DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Very general regret is felt in this district at the death of Mr. W. B. Colson, an old and respected resident of the Okoke, in which locality he has been engaged in dairy farming for a great number of years. Though ho had been in indifferent health for some time past, it was only quite recently that he was conveyed to Waitara to be under medical care, and his sudden eiul came as quite a. shock to his wide circle oi friends, who will extend their deepest sympathy to Mrs. Colson and her six young children. Owing to there being no mail on Saturday and the consequent non-de-livery of the daily newspapers, a large number who would have attended the funeral at Waitara on Sunday last, did no do so through being unaware that it was taking place on that day. During the present week the Taranaki Agricultural Society’s Winter Show is sure to attract a large number of visitors from around this locality, as the exceptionally numerous entries should make the exhibition more than usually attractive, more especially in the poultry classes, which are always a big draw. The school exhibits are also another interesting feature, and the local schools will, as usual, be represented, whilst the classes for the mangolds and carrots, which have lately been judged by Messrs. Glasson and Syme, are sure to be well filled, and will enable the competitors to compare their own exhibits with those of other districts. The metalling of the Kaipikari hill is gradually approaching completion, and a few more fine days will see the contract finished. To those settlers and others who have had to travel either up or down this road in the winter months, the change will be greatly appreciated, and when the flat between the present metal and the foot of the hill is laid down, a greater improvement still will have been effected. It has been decided to make the returned soldiers’ ball, which is booked to take place on the 15th inst., a plain and fancy dress function, and already preparations are being made towards securing appropriate costumes, which will no doubt add greatly to the scenic effect. The hall, too, will be handsomely decorated, and the committee are working hard to make the gathering even more successful than those held on previous occasions. No doubt the public will appreciate the efforts of the "diggers” to give them an enjoyable evening, and a large attendance should be the result. It is stated that Mrs. Hobbs, of Pukearuhe, who is at present in the New Plymouth hospital, suffering from scarlet fever, is progressing favorably towards recovery. Many residents in this district are suffering from severe colds, and in some cases mild attacks of influenza are reported. •No doubt the sudden atmospheric change which has been experienced during the past week or so, is responsible in a measure for the amount of sickness which prevails. On Wednesday last, Mrs. T. S. O’Neill, of the Urenui Hotel, who has been in rather delicate health for some time, and only a few weeks ago returned home from New Plymouth, where she had been receiving medical attendance, suffered a relapse, and had to be again conveyed to the hospital. Frontiersmen of the Ati Awa troop who intend visiting the forthcoming encampment to be held on the New Plymouth racecourse from the 15th to the 20th inst., are reminded that they are requested to hand In their names to the secretary (Frontiersman L. Rattenbury) by the 10th inst., in order that he may notify J headquarters as to the number likely to he ’ present. Gifts of vegetables, game, etc., will ' also prove most acceptable. ; ■ Amongst the numerous and valuable presents made to Mr. D. Tate (of Urenui) arid his bride (Miss Lulu Musker, of Wai-toi-toi), who were (harried in Waitara on Thursday last, was a most handsome travelling bag and rug, presented by the Urenui Sports Club. Mr. Tate has taken a very active interest in the affairs of this institution, being one of the joint secretaries, and his fellow-workers, together with numerous other friends, will wish j both himself and Mrs. Tate every happiness ! and prosperity in their new home at Uruti. '• Mr. Tate is also a prominent member of the j Urenui Football Club, and it is stated will i continue to represent the yellow and blacks ! in the present rugby union competition. j Owing to the extremely rough state of the • elements on Saturday last, the married and single football match, which was to have taken place on the Urenui recreation ground, did not eventuate, and two weeks have now passed without the first jyniors having a game. In view of the forthcoming match against the Old Boys on the 10th inst., players are requested to attend scrum practice through the week in order to get as fit as possible. This is the last match of the round, although the team have yet to meet Clifton and High school before they have completed all their engagements. As matters now stand they have one win, one loss and a draw to their credit, so that if they make a respectable showing >n their remaining games, they should not be very far down on the list.

/ PUNIHO & WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual Warea library dance was held on Friday, 2nd inst., and proved a decided success although the weather was anything but pleasant. The function was in the shape of a plain and fancy dress ball. Mr. Will Laurence as M.C. kept the dancers moving well to Mr. Pearson’s music and a very enjoyable evening was spent by all. The supper was provided by a ladies' committee and left nothing else to be desired. Misses C. Julian and T. Sole and Mrs. Doyle supplied the extra’s. Those in fancy dress worth}’ of special mention were as follows:—Miss D. Hill (Italy), Miss R. Hill (Maori Chieftainess), Mrs. Harnett (Black Pantaloon), Miss C. Julian (Autumn), and Mr. Fred Hill (Mexican Cowboy). Opportunity was taken during the evening to Mr. W. H. Keasbery, who has been a resident of Warea for three years, but has now left to reside with his daughter at Paraparaumu. Mr. Knapman in a neat but feeling speech referred., to the splendid services Mr. Keasbery had rendered to the district, and also expressed regret that he had decided to leave the district. After wishing him good health and happiness for many years to come, Mr. Chapman asked him on behalf of the Warea residents to accept a small present as f. reminder of his days in Warea. The present was a travelling rug and cap to match. Mr. Keasbery, upon rising to reply, was accorded musical honors.

Miss Ivy Johns, who for some time past has been postmistress at Warea, but has now resigned (on account of her approaching marriage), was the recipient of some very qseful presents at a kitchen party held in her honor in the Warea Hall on Wednesday, the Ist Inst. Musical items by Misses C. and E. Julian and Miss Johns were given during the afternoon, which added greatly to the enjoyment of all. At the conclusion, Miss Johns, in a neat and appropriate speech, thanked all those present for the many useful presents which she had received.

A very interesting and exciting football match was held at Parihaka on Saturday, June 3, when the Punihp Maori team played the Parihaka Maoris for the Kasper Cup. The match was hotly contested, and resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. There was also a football match held at Oka to on the same day, two scratch teams, "Married” v. “Singles” being the contestants. The married men put up a very good fight and the single men only won by a very narrow margin. The scores were: Singles 9, Married 8.

It is with deep regret I report the death on Thursday, 2nd inst., of Miss Florrie O’Callaghan, one of the brightest and most promising pupils of the Newall school. Her death came as a sudden shock to us all, as a fortnight ago she was running about apparently in perfect health. On behalf of the settlers I wish to extend to the parents the heartfelt sympathy of all. At a special meeting of the Newall Road social and school committee, it was decided to postpone all dances indefinitely, on account of Miss O’Callaghan’s death. A vote of condolence was also passed for the chairman, Mr, O'Callaghan, father of deceased.