DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAPONGA. (From Our Own Correspondent;),, The ladies of Kaponga are working very hard to raise funds for the erection of a Vicarage. Two dances have just been held in the Parish Hall for this purpose, the music being supplied by Mesdames Benton and Sounness, Rev. Palmer presiding at each gathering. These popular dances were, as usual, well patronised. For the same object a grand concert and dance is to be held in the local Town Hall, where the best talent from all round the district will be heard. Later on a, huge Bazaar is contemplated. On Thursday, June. 16, the Kaponga ladies’ hockey team played a friendly match with the Manaia team, and proved victorious by 6 to nil. The Kaponga men's hockey team are still upholding their high reputation. The weather here is exceptionally mild, and now a steady, warm rain has set in. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lyall are pleased to hear that their little son Martin is showing some improvement after his long Illness. A debating society has been formed in Kaponga, and well attended meetings are held regularly. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) It is reported that the returned soldiers in this district are making arrangements to hold a series of fortnightly dances in the local hall, opening the series with a Grand Ball, to be held shortly, and the affair by all accounts promises to be most .successful. The local residents will,*l am sure, roll up in force to 7 support the soldiers in these undertakings, as they cannot hope for much success In their efforts without public support. Ratana, the Maori miracle man, has accepted an invitation to visit the native settlement (Parihaks), states a local Maori, at an early date. The wedding of Miss Hilda Wright, youngest daughter of Mr. W. R. Wright of Rahotu, to Mr. Maurice Kidd, of Matanga, took place at the local Catholic Church on June 8, the Rev. Father Doolaghty officiating. The attendance of Pungarehu people at the Church was very large. Die wedding breakfast was partaken of at home, where intimate friends of the families were present. Die presents were numerous and costly. A very pleasant evening was spent at the tome of Mr. D. J. O’Neill before he left for his new home in • Wellington. On Friday evening 10th inst., a large number of members, belonging to the Parlhaka and E'gmont Legion of Frontiersmen, of which Mr. O’Neill was an active member, gathered together to bld good-bye to him, his wife and family, and to present Mrs. O'Neill with a gold mounted fountain pen and several other useful articles. Mr. O’Neill replied on behalf of Mrs. O’Neill and thanked his friends for tl:e honor they had done them. He assured them that the presents would always be greatly admired and appreciated, and would remind them of their loyal friends in the Parihaka and Egmont Troop of Frontiersmen. The adjourned annual meeting of householders in connection with the Puniho school was held in the school-woom on Monday evening, June 6. The outgoing committee’s report and balance-sheet were adopted, being of a satisfactory nature. The following were elected to the. committee: Messrs. A. Payne, R. Bell, *E. B. Cook, T. Brunsden, and C. Silver. At a subsequent meeting Mr. A. Payne was elected chairman, and Mr. B. Bell secretary.

A new departure is being organised by several residents of Puniho and Warea, with a view to filling in the spare evenings in the winter. Arrangements are made to hold a draught tournament, the first round which took place on Saturday evening last, ending in a win for Puniho by 9 games to 7. Another of the series of dances held in connection with the Puniho Social ' Committee took place in the schoolroom on Friday, 10th inst. It was pleasing to the promoters to notice the increase in the number present. This in itself must speak for the popularity of and the pleasure that is derived from these functions. Mr. E. B. Cook proved a capable M.C., Mr. Pearson supplied excellent music, assisted with extras by Mrs. Elwin, Messrs. A. Phillips and M. Payne. The customary supper was handed round and much appreciated by patrons.