DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAi-TOl-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) At the invitation of the. Paritutu troop of Frontiersmen a fair number of the Ati Awa troop journeyed to New Plymouth on Friday evening last to attend the annual dinner of the former, held in tie Kawaroa bungalow. Owing to the busy season of the year many others were unable to be present, but those who had that privilege speak in the highest terms not only of the hospitality extended, but for the many higl? class items which were provided for their entertainment, and the general impression seems to be that 'by the holding of such well-conducted functions of this class, interest in legionary matters will be greatly accelerated. Additional interest was added to the evening, as regards the local troop, by the presentation of the W. D. Thompson Cup to Frontiersman C. Rumbal, by Colonel C. H. W’eston, who, in the course of a most appropriate speech-, remarked that he had received a letter from Colonel Melville, expressing that officer’s pleasure at the manner in which the Ati Awa troop had turned out to meet him on the occasion of his recent visit to Urenui. The flattering remarks also extended to lieutenant G. F. Bertrand, troop leader of the Paritutu group, who occupied the chair, are also appreciated by Ati Awaians, as he is a native of Urenui, whilst tis father, Mr. G. Bertrand, senr., who still resides here, is one of the respected veterans. The military dance held by the C. Squadron, 2nd Queen Alexandra, U.W.C.M.R. in the Urenui Hall on Thursday evening proved in every way an undoubted success, there being a large assemblage of officers and troopers in uniform, besides numerous other visitors. The function was held as a breaking-up ceremony, the squadron having been dismissed from drill until February 3, 1922, advantage being taken of the occasion to make a very pleasing presentation to Sergeant-Major Bell, not in a military sense, but as a mark of the friendly esteem in which 1 he is held in this district. Fowler’s orchestra, from Waitara, provided most excellent music, extras being kindly contributed by Miss Edwin and Mr. Ereddow. A very tasty supper provided by the lady friends of the squadron, was greatly appreciated, and Mr. C. Bleakiey, the hon. sec., was indefatigable in the discharge of ihe duties of M.C. For those who did not dance, a number of card tables were provided, so that all present spent an enjoyable evening. After the supper interval. Captain Hayhurst presented Sergeant-Major Bell with a handsome case of pipes on behalf of the squadron, and in doing so said he wished first of all io , thank the ladies of the district who had ao kindly cpme forward and assisted in the evening’s entertainment by providing such an excellent supper. The attendance of the squadron at parade had been very good, and there were some fifty-three now on the roll. He mentioned that presentations to officers were not in accordance with regulations, but on this occasion it was given to the Sergeant-Major as a man and a sport, and as a slight token of the esteem in which he was held by those coming into contact with him. Captain Hayhurst also referred to the manner in which the Urenui troopers had conducted themselves on the occasion of the visit of the GovernorGeneral to Waitara, and read the following special general order issued by Lieut.-Colonel ’D. Munro: “His Excellency the Governor, Viscount Jellicoe, 0.M., G.C.8., G.C.V.0., desires to convey to those members of the regiment who formed part of the escort and guard of honor his appreciation of the general appearance and services rendered during tis recent visit to Manaia and Waitara. His Excellency particularly desires to thank those members from Urenui who journeyed up to twenty-five miles to attend the parade. The commanding officer also wishes to add his thanks for the way in which all ranks turned out and their general appearance. (Signed) W. A. Gustafson, Captain N.Z. S.C., Adjutant 2nd (W.W.C.) Mounted Rifles.’’ SergeantMajor Bell, in acknowledging the remarks uf Captain Hayhurst, said he was greatly taken by surprise, as he l:ad not expected such an expression of goodwill, and he was more than gratified at the confidence shown in him by the members of the squadron. When some few months ago the first parade was held in Urenui, there was only an attendance of three trainees, so more notices were issued, and on the following date twelve were present, whilst a fortnight later there were thirty-two, and the number had gradually increased until there were now fifty-three. He felt proud to aay that the Urenui squadron compared favorably with any other under his charge, and took this opportunity of thanking the parents and employers for the assistance they tad rendered him in the matter of attendance. The Sergeant also mentioned that he was quite aware of the inconvenience many were put to through attending drills, but it was generally known that those who sacrificed something to carry out these obligations made the better soldiers. As he would not have an opportunity of meeting them again this year, he wished them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” (Applause). At the request of Captain Hayhurst, Mr. A. H. Hal combe made a few remarks, during which he mentioned that tbe question of military sports had bee.t mooted. He referred to the successful gatherings which had been held in Wangauni in the olden days, and as president of the local sports club he thought the advisability of including a few events of tin’s class might be considered, and no doubt the parents would give every assistance. Personally,' be would be only too pleased to lend his hunter for a purpose of this kind, as military training was most necessary and should be encourag?d. After singing “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” dancing was resinned, and a most successful gathering was brought to a close.

Two important (meetings will take place In Urenui on Thursday evening next. One will he that of the sports club, when amongst other business to be transacted will lie the election of a secretary to fill the vacancies caused by the resignation of Messrs. G. N. Fuller and D. Tate, the present joint secretaries. Following this, will be a meeting of those interested in forming a football club for next season. As there are a large number of old players in the district, besides prospective new ones, there should be no difficulty experienced in establishing a strong club with an extensive membership, more especially as the recreation ground is well adapted for this class of sport, and little or no expense will have to be incurred in this respect. LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) After the spell of dry weather and continuous winds, we have at last experienced a change, warm, steady rain having fallen for the past two or three days. In consequence the pastures are looking fine, and there seems to be plenty of grass about. Farmers are extremely busy trying to get .tl eir crops In for the coming winter. Quite a number of portions of unused haystacks are left standing after the mild winter, but farmers should not consider that a sign not to save so much, as they may be wanted before the coming winter is over. A large number of local residents journeyed to the Stratford Show last week, and speak well of the show of stock generally. A treat is in store for the local people (and outsiders) in about a fortnight’s time. The local hall has been engaged for a grand concert, to be given by ti e pupils of the Finnerty Road School, and I understand that a good programme of songs, recitations, dialogues, etc., has been arranged. The teachers (Misses Rountree and Belcher) are tnisy putting the children through their different phases. As this is the school’s first concert a real good programme is assured. The concert is to be followed by a dance, 'or which first-class music has been arranged. Full particulars and date will oe advertised in this paper shortly. MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The welcome rain recently has been a hisssing to the farmers. There lias been a splendid take of turnip seed this season, and it looks as if the hay crops will be very heavy. Tennis is in full swing here now, many enjoyable afternoons being spent, on :he courts. Trout anglers are also having a good time. A large and appreciative audience gathered .it the I:all on Saturday evening, when Mr. Clement Wragge, F.R.G.S., gave one. of his splendid scientific discourses on “The Endless Universe and Eternal Life, The Majesty of Creation, and The Music of the Weather.” The lecture was beautifully illustrated Ly pictures.

Mrs. W. E. Carter, of the Hunter Road, has returned home from a visit to Auckland. Mrs. C. Nicholas has returned after spending three weeks with ter mother in Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. Dawbin, well known in this district, left by the Remuera on a visit to England. The engagement is announced of Mr. T. Hall, of Mangatoki, and Miss Mabel Pryce, of Mahoe. KAI MATA. (Fronn Our Own Correspondent.) The threatening state of the weather on Friday evening last, November 25, was not good, but nevertheless there was a good attendance in the local hall at the farewell social to Miss Mackie, on the eve of ker departure for Canada. The hall was profusely decorated, and the stage was transformed into a drawing room. The greater part of the evening was taken up in dancing and vocal items. The floor had been well prepared, and its condition was excellent. Just before supper Miss E. Burkhardt, o». behalf of her old school mates and friends, made a presentation to Miss Mackie. In doing so, she paid a glowing tribute to the excellent qualities possessed by the guest of the evening, and on bekalf of all . present wished her a good time and bon voyage. She then asked Miss Mackie to accept as a small memento, a leather travelling suitcase, as a mark c-f esteem in which she is held by the people of the district. Miss Mackie suitably replied. Several apologies for absence were received from Tarata, Waitui, Inglewood, etc.