DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

‘ PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Pungarehu is not so dead as it seems. On Wednesday night, May 25, the social and dance in the local hall, in aid of the Anglican church funds, proved most satisfactory to the organisers and the patrons who attended. Mrs. E. H. Mathews acted as secretary, and her activities contributed largely to the success of the gathering, whilst the supper supplied by the ladies fully maintained the district’s refutation. The music was by Mr. Parker, and is always In favor with dancers. Mr. Barrett had charge of the floor. At intervals songs were given by Mrs. E. A. Larklrfg and Messrs. Jenkins and Willis. The social was quite a success financially. Mr. W. T. Guild, on behalf of the church members, took the opportunity during the evening to thank the visitors who so kindly assisted in the musical part ’ of the evening, their contributions being highly appreciated. Preliminary arrangements are made to accord a welcome social to the Rev. H. A. Coleman and Mrs. Coleman and faunlly, in the local hall at an early date. It will take the form of a social afternoon.*

The adjourned meeting of householders for the purpose of forming a school committee for the ensuing year is to take place in the school on the. evening of Monday, June 6. A euchre party and dance is announced to be held in the Punlho school on Friday evening, June 10, and no doubt will be well attended, as this form of amusement is becoming very popular.

The residents and settlers around Punlho are progressive. Already there are whimpers of a hall to be built, to say nothing of a church.

There is every probability that the renovation of the 1/xcal Catholic Church will shortly be commenced, as funds for the purpose are being subscribed by the residents in'erested. At Rahotu on Saturday last a football match was played between married and single men’s teams. After a good game the married men won by 6 points to 5. The Warea Hall committee’s fortnightly assembly will be held in the Warea Hall on Thursday, June 2. Music will be supplied by Parker’s orchestra. It is stated from an authority that the Egmont Council mean to leaye over the unatter of forming the lower portion of the Cape ■ Road for another year. At this rate of progress, the settlers in that vicinity and the travelling public may safely reckon bn having- this part of the road completed, when they have gone to a. place where metal roads are not needed. However, some degree of consolation may be derived from the fact that the work may perhaps be commenced next Becember. Let us hope so, anyhow.

For the past few years architects had little to claim their attention, and practically no one wanted their services. Now there is quite a rush, and different people are having places built.

The soldier settlors in the Parihaka sections are making rapid progress with their new homes. Quite a few are at present in various stages of construction. The soldiers undoubtedly will be decided acquisitions to this district, and, moreover, are desirous of being of assistance to the place In any way required.

The threatening state of the weather on Friday evening, May 27, might have prevented many from attending, but the hall was crowded by one of the largest gatherings ever seen in Warea. all the coastal districts being represented, the occasion being the farewell social tendered to Miss 0. M. Paterson, assistant teacher at Punlho, who is leaving 1 to take up a similar position at the Tataraimaka school. The hall was profusely decorated with nikaus, interlaced with and the effect was very pleasing. As usual the greater part of the evening was taken up with dancing, and, big as the dancing space is, it proved to be none too big for the large crowd of enthusiastic dancers. The. floor had ifeen well prepared, and its condition, from -the dancers’ point of view, was all that could be wished for. Messrs. E. Cook and M. Payne, aS M.’sC., kept matters moving merrily, their task being no easy one, to music provided by Messrs. Pearson (piano), and Norris (violin). Mrs. Doyle, Miss C. Julian, and Mr. Hickey assisted with extras. At intervals songs were sung, and were highly appreciated, by Mrs. E. Larking, Miss R. Harding, and Mr, S. Cassie, the Misses C. and E. Julian contributing a pianoforte duet, and receiving a pronounced encore.

Just before supper, Mr. S. Wells, chairman of the Punlho school committee, made a presentation to Miss Paterson. In so doing, he paid a glowing tribute to the many excellent qualities possessed by the guest of the evening, and voiced the feeling of all present ,in saying the residents of Punlho were sorry to lose her. While expressing regret at Miss Paterson’s departure, he was pleased that she was going to rside in a near-by district, concluding by wishing her the prosperity and happiness which she so well merited. On behalf of the Punlho residents, he then asked Miss Paterson to accept a gold bracelet watch as a token of esteem. The recipient feelingly replied, amid applause. All then joined in singing "For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and "Auld Lang Syne,” concluding with three hearty cheers. Supper was then immediately served, and very much appreciated, the arrangements bing welt carried out by an enthusiastic committee of Puniho ladies, after which dancing was resumed until the early hours. So ended one of the happiest gatherings yet held in Warea.

It is very much to be hoped that the change will not occupy so much of her time that Miss Paterson will have to lessen her active participation in the affairs of the locality in which she has made her presence very distinctly felt, even where she has not taken a leading part. In any case It is safe to say that all those who have got to know her since she first came to Puniho will wish her every kind of good luck in her new home.