DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Launches are busy plying on our river laden with timber, iron, etc., for our settlers up the Mokau. These settlers are anxiously waiting for the opening of our factory. We hear that there afe well over 10d cows milking already. The recent flood has covered the beaches with heaps of wood. The punt at the ferry is soon to have an engine installed, which will somewhat expedite the crossing, though there are some croakers who prophecy the strain being too much for the wire ropes, and therefore the possibility of the punt trying conclusions with the O.L. "Mahoe,” by striving to be first over the bar, and into .Waitara.

The Government are spend : ng some of their "spare millions" in having our police station painted. The work Is In the capable hands of Mr. W. R. Proctor, of Waitara, and his assistant. Wish they'd expend some of the balance on our long promised bridge.

There was rather a serious wash-out on the road at Awakino heads after the recent rains, but thanks to untiring energy by Messrs. A. Blanchard and F. Stevens, the road is quite in order again.

Mr. Croall’s general store at Mahoenul was burnt down on Thursday night last, 18tli. The cause of the first is unknown.

On Saturday, August 13, the settlers up the MokaU River held a most enjoyable social and dance In Mr. Keown’s woolshed, which was kindly lent, and most beautifully decorated for the occasion, and which is hereafter to bo known as the "Tawarikl Hall.” It was really a- most deHghtful function. Several visitors from Mokau and Awakino journeyed up in the good old "Cygnet," Captain Sjolund at the helm. We reached there just in time to partake of a tasty tea, after which, dancing (interposed with songs and recitations) was indulged in till the early hours, when after a heart)’ breakfast, w? ’once more set sail (or rather "oil’’} and reached Mokau just in tipie for church. Rut alas! Neither parson clerk were there,, so tte service had to be postponed until our most worthy Archdeacon Evans hurries along that new divine who is to fill the gap left by the departure of Rev. Mr. Barnett. To return to the dance: The greatest praise Is due to Mesdames. Wilson, Radford, Misses RandeU, and Messrs. Wilson, Radford, McKenzie, and Kandell, for the pains taken to provide such an enjoyable evening, and for the way in which the comfort of their guests was catered for, and we sincerely trust that there may be many more of these enjoyable re-unions In future. Messrs. RandeU and T, Cummings made most capable and courteous M.C.’s, and the music, which was sf the best, was in the hands of Messrs. McKeown, Thomas, and Cominings. Songs and recitations were contributed by Mrs. Christofferson, Miss Orr, and Mr. G. Thomas, each receiving a well-deserved encore. Miss Orr’s song "Oh the Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of the Mokau," to the air of the "Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond," was well received. The "inner man" was well catered for, there being no less than one tea, two suppers, and one breakfast, all splendidly catered for and served by Mesdames Wilson, Radford, and the Misses RandeU. Mrs. Christofferson, on behalf of the visitors from Mokau, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. McKeown for his hospitality, and also to all those who had provided such an enjoyable function. Mr. Chas. Raven, on behalf of the lower river settlers, paid a similar tribute, and "For they are Jolly Good Fellows," was sung, and three hearty cheers given. Mr. McKeown then thanked the visitors for their attendance, and so ended one of the most enjoyable functions ever held in our district. One cannot praise too highly, the cordiality and courtesy shown by our river folks, and we are glad to bear that it is intended to hold these social at intervals in the near future, the organisers making a small charge for admission, the object being to raise a fund to provide a hall and musical instruments.

Mr. F. Wolfe's racehorse is in training, and should carry the Awakino colors well to the fore at the Hunt Club Steeplechase meeting, to be held at New Plymouth next month. Mrs. and Miss Eunice McNeice returned last week. We are glad to see that the latter has quite recovered from her recent illness.

Master Cyril McNeice is home from High School for the term holidays. MisS Svenson is visiting her sister, Mrs. Claude Stevens (Mokau River). Mrs. F. Bailey is visiting Mrs. N. Clifton. Mr. Harry Wolfe, of the Post Office, Waitara, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. Wolfe, Awakino.

The Awakino Beautifying Society were busy last week "laying the foundation” of their tennis court, on the plot of ground generously given by Mr. J. McNeice.