DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The urgent need of a larger and more up-to-dnte hall in Pungarehu was again emphasised Monday evening, the 19th., when a farewell social and dance was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. 11. Layman and family, who have now left tlie district to reside In New Plymouth. As a rule the Pungarehu people are not of a changeable kind, but changes seem to hrwe becomo o.uite the fashion of late, and amongst the most notable of these is that of Mr. and Jirs. Layman. It was not surprising, then, to see such a large and enthusiastic gathering on the evening of the 19th; proving how ivell the hosts were appreciated by their fellow-settlers, many of whom came from considerable distances to do them lionor.

During an interval a presentation was made to Mr. and Mr 3. Layman by Mr. Ell Taylor, who, In a short address, aslied the recipients to accept a silver tea service and oak tray for Mrs. Layman, and Mr. Layman a case of pipes, as a token of the appreciation all felt of the good work t.hey had done here, as well as an expression of good wishes for their future happiness and prosperity, at the same time giving voice to his own high opinion of the guests as worthy settlers of rungarehu, concluding with many complimentary references regarding the value of their services to the farming community of the district.

After the. recipients had suitably replied, and musical honors '\iad been given, supper was served. Afterwatds dancing, which had occupied the earlier' hours of the night, was again vigorously resumed, and kept up till the small hours of Tuesday morning. Mr. JV Boulton, of New Plymouth, provided excellent dance music, assisted I by Messrs. T. Layard and E. Barrett with extras. Messrs. Taylor and J. Dennis carried put the duties of M's.C., ensuring the enjoyment of all. Songs by the Misses. R. aud V. Martin, of New Plymouth, Valied the programme, and were duly appreciated, the accompaniments being played by Miss E. Martin.An enjoyable dance was held in the Oaonul Hall on Friday evening, the 16th, In aid of. the School Committee's funds. The attendance was good, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. It is Intended to hold another dance shortly in aid of the school funds.

It. Is understood that the young ladles in the district of Warea are giving a ball In Warea in August, and from all accounts great preparations are being made to ensure it boing a success.

Notwithstanding the absolute necessiiy which has forced many people to purchase, houses In order to provide themselves with a home, the rush for houses in New Plymouth «nd elsewhere along the coast is showing signs of moderation. The fact Is that people are beginning to realise that to purchase at the present high prices means certain loss, and they are beginning to fear thai the drop will come sooner than was anticipated. On Saturday afternoon another attempt is to bs made to elect a Hall Cimmlttee, A very jolly little surprise party was given to Mr. and Mrs. Donald, of Warea, by their many friends on Tuesday night, the 28th June. The time passed very pleasantly in fraiaics, etc, while several of the guests contributed vocal Items. A dainty supper was served.

Miss Manning, of New Plymouth, is at-pre-sent on a visit to Pungarehu, being the guest or Mr. and Mrs. McKenna.

Mr. P. Jenkins, of the factory staff; who ha 3 Veen away on a holiday, has returned to Pungarehu. * The directors of the local Dairy Company held thoir monthly mcetinrr on Thursday,, the Ist ' June, when the usual routine business for tlio month was transacted.

Plousli teams are very busy at present, and paddocks whirh have been lying idle for sereral years are now being brought into the producing stage again. A very jolly little surprise party was given to Mr and Mrs Parker, of Warea, by their many friends, these numbering about twenty, nn Thursday evening, the Bth July. The rooms looked cheery and bright, and various games took place in the largest room. Supper was served at the usual hour . The time passed very pleasantly, several of the guests con l Irlbuthiß ilems. * One result of the return home of our soldier hoys is that the ranks of our single ladles in Pungarehu are rapidly being depleted. On tVednesday. jthAffth. another pretty weddjng was celebrated when Miss Winifred Smith, second daughter of Mrs H Layman, was married to Mr. Norman Helssenhuttle, third son of the Into Mr. Heissenbuttle, of Christchurc.lt. The' Rev. C. Addenbrooke officiated. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at home, where Intimate friends of both parties wero present, the table being prettily laid out and decorated The usual toasts were honored. The presents were numerous and costly, including many substantial chenues. The happy couple left by motor, amid showers of confetti and good wishes, en route to Christ enure)', where the honeymoon Is belnE spent The beautiful bouquets, carried by the bride and bridesmaid, were designed and supplied by Mr. T. Layard, who is to bo congratulated. Mrs. Litymnn gave an evening at her home In honor of her daughter's marriage, when about sixty guests assembled. The party was a voty bright and merry one. Items of an Interesting programme were contributed by several of those present A short dance was enjoyed by the young people, for which Mrs. Harrison and Mr. 13. Tiarrett supplied the imuslc. Mr. .T, Dennis was M.C. The evening was most pleasantly spent. A pause was made at the usual time for supper, which was much enjoyed.

A meeting of the local school commit! ee was held in the school nn the 9th Inst A discussion took place on tlio condition of the children's playing area and other necessary matters, and It was decided to proceed with further Improvements vihlch, when complete, should do much to beautify the school ground and surroundings. - There was a marvellous escape from another ■ serious accident on the -Main South Road riglit on one of the bridges between runlho and Warea on Saturday night, the 10th. The New Plymouth,-Opunake mall 'bus was on Its way to Opunake, and ran Into a herd of stock proceeding In the opposite direction. Tw'o of the cows were killed outright, having to" be extricated from underneath the car, and another had to be tlflstroycd owing to being so badly injured. The driver of the car, is to ho complimented on his self-possession at tho critical moment, otherwise the accident may have resulted fatally to those of the party travelling. As it, was the major portion of. the passengers got somewhat knocked about, three ladies, fainting. The car' was slightly damaged, the passengers having to be transferred to other cars to complete, the journey. , 1 With departures Kntl new arrivals, vans of furniture are met with very frequently just now along tho coastal districts. e The Haivera Winter Show was visited b 1 a few ffom this locality, and one and all agree that It was the best t.he Society has yet held, which must be very gratifying to the promoters, who deserve every encouragement from the outside public on the efforts to make the show as up-to-date as possible. Advantaso is being taken of the recent spell of fine weather by the coastal farmers, and top-dressing has been going on actively in 'various parts. Fertilising In these dnys of high prices is a most expensive matter, but if we are to have the increased pro<iu«iinn. which is being called for over the who'e Empire, it cannot very well bo done without.

BAHOTU. Tho Oddfellows hare every reason to be pleased with the attendance at their social last Wednesday night, for the hall was crowded; indeed, almost too crowded for dancnig, visitors coming from as far •as New Plymouth and Opunake. The fancy dress competition was a complete failure, and only two ladies being In fancy dress, Miss Jamieson as "VVeldons' Crocket," (the dress looking very nice), and Miss Chapman, as Bed Cross nurso. In the gentlemen's, Mr. Cameron as ''Hussar," and a Maori as a Maori, received the prizes. The hall was decorated with flags and greenery. Messrs. Hunter and Kitchlngman, as M.C's kept things going' until the small hours of the morning. Mr. A, Phillips has returned from Auckland after purclinaing a home at Otyhuhu. Mr. Hay Dawson has sold his farm, and will also be going up Auckland way. Mr. Hughson is having electric light Installed in all his premiises.