DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The complimentary social and dance to the Paritaka soldier settlers, which took place at the local hall on Tuesday evening last, was a very successful affair. Though it is impossible to make a comparison, it is very ddubtful if any district excelled Pungarehu in their welcome to the returned boys on the cessation of the war, but this function as a welcome to the boys who have taken up land amongst us eclipsed all former gatherings in brightness and patronage. The ladies” committee who managed thfe'- function are to’ be congratulated upon the excellent and complete preparations made and for the manner in which the programme was carried' through. Their effort, fully deserved the support and patronage that was accorded the social. The hall was very nicely decorated for the occasion. During the early part of the evening Mrs. E. A. Mathews, in a happy speech, ex*tended a hearty welcome to the soldier settlers, their wives and families on behalf of the local residents. Mr. H. Opic' suitably rei plied on behalf of the soldiers, expressing their appreciation of the splendid ‘Welcome extended to them. The dancing programme was under the management "uf Mr. T. Barrett, who executed his duties as M'.d in a creditable, .manner. The music was supplied by Mrs. W. R. Wright and Messrs. Layard apd Orbeil, whose services were given, gratuitdusly and to whom a hearty vote of thanks was given on the call of Mr. W. T. Guild. During the evening songs were contributed by the Misses J. Corbett and E. Grenfell, Mrs. E. A. Matlie’ws and a recitation by Master R. Martin. A first rate supper was provided. Dancing was kept up to an- early morning hour, and thoroughly enjoyed by 'all who participated. Cards were supplied for nondancers.

The proceeds of the function will be donated towards the fund for the formation of? a roll of honor in memory of those boys frOm ti e district who died for King anil country. The hon. secretary (Mrs. E. A. Mathews),’ and the ladies’ committee are to be congratulated on (he result of their efforts to ensure success. It is expected the boys will give a return. - Tlie following are the names of the soldier the majority of whom were present during the evening; Mr. and Airs. Hookes, Mr. and Mrs. Ehrhorn, Mr. and Mrs. Beggs, Mr., and Mrs. Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph?, Mr. and Mrs. Hodson. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael, Air. and Airs. Shaw, Air. Aforrjspn, Air. ifitlng'’ Alessrs. M. and A. Taylor, Air. H. Opie, Mr. Hall, Air. B. Hickey, Air. Wright, Mr. Sullivan, Air. Goodwin, and Air. Hindberg. I The local domain board are about to initiate a scheme of beautifying the Recreation ground. Recently a largo number of ornamental trees and shrubs have been planted, and in a few years these should add greatly to the good appearance of the grounds. The board are to be complimented on their efforts towards this end. On Saturday last the coastal districts were emptied even more than Is usually the case on that day of the week. The dry, fine weather, so suitable for any kind of out-door gathering, made the attraction provided by the football match at New Plymouth irreslstable to most of those who could find time to get away. It is pleasing to think the •weather treated us so kindly, to permit the witnessing of one of tie finest football games ever seen in New Zealand. The grand ball in aid of the Opunake Seaside Society to be held in the Opunake Hall on Friday 22, is creating considerable interest amongst coastal residents. The committee are sparing no pains to make the function unique, and as the proceeds are to be devoted to a deserving cause there should be a large attendance. With the object of raising money with which to increase the church funds a bazaar will be held in tl’e Okato Haji on July 30, under the auspices of the Anglican church. • Hearty support is being received and the preparations should soon be well in hand. The timber etc. required to build the new shelter shed at the Warea School is now to hand and the work is in progress. The telephone poles are laid along part of tte main South road so that the extra line -communication with cutside will fill a long felt want. The clearing sale carried out by Mr. Newton King's staff on account of Air. G. G. Black, at Bailey road, taken all through was a very good one. There was a very large attendance of buyers from all parts, and though bidding .In the early stages was inclined to be slow. Mr. Ken F. Kirk, who' wielded the hammer, was in good form, and lost no opportunity of placing the variqus good points of the stock before tie purchasers,'and'elicited keen competition. The result was that some record prices for this district were realised. Three Jersey cows made £93, an average of £3l. Top-dressing has been going on actively in •various parts of the district. Fertilising in these days of high prices Is a most- expen-

sive operation, but if we are to have the increased production which is being called for over the whole Empire it cannot very well be done without.