DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Awakino Tennis Club opened for the season on Monday, 23rd Inst. (Labour Day), and although the day was showery, there was a very large attendance of members and friends. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mesdames W. D. Thomson, J. McNeice, W. Avery, L. Jones, and W. Smith; Misses N. Thomson, M. Avery, and M. Wolfe. In the evening a dance was held in the Awakino Hall. The music was suppliel by Mesdames W. D. Thomson, McNeice, Avery, and Mr F. Northern. The function was very enjoyable. During the evening Mr L. Northern, in a neat, little speech, on behalf of the Awakino residents, hade farewell to Mr Webster, of Awakino Post Office staff, who is going to Gisborne. Mr Webster has been a courteous and obliging official during his stay amongst us, and as such carried with hlim to his new sphere the goodwill of all.

There are several horses in training here for the forthcoming races on Deceunber 2nd, but so far none of them has put up any wonderful record. The meeting is being eagerly looked forward to by our residents, as, apart from the races themselves, the beach course is an ideal picnic spot, so that given fine weather there should be a good crowd on the "Lawn” that day. As yet we do not possess a grandstand or "Tote,” but who shall say what is to be in the future?

Miss Estelle Jones, the little nine-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs Lew Jones, of Awakino, was hostess at the birthday party on Saturday, October 21st, when a great number of juvenile friends were present and enjoyed themselves immensely. After a happy afternoon had been! spent an inviting tea was done full justice to, and a splendid birthday cake cut. The little hostess was the recipient of several presents. Mr Condon, of Morrlnsville, brother of the late Mr Arthur Condon, who was one of our most respected and esteemed settlers, is visiting our district. He expresses himself as being charmed with the place. Messrs Newton King, Ltd., held their annual spring sale at Awakino on Friday, October 20th. There was a large attendance of buyers, but only a few lots changed hands. Mr Kirk was a brisk and energetic, auctioneer, but farmers seem chary as yet of paying very much of a price for stock, which always command better prices at the February sales. A social was held in the evening, at which the "Tainui” Troop gave some of their enjoyable items between the dances. A waltzing competition was held, some seven couples taking part, at the end' of which It. was decided by the judges (Messrs J. McNeice, K. Black, and M. Watersonj that Mr. Crudis .and partner, Miss L. Winlata and Mr. N. Clifton and his partner, Miss J. Stewart, should again take the floor, when the final decision was given in favor of the latter couple, though there really was very little to choose between them. The prizes, a gold curb bangle for the lady and safety razor in case for the gentleman, were presented to the winners by Mrs AV. D. Thomson. "For they are jolly good fellows” was heartily sung, and three cheers were given for Mr. Crudis and his partner. Mrs. Christofferson acted as accompanist during the evening and also provided the music for the dance, while extras were kindly contributed by Mesdames McNeice and W. D. Thomson. Mr W. Karama also played a tfaltz and schottische on the accordeon, of which he is a master. He also played for one' of the poi dances by the girls of the Tainui Troop. The function was organised by Mrs Whate Wlpa, in aid of the funds of the Maori church. Mr and Mrs Sam Macdonald, of Waitara, very generously came through to assist at the social. Mr and Mrs Glen Wetere have returned to their home at Te Kawau.

Shearing has commenced at Maungatol, Messrs Chambers Bros.’ station on the Mokau river, and already a launch load of wool has been brought down to the Mokau wharf shed to wait the next trip of the O. V. Mahoe. Shearing will commence at Messrs Bignell Bros.’ station on Taumatamalre this week, after that at Mr R. Battley’s ("Pirl-Piri”) and Mohakatino station. The weather is not looking too promising for the shearers but it Is always variable at this season of the year. Miss Murray, of our local school, spent Labor Day at her parents’ home in Uruti. Mr T. Cummings, senr., of Awakino, has returned from a lengthy stay in Auckland. We are wondering why our Parliamentary candidates have not yet put in an appearance. There seems to be really more anxiety over the result of the poll for Continuance v. Prohibition than the poll for future membership for our district.