DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

ÜBUTI. (From A Correspondent.) The last of the dancing classes for this year was held in Uruti Hall, on Wednesday, December 21 (Mr. E. Jones made an efficient M.C., while Miss K. Murray acted, as pianist for the dancing in lier usual capable manner. One notable feature of the dance was that there were far more ladies present than usual. One and all regret that these dances have been brought to a close, and all hope that the hall committee will not let many months of the New Year slip by before they resume the classes. The many friends of Miss; N. H. Dempster, postmistress at Uruti, will be pleased to hear that she is making satisfactory progress from an attack of diphtheria. Mr. T. Rowe, of the New Plymouth Post Office, is at Uruti filling the vacancy caused by Miss Dempster’s illness. Miss G. Thomson is spending the holidays with her mother at Upper Uruti Road, Uruti. Misses Phyllis, Annie, and Eileen Murray are spending their Christmas vacation with their mother at Upper Uruti Road, Uruti. Miss Sowry is spending the holidays with her mother at Tarata. OKOKE. (From A Correspondent.) On Wednesday, 21st inst., the Okoke school was the scene of a very enjoyable dance in aid of school funds. After the opening waltz, a pianoforte duet, “Recollection,” was rendered by Misses Sowry and Stella Brough, and then after the shottische, a pianoforte trio, “Norweigiaai Cradle Song,” was beautifully played by Miss Sowry and twp of her young pupils, Misses Pearl and Stella Brough. Dancing was then indulged in until just before supper, when a vocal solo, “God Send You Back to Me,” was beautifully sung by Mrs. J. Nieolson, the accompanist being Miss Sowry. A sumptuous supper was then handed round, after which, “Home Sweet Home” by Thalberg was contributed by Miss Sowry. A little word of praise should be given Miss Sowry’s pupils in Okoke, for the progress they have made during the last twelve months. Mr. E. Ekdalh made an efficient M.C., while the pianist for the dancing was Miss Sowry, who very willingly filled this vacancy caused by Mr. Brough’s illness. An extra was played by Miss T. Whitaker. , It should be mentioned that quite a series of dancing lias been held during the winter and spring months in the Okoke school. All have been thoroughly enjoyed, besides being a financial success. Great credit is due to the ladies of this district, also to Messrs. A. Fitzsimons, K. Blundell, and E. Ekdalh, all of whom have done their best as M.C.’s for these dances, while most of the music has voluntarily been given by Mr. J. Brough. Extras have been played by Misses C. Musker, S. Hoskins, S. Brough, B. Sowry, and F. Whitaker. After the re-opening of this schools,, there will be a picnic held for the school children, at which the prizes gained during the year 1921 will be distributed.

MOEAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Christmas was spent very quietly by most of our settlers. Some journeyed to New Plymouth for the Boxing Day races; other stayed at home and enjoyed the succulent goose, turkey, fowl, ham, “dux,” .etc., followed by an afterdinner “nap,” while the kiddies were to be both seen and heard with the Christmas stocking gifts of trumpet, whistle, drum, etc. On Boxing Day the new Awakino tennis court was to have been opened with a garden party, followed by a ball in the evening, but “Jupiter Pluvius” ruled otherwise by sending a steady downpour of rain, which lasted not only for that day, but for three days. So far there have not been many tourists passing through, but, of course, ’tis early yet, and the recent rains have made our “mountains” (Messenger and Taumatemaire) rather unfit for motor traffic. River picnics are to be held up the Mokau as soon as the weather clears, and very enjoyable these al fresco outings are, for beauty of scenery and ideal picnic spots the Mokau cannot be . beaten.

The up-river folk are holding one of their very enjoyable dances on Saturday, New Year’s Eve. Everything is done by these settlers for the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, besides which, the trip up the river to Mr. McKeown’s (who generously lends his wool-shed on these occasions) in Captain Victor Sjolund’s launch is delightful. Everyone seems pleased to hear that Mr. Charlie Johnson is, after all, continuing the mail contract service for the coming year, and everyone wishes him a prosperous year and many of them. Mr. lan Roy (accompanied by a friend), son of Mr. J. B. Roy, of New Plymouth, passed through to-day on a, walking tour to the Waitomo Caves. He also intends visiting his sister, Mrs W. Kelly, of “Ballawaggan,” Awakino. The directors of the Mokau dairy factory held a meeting on Wednesday, December 28. Several matters re dairy business were dealt with, and several accounts passed for payment. We regret to learn that Mrs. J. McNeice, of Awakino, is at present in New Plymouth hospital undergoing medical treatment, and that there is some talk of an operation being necessary. We sincerely wish that such may not be the case, and that she will soon recover from her indisposition, and be able to return quite herself again. Mrs. McNeiee is a very popular and energetic worker in all our social functions. * Master Cyril McNeice, of the New Plymouth High School, is spending his veation with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. McNeice, of Awakino.

Mr. P. Boyd and daughter are spending the Christmas with his sister, Mrs. W. D. Thomson, of Awakino. Miss Ramsay, of Wanganui, is visiting Mrs. VV. D. Thomson, of Awakino. Miss Kathleen Thomson has returned from an extended and enjoyable holiday in Taranaki. Mr. and Mrs. Doreen, of Christchurch, are spending Christmas and New Year with Mrs. Doreen’s sister, Mrs. Bittcliff, of Mokau. Master Syd. Whitehead, and Miss Rita Whitehead are spending Christmas in Taranaki. Captain and Mrs. Mitchell are visiting Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Sage, Mokau River. Mr. Frank Williscroft is visiting his father, Mr. Fred Williscroft, of Mokau. Mr. J. L. McDonald, our genial and popular harbor-master, leaves for the Empire City on Friday, to spend a short .holiday there with, his wife and family.

Mr. Charles _ McDonald,-jof Wellington, is visiting his father/ Mr?'X~ L. McDonald, Mokau. The postponed tennis club ball is to be held in the Awakino Hall on Monday, January 2. Many happy years to head and staff of the News.