a dance was held in the school, which fittingly brought to a close a memorable day to the Okoke folk. MATAU. (From a Correspondent.) Residents of Matau and surrounding districts assembled in the schoolroom on Wednesday afternoon, December 3rd. The place was packed to the doors. It speaks well for the patriotism of the people to have gathered in such large numbers amidst a busy season. The ohairman of the School Committee (Mr. Ayers) presided, and expressed pleasure at the large attendance, also at the presence of the Hon. J. B. Hine, Minister of Internal Affairs.

Rev. C. Aker, in an introductory address, spoke of our individual and national gratitude to God for His providential intervention; to the soldiers for their courage, gallantry and determination; to the mothers, fathers and wives for their spirit of sacrifice. In all our anxieties, sorrows and joys, we had not only the material but the spiritual forces fighting for us. Rev. P. H. Partridge spoke eulogistically of the soldier, his indomitable spirit, determination and optimism, which permeated the whole Empire, the more so when they were conscious they were fighting for a great and righteous cause. Those who had fallen had given their lives for the noblest death a man could die for, the protection of the weak against the brutal strong. Major Hine was received with applause. He expressed his pleasure at being present by invitation, and congratulated the ladies on their work and efforts, and the people of the district on their patriotism in sending so large a percentage of young men to the aid of the Empire. - He felt grateful that the people of- New Zealand had escaped so lightly the immediate horrors of war. He requested patience and help for the i soldiers, who had gone through go much.

The nervous strain was so great that it I would be a long time before they gained ;.their normal condition. He regretted that when the deluge of war came the nation was unready. Had they listened to Lord Roberts and others it would have been otherwise, and no great war would have come. Germany would have hesitated to set the world ablaze. Ho urged all to take care not to find themselves in the same position again. He did not want the boys to face the great odds which our'soldiers had doile. In the name of the King and the people of the district, lie rinveiled the Roll of Honour. The audience sang "God Save the King." The roll, which is of artistic design, was executed by Weston Brothers, uf Stratford, and is of oak, decorated by the Allies' flags, and a crown over the names, headed, "In the memory of the men from Matau and surrounding district, and the old boys of the school." The names are:—W. W. Evans, W. W. Smith*, R. Kirton, W. H. Hogg, W. H Woodill, C. Larsenf, W. J. Campbellf, E. J. Rolfet, Claude Beauehampf, V. A. Rolfe, Clem Beauehampf, W. McCoard, E. A. Dewar, A. D. Smith, R. Smith«, V. Larsenf, E. Dewar*, L. McAsey, E. R. Munday, H. Kirton, C. H. Larsen, C. Kirtont. *Killed in action, f Wounded. After Major Hine related a few of his Palestine experiences, which were amusing and instructive, refreshments were handed round. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was replied to by Major Hine. Rev. Aker moved a, vote of thanks to the ladies, and all who assisted.