OKOIA NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12648, 8 November 1905, Page 2

OKOIA NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Owing to the Waverley Company having closed their creamery here/Mr Hoko Karatau, the manager, has left that company's employ. The young men of the district assemlbled together in the hall on Saturday evening last to bid farewell to their popular friend, who is taking up his residence at Wangaehu. The function took the form of a smoke concert, and although there was no drawn up programme, the appeals of 'Mr Rice (the chairman) for performers met with ia ready response. Songs were given by (Messrs Gibson, Davis, McGrail, Wilson, Butters, Campbell, and last but not least vMa% Humphries, who- again brought down the house with that everpopular comic-song " Jobson Brown." After the 'health of the guest had been drunk and duly acknowledged the Chairman presented (Mr Kanatau with a shaving outfit, subscribed for by his mates around Okoia. In doing so Mr Rice spoke in eulogistic terms of the" recipient's honour and also his willingness to assist at any local effort. Mr Leo Wilson then made a few remarks, in the course of which he stated that Mr Karatau was the general favourite of <bhe community wherever he made his abode. After Mr James McGrail had paid a high tribute to the guest's many good qualities a most enjoyable gathering was brought to a close by the singing of," Auld Lang Syne" and the usual compliment to the chair.

We have had rather eventful times in Okoia lately, not the least of which was a marriage, followed in the evening by the inevitable serenading. Although the bombardment was sustained vigorously until a late hour the besieged could net, be induced to capitulate. No-License is the chief topic of conversation just now. If the Okoia district were an electorate prohibition would be carried by an overwhelming majority. A meeting is to be held in the Hall on Friday evening next, when speeches on the above subject will be delivered by speakers from Wanganui. So far Mr Somsnerville jg the only candidate for Parliamentary honours who has addressed the electors of Okoia for this (Rangitikei) electorate. I hear Mr ■Remington, the present member, is expected shortly.