DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TOKO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) There was a good attendance at' the Coronation Hall, Toko, last Wednesday evening, when a plain and fancy dress ball In aid of its hall funds was held by the committee, of which Mr. E. Smith Was chairman and Mr. M. Chainey, secretary. The result was gratifying, the sum of £2O being taken. The general arrangements were good, as usual, the floor being in excellent order, and a tasty supper was provided (Mr. T. Smith, of Stratford, being the caterer), while a committee of ladies (Misses Chainey, Milne, Hine, and Burgham), attended to the details. The music was supplied by the Bianchi orchestra, and was much appreciated. Miss Nash played an extra. As M.C.'s Messrs. M. Chainey and J. Finchaw capably filled the position. The scene in the hall was picturesque, and an enjoyable evening was spent by all. There was good competition for the prizes for fancy and original dresses. Following is a. list of the dancers in fancy costumes:—L. Leydon (Wong You), C. Reed (Jockey), E. Smith (Devil), R. Burns (Starvation), J. Johnson (Sambo). J. Netello (Devil), M. Freeman ('(Jockey), M. Bennett (Eastern Land), C. Milne (Knight), L. Nash (Farm T’and), C. Rigg (Chinatown), N. Duffy (Dutchy), Mrs. Garlick (Summer Roses), H. Maun (Where the White Man Treads), M. Chainey (Mexican), R. G. Porter (Pierrot), M. Lawrence (Servian), V. Reed (Good Luck), S. Sole (Chu Chin Chow), H. Bland (Footballer), I, Were (Winter), L. Barlow (Gipsy), M. Dyke (Japanese), Amy Reed' (Stratford Evening Post), A. Lawrence (Gipsy Girl), T. Pankhurst (Baggy Breeches), L. Davis (Powder Puff), The prizes Were awarded as follows:—Fancy costume, ladies, Miss I. Were (Winter), Ist; Miss C. Milne (Night), 2nd; men, Mr. J. Johnson (Sambo). Most original costume, Miss Bland (Footballer), and M. Chainey (Mexican).

WHAREROA. (From Our Own Correspondent ) On Tuesday evening last, a very pleasant evening was spent at the residence of Mrs. Hitchcock, when a large number imet for the purpose of augmenting tie prize fund of the local Sunday School. Great credit Is due to Mesdames Hitchcock and Nicholas, and Miss Death, who supervised the concert programme and the various competitions. Ah orchestra consisting of Mrs. Wells (piano), Mr. Wells (’Cello), and Miss Wells (Violin), rendered very pleasing items, which Were much appreciated. Mesdames Hitchcock and Meuli, and Miss M. Death gave recitations, and Misses Ritchie and Robinson, and Mr. N. Jacks contributed songs. A dialogue was rendered by Masters Hitchcock and Saul, and Scotch dancing by Misses Ava and Joyce Hicks. A pianoforte duet was played by Mesdames Hicks and Benton, and two pianoforte solos by Mrs. Benton. MIDHIRST. (From Our Own Correspondent.) One of the most successful functions of its kind in Midhirst was teid. In the Hall on August 22, when there was a record attendance for the plain and fancy and masquerade ball. The committee of ladles who had arrangements in hand, are to be congratulated on the efficient manner in which everything was carried out. The scene was a bright and happy one, such a largo number being in fancy dress. By the votes of those present, the first prize was awarded to Mrs. Tapp, and Misses Shotter and Klvell tied for second. The gentlemen’s prizes were awarded to Mr. Tony Breen, with Mr. Riley second. Excellent music was supplied by Miss Hail, extras being played by Mrs. Gray and Mr. Phillips. The duties of M.C.'s was carried out by J. Shotter and T. Cookson in a very capable manner. A most, enjoyable evening was spent by all. Mrs. Snooks, .on behalf of her coworkers, thanked all for their splendid support. Following is a list of those In fancy dress

Ladies.—Mrs. Tapp, Night; Mrs. Cookson, Nut Brand Butter; Mrs. Snooks, Carnival; Mrs. Mail, Watteau Shepherdess; Mrs. Riley, Japanese; Mrs. Gander, Spider Web; Miss A. Smith, France; Miss H. Smith, Rod Cross Nurse; Miss P. Symons. Pierroti; Miss Maude Shotter, Taranaki Coursing Club; Miss Tempera, Bargain Sales; Miss A. Tempera, Summer Fashions; Miss Dolly Plews, Lady Jockey; Miss Klvell, Footballer; Miss Mills, Red Cross Nurse: Miss Belle Mills, Fairy; Miss D. Tlpler, Topsy; Miss Syme, Government Red Tape ; Miss Leach, Gipsy Fortune Teller; Miss Breen, Widow; Miss Baskin, Midhirst Butter; Miss Carter, Spanish Dancer; Miss Thompson, 'Batchelor’s Companion; Miss Flo Gander, Dutch Girl; Miss Coyne, Superstition; Miss L. Fischer, Superstition; Miss A. Fischer, Fish Lass; Miss N. Snooks, Roundabout; Miss J. McMeekan, Old English Lady. Gentlemen.—Mr. Watts, Court Gentleman; Mr. L. Fischer. Clown; Mr. J. Hunwick, Moonstruck; Mr. H. Fischer, Mad Hatter; Mr. D. Kivell, Charlie Chaplin; Mr. Riley, Taranaki Farmer; Mr. Phillips, Pierrott; Mr. C. Richmond, Jack; Mr. Tony Breen, Jill; Mr. L. Gooch, Miss Forget; Mr. Lister, Cowboy; Mr. J. Ried. Mexican; Master MeMeelian, Convict 99. TARIKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A concert and Dance was held in our local school, and a large crowd patronised a firstclass entertainment under tile supervision of Miss Hogan, who arranged an excellent programme. There were so many items that I cannot give the names of all in full, but every item was well received and fully enjoyed by all. Miss Hogan fully deserved the three cheers that were given at the conclusion. The best item was given by six local gentlemen, Messrs. Barry Bros, and Loveridge, dressed as niggers, and most ably led by one of the Barrys. They gave various little minstrel dittyfl and monologues, causing great merriment. After the concert, the hall was cleared for dancing, and supper was handed around, Mesdames Kerr, James, and Walker, and Mr. Price doing their best fo look after the gathering.

The factory has started running every day, and our new manager (Mr. McCullum) has commenced his duties. The milk supply is rising every day, and the poor old "cocky” is beginning to smile again, and is already making up tis mind what, he is going to do with his big fat cheques this season. The end of this month will see tho last of frivolities for this winter. Mr. McElroy's smoke concert on Monday, the 28th, is sure to be well patronised, as is also Mr. Hoskins farewell, on Thursday, the 31st. Our little township is making headway, Loveridge Bros., and Mr. Newall having to go in for a motor service for their deliveries. Mr. Walker has got bis billiard room, house, etc., painted, and several other business people have gone in for renovating. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) That very keen interest is being taken in tho proposed “Memorial to Fallen Soldiers” by tho young people is evidenced by their splendid attendance at the various functions hi add of the fund. This is very pleasing, because the "boys” who gave their lives for "King and Country’” were one-time school-fellows and play-mates of our young men, and soldier and civilian settlers are helping to swell the numbers at the socials. A suggestion has been made in regard to the frrm tho memorial should take, and I believe the idea will be generally regarded as suitable, but to carry out the work means that quite a considerable sum of money will havo to be raised, and the present fund will have to be trebled, if not more than trebled, before the work can be accomplished. The proposal as briefly outlined is: That two concrete gate-posts with a marble slab inserted to carry the names of the men and the necessary inscription be placed at the entrance of the public school, and that the memorial shall be properly finished It is proposed that an iron gate shall also be erected.

This is a very good idea, and is very suitable,. not only because the boys received their education at the Pungarehu School, but that

for generations who follow it will be an historical mark, and an excellent example of courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice to future school-boys. To further increase the fund, a plain and fancy dress ball is being arranged for Friday, September 18, preceded by a grand concert, particulars of which will be advertised later. It is hoped that by announcing the date early tho function as arranged will not clash with AVarea and Ratotu, as in a great measure these places each depend op the other for a fair share of the pfiblic patronage.

Housewives will be pleased to note that our Sunday joint will cost less in the future, Quickender Bros, having cut the price of prime joints down by one penny per lb. The unild sunny days of tho past week have been much appreciated by farmers, who are busy crapping. The natives are plantihg potatoes and house-wives are getting their kitchen gardens ready for vegetables. Flower gardens also ar© receiving attention, and workers are to be seen . everywhere taking advantage of the good weather to improve their land. The grass has not anade a start yet, but no doubt a nice warm rain will give it the necessary impetus, especially those pastures which have been top-dressed. Turnips are still being fed off, and stock along this part of the coast is in fair condition. Judging by the number of cars on the Main South Road yesterday travelling to Rahotu, there must have been a good attendance at Mr. S. Fleming’s sale of Jersey cows, etc. I hear that th© average price per cow was in the vicinity of £35, so the condition of the animals must have been very good. Intending subscribers to the Memorial Fund are asked to kindly leave subscriptions at the Post Office. The committee regret that so far they have been unable to canvass the district, but hope the residents will kindly add their name to the list if they have not hitherto done so.

A Tangi is in progress among the Maoris, young child having died near Wares.

Mass was celebrated in tho Roman Catholic Church on Sunday morning, the Rev. Father Doolaghty officiating. The Rev. C. Aker preached in the Methodist Church in the afternoon.

The school breaks up on Friday, the 26th, for the usual fortnight’s spring vacation.

Miss Morecraft, the head teacher, leaves for her holiday to Dunedin on Saturday morning.

Mr. Brennan, the newly appointed assistant in the Cape Egmont Co-op. store, commenced his duties on Friday, the 19th inst. With the approach of spring, and the number of dairy herds to be seen on the roads, buyers of dairy cows are getting busy, and the outlook for the coming season is good. Given a good Home market and the neces-

sary shipping space for cheese and butter, it is expected that the coming season will be quite equal In value if it does not exceed previous years. The laxity of the school committee In not having held a single meeting since June 7, the night of the election is the cause of some comment, and one can only surmise tha; nothing in connection with the school is need * ing attention—No blzz 1 What about the horse pad dock fence along the road? If it Is not soOn attended to, the children who ride to school will one day find they have to ride shanks' pony home—• their four-legged friends having found the weak places In the said fence.