HUNTLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 149, 24 June 1908, Page 2

HUNTLY.

<By Telegraph.—Own Corr_spon_____J HUNTLY. Tuesday. About a fortnight ago a Are occurred In the "old" mine, which is known locally as the Tauplri South. The columns of smoke and pillars of flame as emitted from the workings formed a fine spectacle, though it was not greatly enjoyed by those whose homes were in vicinity. For several days the. fire continued, and then, to all outward appearance, l suddenly expired. This was the amazing feature, as experienced miners were dogmatic in asserting that the fire would only cease when the coal had been entirely consumed. It Is conjectured that a portion of the roof in falling had caused the accumulated gases to explode, and thus to ignite the flue powdery coal, with which the workings were bound to be covered. Except to elect a chairman, Mr J. P. Bailey, who has been a member of the iocal authority for nearly a quarter of a century, and to appoint Mr F. Harris as clerk, the new Town Board has so far done very little, the time and energies of the members having been concentrated on apportioning and upraising the properties sf the Road Board, which the Town Board will of necessity take away. After that the Board will consider a sanitation scheme, a proposal for lighting the and the kerbing of the footpaths. Dr. East, who was appointed medical officer to the Waikato Coal Miners' Sick and Accident Society, out of a large number of candidates, has commenced practice in Huntly. Dr. East was for some time resident on the Great Barrier. As a token of goodwill and earnest of their good wishes, Mr Richards, J.P., on behalf of the employees of Messrs Green and Cplebrook, presented Miss Martyn with a very pretty china tea service, and Mr Paterson with a handsome travelling bag, the former ou the occasion of her marriage, and the latter on his promotion to the position of buyer for the firm at head office. Of late farewells have been the order of the day. Mr Hogan, baker, who has disposed of his business to Mr C. Maxwell, has left for Auckland.

Last Wednesday evening the members of the Huntly Recreation Club held a social in the Masonic Hall, the object being to farewell Mr C. Pascoe, who is leaving for Ballarat, and to Mr E. Clinch, who has taken up land in the King Country. Progressive euchre was followed by an enjoyable dance, the first prizes in. the euchre competition being gained by Miss Evans and Mr Kiehards; the booby prizes being won by Mrs Littleproud and Mr Swayiie. After supper Mr Richards presented Miss Wilson and Mr Clinch with the prizes they had woii in the combined doubles tennis handicap Last Wednesday evening the Volunteer Hall was crowded by a large and most enthusiastic audience, who appeared thoroughly to enjoy the entertainment, organised for the purpose of augmenting the funds of the Presbyterian Church. The varied nature of the programme was tne best apoloey for its length, every item being well received and appreciated. The numerous and varied tableaux, prettily conceived and admirably executed, evoked many ei> comiums and expressions of pleasure; while the floral march by a number of children trained by Mrs W. Poole, was both graceful and pretty. As a reciter, the Ker. C B Jordan made a decided hit with the '-Lifeboat," while the lluntly Orchestra appeared to decided advantage in their two selections. The various accompaniments, as well as the incidental music, were most tastefully played by Mrs K. Niceolla. The success of the entertainment, which ought to fulfil the object iv view, reflects the utmost credit on the organising skill and ability of tne home missionary, Mr K. Gordon Kirgan who was mainl.r responsible for the programme, which comprised: Overture by Mrs jN'iccolls and Aliss Gwen Gossuer; selections jy the Huutiy Orchestra; concertina eolos by Mr Hart; and violiu solos by Mr Scottrecitations by Rev. C. B. Jordan and Mibylvester; dialogues by the Misse3 Moir (3) and Miss Dawes; songs by Miss Moir and Messrs Cox and Gemble; floral march and a series of five tableaux.