DISTRICT NEWS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 678, 25 October 1921, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS.

“LEST WE FORGET/’ A public meeting was held in the Drury Hall on Monday, October 10th, to consider the question of erecting a memorial in remembrance of the men from this district who made ‘the supreme sacrifice. The meeting was convened by the Rev. C. Hales, and was fairly well attended. After some discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of the Rev. O. R. Hewlqtt, “that in the opinion of this meeting, the time has arrived when a suitable memorial should be erected at Drury in memory of the men from this district who madle the supreme sacrifice in the Greajt War.” Also, resolved: “That the most suitable site is the triangle between the Public Hall and the Post Office!/’ Several citizens present agreed to give ten pounds each if twenty-five would do the sam)e. It is to be hoped that the number will be found to do so. It is a small price to pay for the liberty we enjoy from the victory won. A strong committee was formed to carry out {the matter and to. collect subscriptions. Rev. 0. R. Hewlett was elected chairman. Mr T, IT. Brooks, treasurer; and) Mr S. Fielding, secretary. They are to meet on Tuesday, 25th, to report progress. Land is still changing hands in the district. I believe Mr R. McDowall has bought the house and one section of Mr Ai, Perry’s estate,, that was recently subdivided, and Mr Brown, of Rama Rama, has sold part of his farm. The stone crusher is still busy grinding out metal for our roads, which will be greatly improved for next winter.. /

BACHELORS’ BALL. The Drury bacheors had a gay time on Friday evening lsist, on the occasion of their annual ball, when a large number of dfcmcing enthusasts gathered together for a long night’s entertainment. The ladies were more nujmerous than gentlemen, visitors coming from all the surrounding districts. The weather was nqt ,as kind as it might have been, rain setting in soon after the opening, b'ut I believe most of the people got home dry.. Walker s orchestra “ from Papakura supplied the music. An excellent supper was provided ancU was much appreciated, Dancing was kept up until about 2 o’clock in the morning, and I suppose r •'me of the guesjts got home in time to get cows up and start miliking. It is good to be young and able to enjoy a night out.

MAUKU. FRANKLIN CRICKET ASSOCIATION. A meeting was held in the Patumahoe Hall on Tuesday evening, October 18th, for the purpose of reviving |the above Association. Delegates were present from Glenbrook, Waiuku and Mauku Clubs, and it was unanimously decided to re-form the Association. Messrs A. Cornthwaite, E. C. Cuff and 1 W. Finlay were appointed a sub-committee to draw up rules|, <?(tc„ these to be approved at the next meeting, which will be held at Patumahoe on October 29th. The following officers were elected: Patron, Right Hon. W. F. Massey; President, Major Aldred; Vice-Presi-dents, E. C. Cuff and Dr Howdien ; Sqjeretary and Treasurer, Mr W. Finlay ; Executive Committee, Two delegates frOm each club. The Waiuku delegates mentioned that the Warin Cup, now held l by their club, would be available for competition. The subscription from each club was fixed at 10s, and competitions commence on Sajturday, November 12th, not later than 2 p.m. It is hoped that the next meeting w*ill find other clubs affiliating, and thus make the contest for championship honours more interesting.

PAPATOETOE, boy injured by detonator. EXPLOSION IN HAND. The necessity of keeping detonators out of the reach of children is illustrated by an unfortunate accident that occurred at Otahuhu during the end of last week. It appears that a boy of 12 years, named John Elliot, was given a number of detonators by another boy, who had found a box of them under a house and brought them to school with him to show to his companions. While at school the exchange took place, and the. injured boy afterwards investigated the mysteries of the detonator more closely, using a pin to help him. By this means he touched a vital part that caused a strong explosion of the detonator while it was still in his hand, and in consequence two fingers andi a thumb of one hand* and a portion of the thumb of the other was blown away. was found necessary to piocure medical assistance, and the boy was afterwards removed to a private hospital at Otahuhu, where he will be treated for his wounds.

The Otahuhu police have the matter in hand, and. are mkaing further investigations. Explosions of detonators while children are innocently playing with them have been known to occur before, andl the result of an exolosion of these dangerous “things” is often sudden and severe. The fact ithat they can be “set off” very easily is especially apparent in this unfortunate accidenjfe.