DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

TA RATA. afc.ii (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of tire Tarata Tennis and Croquet Club was held on Saturday, the 15th lost., Mr. F. M. Standish presiding over a good attendance of members. The balance sheet, which shewed a credit balance of £ll 3s 4d. was read and adopted. This was considered most gatisf actor j-. Miss K. King, who has held the position of secretary for several years, has retired owing to her school duties, and she was accorded a ( vote of thanks for the (manner in which she had always been willing to help the club. Tte following officers were elected ;—Patron, Mr. R. Masters, M.P.; president, Mr. H. Waite; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Paterson, J. Swan, W. A. Hewitt, E. Bishell, and M. S. Cameron; auditor, Mr. H. Higgins; conMnittee, Messrs. F. M. Standish (chairman), R. Greenwood (secretary), H. Blackburne, M. King, and D. Paterson. Mesdames F. M. Standish and Is. Sowry. Misses C. Paterson and H. King. The secretary was Instructed tc obtain quotations of the prices of two tennis nets and one croquet set. Mr. D. Paterson was appointed to approach Mr. T. Clarke to ask if he (Mr. Clarke) will cut the courts for the ensuing season. The opening day for the new season was fixed for Saturday, November 12, play to commence at 1.30 p.m. Given a fine day a good crowd of visitors should be present. The subscriptions for the coming season were fixed at 12s 6d for gentlemen and 5s for ladies, to be paid on or before January 31, 1922.

Mrs. F. M. Standish, who has been in the New Plymouth hospital for some considerable time, has returned home. Miss J. ■ Sowry, Who has been visiting relatives and friends at Morrinsville, has returned to Tarata. A meeting of the Tarata Hall Committee was held in the hall on Saturday, the 9th inst., Mr. T. M. Standish presiding. A meeting of directors of the local dairy factory was held at the factory on Friday the 14th inst., Mr. Askew in the chair. The school inspector visited the local school on Thursday, the 13th inst., to examine the pupils, and as a consequence the children were given a holiday on Friday.

The visit of Lord and Lady Jellcoe to North Taranaki at the end of the month is being looked, forward -to with considerable interest, and the reception to be tendered to tbeir Excellencies at Inglewood on Saturday, October 29, at 2.45 p.m. should attract a fair quota of residents from here. The contractors, Messrs. Clifford and Cameron, for the Atawa Road metalling contract are making preparations for an early start at metalling. The pit on the Atawa Road is already stripped and the men have now removed to Martin’s pit, where they are busy stripping. When this contract is completed a great improvement will be effected in the district, as >t is a long needed requirement, especially to the settlers on the road. Messrs. H. Lambert and Co., contractors for the Toi Ten road contract, intend metalling as soon as possible. This also is a long needed requirement, more especiallj' as the Tarata sheep dog trials take place in Mr. R. Paterson’s property, which is on this road. WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The ball held on Thursday evening last in •the Urenui Hall to inaugurate the opening of tire cricket and tennis season, under the auspices of a committee composed of (members of both clubs, assisted by a number of ladies, was an undoubted success, both from a financial and social point of view. There was a large attendance from the surrounding districts, and the hall was beautifully decorated, tennis racquets being tastefully arranged in different portions of the room. Boulton’s orchestra, from New Plymouth, supplied the dance music, and many complimentary remarks were passed as to its excellence, Mr. Boulton on the piano being ’ specially appreciated. As M’s.C. Messrs. G. N. Fuller and C. Bleakley were kept busy, and discharged their duties most capably. Songs were contributed by Misses Hick, Smith and Purchas, and Messrs. Des Forges and Smith; all the performers being heartily applauded. Mrs. A. Thompson played the various accompaniments in her usual tasteful manner, whilst Miss A. Terrill and Mr. Breddo assisted by playing extras. The splendid supper dispensed by the ladies’ committee was greatly appreciated, and the thanks of both dubs are certainly due to them for the energetic manner in which they assisted, the success of the evening being in a great measure brought about by their efforts. A word of praise is also due to Mr. G. Fuller, who, as is usual on these occasions, worked hard in the interests of the clubs. It is satisfactory to note that there will be a nett profit of about £l6, which will be a welcome addition to the funds of both institutions.

Tennis enthusiasts during the past week or so have been busy on the rearealion ’ground, and the new court is now completed, whilst the old one (which has been efficiently topdressed) is in excellent order. With an increasing membership the club has every prospect of a successful season, and additional interest will be added to the sport by competitions with other clubs. As a number of both ladies and gentlemen play well, there is every probability of tbeir giving outside opponents a good game. The cricketers have also top-dressed the match pitch, whieh is reported to be in great order, and visiting teams from New Plymouth will appreciate the attention given to it. Though the number of teauns playing in the second senior competition will probably not include Tikorangi and Inglewood this season, still there should be sufficient clubs in New Plymouth to make matters interesting, whilst no doubt Waitara, which has re-organised the old dub, will be able to come in. There are quite a number of good players in and around Waitara capable of placing a strong eleven in the field. The Urenui club will probably be of about the same strength as last season, as> two players who left the district (Messrs. T. l S. O'Neill and Geo. Graham) before the- completion of the cup rounds are back again, and no doubt will assist this season. The annual inspection of schools in this district will commence during the present week, that of the Mimi school being fixed for Thursday next. In view of the event the children have been putting in a fair amount of solid work during the past few weeks, which no doubt will show beneficial results. The very pleasing letter received by Mr. A. H. Halcombe from the manager of the South' African footballers has already been referred to in your columns. The fact that the letter mentioned that the day spent at Urenui would remain in the memories of the team as one of the most pleasant of many public and private receptions accorded them in the Dominion, shows that they felt and appreciated Ferngrove hospitality, as all have done who hav* had the pleasure of enjoying it. As one of the “unidget” forwards of the team remarked to a local resident. “We were made to feel absolutely at homeand that remark admirably expresses the feeling of all who visit Ferngrove. No doubt Mr. Halcombe will value the photograph containing the autographs of the members of the team as a souvenior of a very pleasant day spent in entertaining a number of sportsmanlike and gentlemanly visi-

tors - . j 1 Mr. G. W. Graham has been appointed sole teacher of the Okoke school, filling the i-vsi-tion recently held by Miss C._ Musker, who has now entered upon her duties as assistant mistress at Urenui school. Miss M. Dempster has also left to take charge of the Ackland Road school, which until recently, was under the control of Miss J. Nolan, formerly of tl:e Mimi school. It would seem as if in spite of the efforts of the Taranaki Education Board to retain the four organising teachers at present doing good work in the district, the department have definitely decided upon a reduction in the staff, and intimated to the board the necessity of transferring two of them to the ordinary teaching staff. As there are a number > or small schools requiring ti e assistance of an organising teacher in the outskirts of t ns district, it is to be hoped irt view of tlie good work hitherto accomplished in this dUeC ‘ tion, that our present teacher stationed a Urenui will not be affected by the proposed reduction. In view of the forthcoming visit of Messi . Uren and Page, of the State Forest Departi/nent, it is understood that the cha'rmen ‘ the various dairy factories are taking 1 matter up warmly, and the former gentlemen will no doubt receive a good hearing in tne localities they intend visiting. The itinerarj as at present drawn up will probably be s follows : Commencing with an address a Wa ! tara on Tuesday evening, the 25th inst., tne following morning the Wai-papa factory win visited, where an address and demonstration an tree-piaaUng will be given. In tke evening

Urenui settlers will be met, and on Thursday morning the school children receive a short lecture, the Mimi school being visited in the afternoon, whilst in the evening farmers will be invited to attend, also in the schoolroom. Friday will be devoted to Uruti, from whence the officers will proceed to Mokau and Awakino. This programme may be subject to slight alterations, but each district will receive ample notice of the actual date of meeting.

Cadets and mounted troopers are reminded that Sergeant-Major, Bell, of New Plymouth, will conduct drill on the Recreation grounds, Uaenui, on Thursday and Friday next.

MOKAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Mahoc crossed the bar, and ran safely into Awakino on October 1. She carried a full cargo of merchandise, and unloaded and loaded in double quick time, leaving again the following day, reaching Waitara safely on high tide. Her next trip was to Mokau, for which place she had also a full loatl. She was unloaded and loaded again in a few hours, and left on the same tide for Waitara. Mr. Calvert, who was onanaging Bexley for Messrs. Miles for some years, is, with his family, now residing at Nelson, where they have a thriving fruit farm. Their many Awakino friends will be glad to know that they are quite well and prosperous. Shearing begins on “Piri Piri,’’ and “Mungatoi” stations next month, while at- “Mohakatino’’ they start operations on Monday, the 24th inst. Mrs. Ern Sampson left on Monday for a few weeks visit to Taranaki. Captain and Mrs. J. Byzantian, of Sydney, have been spending a holiday here, and are delighted with the Mokau, especially with the scenic beauty of our river, up which they had a most enjoyable trip in “Captain Victor’s” good old launch, the Cygnet. They took quite a number of “snapshots” o-f our celebrated little watering place, which they intend distributing amongst their friends in Australia. They are quite prepared to recommend Mokau as ah ideal summer resort.

Mr. (Sillick, of the Chief Post Office?' New Plymouth, who, with his wife, and little son, have been spending a few weeks with Mr. and Mrs. J. McNeice, of Awakino, returned to New Plymouth on Saturday night. Mr. Archie Lamont, who -has lately joined the noble order of benedicts, and who has been staying in Mokau for a few days, returned io Taranaki on Saturday. The popular "Hayseeds” repeated their enjoyable concert in the Awakino Hall, on Friday, the 14th, find it was a pronounced success. The function was in aid of the local tennis club, which has just been organised, and which will benefit by the sum of £ll. Great praise is due to Mesdames McNeice and Thomson, and Messrs. McGregor t McNeice, and Northern, for the way in which the programme was prepared. The stage was most prettily and appropriately decorated, the crossed racquets being very effective. The programme opened with a very fine chorus by the “Hayseeds” (encored). Mrs. Gillick then gave a charming little “Baby” song, and for an encore sang "Coming Home,” which brought forth a double encore, but to which Mrs. Gillick would not respond. This has not appeared on our concert platform for some time, but everyone is always charmed to welcome her. Mr. F. Northern then gave “They’re Wild, Simply Wild Over Me,” and he and his pretty chorus, consisting of Misses N. Thomson, B. Stewart, Russell, McNeice, Wolfe, Chapman, and E. Lake, received a thunderous welcome, and the last verse had to be repeated. Miss Russell sang a. charming little song “Gay Paree,” for which she received a vociferous encore. Mrs. E. Carrington (nee Miss Hazel Wo-lfe) then gave the song “Until,” and for an encore sang “A Bowl of Roses.” We are glad to welcome this young lady once again. Then’followed the song and dance “Funiculi-Funicula,” by Misses Wolfe, Stewart, Thomson, and McNeice. This was a most captivating little number, and most charmingly given, bringing a hearty recall, on which the item was repeated. Mr. H. Northern then delighted 113 with a flute solo, an overture from one of the good old operas. This gentleman gave us a most appreciative item, and proved himself a flautist of no mean order, and we hope to many times again listen to a solo from him. The song and chorus “From Here to Shanghai,” was charmingly rendered bv Miss E. McNeice and chorus, and in response to enthusiastic “encores” this was repeated. Mr. McGregor then sang in his usual pleasing manner a pretty song. After that came a quartette, “Come Where the Fairies Dwell,” most charmingly sung by Mesdames Gillick and McNeice, and Misses Wolfe and McNeice. This also was heartily encored. That delightful item “A Bachelor Gay,” was sung by Mr. Fred Northern in fine style, and again his charming bevy of chorus girls gave him able assistance. The first part of the programme ended with the song “Dream Boat,” sung in her usual charming manner by. Miss Minnie Wolfe, and in whieh her fine contrallo voice was heard to great advantage. After an interval, Mrs. W. D. Thomson opened the programme’s second instalment with a fine overture on the piano. This was most enjoyable. After this item Miss B. Stewart sang the delightful little song and chorus

“Down Honolulu Way,” which brought forth, a vociferous encore, when she gave “Swanee.‘” Tiie dresses in this item were very pretty, and the young ladies, who impersonated the three Honolulu “beaux” were simply “out on their own.” Mr. McKinney, of Urenui, who possesses a very fine baritone vewee, sang in fine style, that good old sea-song, “The Admiral’s Broom,” which was heartily applauded. Then followed a very amusing “Comic Sketch,” by Misses N. Thomson and Russell. This was really a skit on the “Ford” car, and was most enjoyable. Mrs. Gillick again favored us with a very beautiful song. Then followed what was really considered the gem, or one of the gems, for there were many such—of the evening. This was the song and dance “Beware of Chu Chin Chow,” splendidly rendered bj' Miss Eunice McNeice and chorus. The dresses in this item were also excellent, and tire make-up of Mr. Eugene Baddley, as the wily “Chu Chin” was admirable. Mrs. H. Northern sang “Two Bright Eyes,” and for gave “The Children's Paradise.” The performance then concluded with “All Aboard for Dixie,” sung by the whole company of “Hayseeds,” with Mr. F. Northern as “Chief.” This was heartily encored, and after the singing of “God Save the King,” the floor was speedily cleared for dancing, which, to the excellent music of Mesdames McNeice, Christofferson, and Gillick, and Messrs. H. Northern (flute), and F. Northern, was indulged in till about 2 a.m., when everyone went home well pleased with the evening’s entertainment. The accompaniments for the concert programme, were Mesdames Thomson and McNeice. Miss N. -Thomson, and Mr. F. Northern. On Friday, October 28, the Awakino Football Club are holding a social in the Awakino Hall when it is expected there will be a large attendance, as the dances organised by this club are always enjoyable. Our factory is turning out some first class saunples of butter. Mr. Balson is the manager. The Mahoe took out some 70 boxes last trip. Each churning represents, we believe, some 12 boxes. The Awakino cheese factory also sent out several crates of first quality cheese. Mr. Pepperel is the manager. The Mokau Harbor Board held a meeting last week, at which several matters pertaining to wharfage and shipping were satisfactorily dealt with. There were present: Messrs. Sage, McKeown, RadfOrd, Whitehead, Sampson, and J. McDonald (secretary). Visitors at Mrs. Box’s, Talnu-i House, last week end were Captain and Mrs. J. Byzantian (Sydney), Captain Byzantian sent., Mokau Heads, Mr. A. Lamont, Mr. McKinney, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Parkinson, Mr. J. McGorman, and Miss NicoTls. All of these professed themselves as being delighted with the scenic and other beauties of the district. Miss Firth' is visiting ' Mrs. N. Clifton, Mckau. Mr. Rowe, of New Plymouth post office, ?s relieving Mrs. Coudon, our local postmistress, who is away on annual leave. Mr. McKinney, organising teacher, has been I visiting the schools of Mokau and Awakino, an<J • ha.-: been of great assistance and encouragement to both pupils and teachers. MIDHIRST. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Midhirst school concert for which the children had been practising for some weeks and to which the scholars, also the parents, had looked forward with keen anticipation, was held last Friday evening. The weather fortuirately was fine, and a packed house faced the’youthful artists. Mr. G. Smith (chairman of the school committee), in the absence of Mr. R. Masters, M.P., who lAd been invited to take the chair, presided. Mr. Smith, in the course of his o-pening remarks, announced that the masquerade ball committee had very kindly given the splendid sum of £ll to the school with a recommendation that the money 1 be expended on prUes. Mr. Smiit. on beiwtlf

of the school committee, thanked the donors , for their splendid gift. The following prograunme rendered by the children was voted one of the best ever given in Midhirst, and reflects great credit on the teachers who gave their time to training the scholars: —Opening choruses, “Tie Farmyard,” “Little Miss Melody,” “Bubbles,” by the infants; hoop drill, girls; solo (with chorus by pupils) Dora Carter, “There’s a Song Down Every Roadway”; character song, “Bye-Lo,” three girls; song, Irene Snooks, “I Want a Daddy”; recitation, Ruth Adlam, “The Mau > from Ironbark”; song, Kitty Cookson, “Alice Bluegown” ; choruses, “Old Fashioned Town,” and “Up from Summerset,” std. 1 2 and 3 ; recitation, E'ileen Hayward, “The Romp”; character song by hoys got up as niggers. The following visitors also rendered items during the evening: Songs (two eact), Miss Black, Miss Klvell, and Mr. Breen. Miss I. Beer* also rendered very daintily two Japanese character songs with dance. Miss Kivell gave an exhibition of club swinging. After the concert was finished and a hearty vote of thanks carried by acclamation was accorded all who helped to make the evening a success, supper was handed round, after which the hall was cleared for dancing. At the last meeting of the school committee, held on Tuesday, September 27, feeling reference was made by the chairman (Mr. Smith), to the loss sustained by the death of the late Theodore Cookson, for some. years a member of the committee. Mr. Cookson was keenly interested in all that pertained to the interests o-f the school, and his place will be hard to fill. A vote of sympathy and condolence with the bereaved family was passed in silence. Local cricket enthusiasts <met recently to consider the possibility of forming a club for the coming season, and, judging by the support -promised, and the number who Indicated their willingness to become members, there should be no difficulty in getting a start. Certain information regarding gear and other matters will be placed before a meeting to be held this week, when something definite will be done.