RAGLAN.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 411, 18 March 1899, Page 3

RAGLAN.

Concert and Ball. — On Wednesday evening a large company assembled in the Public Hall to aid the laudable etiorts of the committee of the Okete Cemetery to rai6e funds to improve the grounds and to paint and renovate the church situated therein. A large number of ladies and gentlemen (some of them from Waikato) kindly volunteered their services to help to make the concert a success, and it is needless to say their efforts were much appreciated, as was evidenced by the numerous and repeated encores. Mr T. B. Hill occupied the chair, and briefly referred to the object of the meeting giving a short history of the ground from the time of its dedication by the late Mr Root. Gilmore. The following was the programme : —Piano solo, Mrs E. 0. Wallis ; song, " Island of Dreams," Miss Sage, whose efforts were evidently much appreciated by tho very hearty encore she received, and in response she sang " I Was Dreaming." Song, " Gallants of Eoglaud," Mr Houchen. This song was splendidly rendered, and an encore being demanded Mr Houchen favoured the audience with " Boys of the Old Brigade." Recitation, *• The Outlaw," Mr Henry ; given in his best style and with happy effect. Song, " Life's Story," Miss McNeish. This young lady, who had kindly come from Waikato to assist, received a very hearty encore. Recitation, " Village Choir," Miss McCracken. Song, " Love's Request," Mr E. 0. Waflis. Mr Wallis being an old favourite received a hearty encore, and gave " The Grocer's Shop." Piano solo, "Tarn 0' Shancer," Mrs Mathias; song, "Whisper And I Shall Hear," Miss Sage (encored); reading, "Religious Life Among The Shakers," Mr La Trobe. Mr La Trobe's reading only wants to be heard to be appreciated, and at all times it is a pleasure to listen to him. Song, "In The Gloaming," Miss McNeish, who again charmed her hearers and kindly responded by singing " Yesterday." Character song, " Curiosity," MrE. 0. Wallis. This item brought down the house, and was given in the performer's happiest manner, and being encored, he favoured the audience with " That Wicked Young Man." Reading, " New Chum Green as Grass," Mr Henry. This concluded the entertainment. Hearty votes of thanks were then accorded to the chairman for presiding, to Mr Langley for the use of the hall, to Mr Smith for his piano, to the ladies and gentlemen who in various capacities had assisted in the good work, and a verse of the National Anthem concluded that pare of the evening's entertainment. Seats were then cleared away, and soon the busy feet of the lovers of the mazy dance were tripping over the floor to the sweet strains of the various tunes so ably played by the ladies presiding at the piano. Mr F. Moou officiated with his upual ability as M.C., ;uid dancing was kept up with spirit until the early hours of the following morning.

Government Grants to Roads.—During the last few days Mr Hursthouse, Government Engineer, has been on a visit of inspection, to examine various works that are being carried out by the County Council on which Government grants have been spent. I understand that the works completed and in progress have met with his approval. Rain.—Rain is much wanted, and a good downpour would help our turnips, grass and other crops. The former sadly need it and seem to be wilting away in many parts from the effects of the drought. Bush burning is now pretty well over and grass sowers have been busy in the bnsh clearings, and anxiously await the rain to give the grass a start.—(Own Correspondent).