COUNTRY NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 210, 3 September 1917, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

WAIHI. THE WAR LOAN. Business at the Waihi post office has been brisk during the last two days in war loan Investments, post office 5 per cent war bonds being in special demand. Several hundred pounds worth of certificates have also been taken up, and it is anticipated that good business will be done up to the time of tbe closing of applications. There is a feeling, however, that the period of investment should be enlarged. THE WAIHI PLAINS. The Waihi Plains' are gradually being transformed from a scrub waste into very fair agricultural areas, some fine crops of turnips-having been raised in the first instance, which are now being followed by the putting down of pastures. Belts of shelter trees, however, are badly needed. A farm of 164 acres changed bands the other day at a satisfactory ngure. The close proximity of the sea and a first-class ocean beach enhances the value of these properties. GENERAL ITEMS. Mrs. G. E. Davies. of Walmsley Road, wife of Sapper Davies, who was killed in action on August 5, is the first war widow of this town, and she is already in receipt of much sympathy from -the local Patriotic Society and other public bodies. Sapper Davies was a member of the First Tunnelling Corps, and previous to enlistment worked in the Waihi mines. An enjoyable social was held last evening in the King's Theatre, under the auspices of the Waihi Kihe Club, some SO couples dancing to well-timed music .by Messrs. ■Crompton and Turner, extras being provided by Mesdames Turner and Godfrey, Miss Windsor, and Mr. R. ■ Pascoe. The duties of MC's were discharged by Messrs. Dunstan, Brown, and Waterspoon. An excellent supper was provided by the committee. PAEROA. A plain and fancy dress ball and euchre tournament, got up by the Hauraki District Comfort Committee in aid of the Hauraki Contingents, were held In the Criterion Theatre on Wednesday evening. The large hall was taxed to its utmost capacity, and this was considered to be the most successful entertainment ever held in the district. The building was artistically decorated with a choice collection of evergreens, lilies, and other floral displays, while the flags of Britain and her Allies, including the banner of the "Queen of the East," and the ensign of the Hauraki Regiment, occupied prominent positions. Amongst those who contributed to the evening's amusements were Mrs Royal, whose rendering of

"Mother Machree" was much appreciated. A comic song, "The Telephone Girl," by Mr P. Jennings, creatcu much merriment, and a dnet, "The Mother's Song," in English and Maori, by Mr and Mrs Royal, was loudly applauded. Mrs Budd, in finished style, played the accompaniment. In addition to the fancy dress -costumes, several ladies and gentlemen were attired in poster dresses representing well known firms in Auckland, Te Aroha and Paeroa. The prizetakers were: Poster dress Mrs McCulloch (representing Yates' seeds); Mr Goodale j T 'n'ah Tea). Fancy dress—Mrs Hawkins ie Allies), and Mr v». J. Moore (clown). Mrs Cook (piano) and Miss McGruer (violin) supplied the music, while Mr C. Jackson and Mr B. Shaw gave general satisfaction as masters of ceremonies.

A Maori woman named Te Aran! Paetai died suddenly at Hikutaia on Tuesday lastThe cause was heart failure due to pleurisy. CLEVEDON. An enjoyable euchre and dance entertainment was held at Clevedon last Friday, the occasion being the tenth anniversary of the opening of Clevedon Lodge of the Independent Order of' Oddfellows of New Zealand. Dnring an interval the D.D.G.M. of the Auckland District, Bro. D R Cooper, presented prizes to the winners of the euchre tournament. Miss Dow and Mr G. Alexander, and also congratulated "the Lodge on celebrating its tenth year of usefulness. Dance music was supplied by Messrs. Green and Hawthorne.