DISTRICT NEWS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 127, 1 November 1933, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS.

MAUKU TENNIS CLUB. OPENING AND DANCE. Fine weather favoured the opening of the Mauku Tennis Club’s season on Saturday, and a large number of visitors and local players were present, the visitors coming from Patumahoe, Glenbrook, Waiuku, Kariotabi, Papakura and elsewhere.

The president, Mr J. W. Davies, in a happily worded little speech, welcomed the visitors and officially opened the courts, after which Mrs Davies played Ihe first ball.

The courts were in excellent condition. two of them having recently been renovated, and some most enjoyable games were played. A delightful afternoon tea was served by lady members of the club.

The opening festivities were continued in the evening when a dance was held in the Victory hall. There was a crowded house and the floor being in its usual excellent condition - dancers had a most enjoyable time. Music was provided by Parker’s band, and Ihe indefatigable secretary, Mr Ken Cutfield, was an efficient M.C., and kept the ball rolling till midnight. The Monte Carlo dance was won ~bv Miss Seymour and partner, and the spot waltz by Miss Membery and partner. NOTES FROM MERGER. CHURCH FUNDS AUGMENTED. The Smithson family of entertainers, of Auckland, gave a social and dance in aid of St. Jude’s church, Mercer, which proved to be a great success. Mr Cyril Smithson’s dance band supplied tbe music. Soprano solos were rendered by Miss Eileen Smithson, baritone solos by Mr Wilfred Smithson, violin solos by Mr C. Smithson, trumpet, solos by Mr W. Elder. Mr .1. A. Smithson gave versatile numbers which were greatly appreciated by all. The Smithson trio also proved to be a delightful contribution to the, programme. The Rev. H. V. Salmon spoke very highly of the entertainment, and also thanked the ladies’ committee for their able assistance in the catering which helped to make the evening a success.

PATUMAHOE SCHOOL.

64th ANNIVERSARY

In 1870 the Mauku district was declared a school area and the Patumahoe school was opened on March 1 of that year. Mr Lawton, of Nelson, being appointed the first teacher. He was succeeded by Mr Maunder on January 20. 187. , i. The, school was held in the Mauku Presbyterian church building until 1877. when the present school was opened. Previous to 1870 a private school was conducted by a Mr Crawford'. The Patumahoe school was one of the first twenty schools opened by the Provincial Government in the Auckland district. Owing to a fire in 1873 destroying the post, office in which the Auckland hoard had its offices, early records were destroyed and information to hand has been obtained from old Government printed matter. However, records at the school are intact from 1874. Previous to this a card system was in vogue for recording the attendance of pupils and these had to he sent to the hoard in order to claim subsidy for schools. It is intended to hold a reunion and garden fete on March 1. 1934. to celebrate the 64th anniversary and the present head-teacher. Mr W. E. Johns, will he pleased to have old scholars communicate with him as soon as possible. WHANGARATA NEWS. On Tuesday, last, the Whangarata branch of the women's division held its monthly meeting, Mrs O. P. Ewing presiding. Much routine business was dealt with. The exchange table was in charge of Mrs M. Ewing and good business was recorded. The hostesses were Mesdames H. Ward and M. Ewing.

POKENO NOTES. MEETING OF RETURNED SOLDIERS. SOCIAL HOUR FOLLOWS. The quarterly meeting of the Pokeno-Mereer branch of the Franklin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held at Pokeno on Saturday last, the president, Mr S. .1. Woodcock, presiding. Over hO were present from Maramarua, Mercer, Glenbrook, Mangatawhiri and Pokeno. The president welcomed visitors and members. Christmas Treat. After lengthy discussion it was decided to hold a social and dance on November 17 to raise funds for the Christmas tree for the children. Mr Smithson kindly offered to supply the music with the Smithson family for the occasion. This offer was received with applause. All diggers wives are to he invited to supply baskets for the supper and it is hoped to be able to give a good Christmas cheer to all the children. Messrs T. Maxwell and T. Downie, of the Maramarua committee, were welcomed and they gave a report of the progress in Maramarua, stating that very keen interest was being taken. Several new members had been enrolled.

It was decided to hold monthly meetings in future, meetings to be bold alternately at Maramarua, Mangatawhiri, Pokeno and Mercer. The next meeting is to be held at Mangatawhiri The secretary was asked to write to the Franklin R.S.A. in connection with the block of land in the Papakura district, shortly to be opened for selection, urging it to use its endeavour to have returned soldiers of the Franklin district given first preference in the selection. Social Gathering. No further business being brought forward the meeting was then closed and a social hour followed. The president opened proceedings by proposing the toast of The King, followed by the toast to “Absent Comrades,” all present standing in silence as a mark of respect to their memory.

Mr Smithson ably officiated at the piano and started the social with five minutes of community singing which was thoroughly enjoyed, all the old diggers’ songs being sung. This was followed with humorous items by the secretary, Mr Cusado, of Mercer. Mr Smithson proposed the toast of the R.S.A.. and stated that, although he himself was not a digger, it gave Association Congratulated.

him very great pleasure in moving the toast. He congratulated the association on the work it was doing. Mr S. J. Woodcock replied and said he felt sure the country required the digger as much to-day as in the past. He appealed to all to keep on pulling together. If all worked as one body the organisation would make itself felt, and their troubles would be overcome.

Mr Smithson gave a musical item on the Ailean harp and was recalled for an encore. His items were highly appreciated. In proposing the toast of Imperial Units. Mr Ousado stated this was a very important toast as bad it not boon for the imperial units there would have been no R.S.A. in New Zealand. Mr 0. Rodgers replied on behalf of the Imperial Units and said he was very pleased to have the opportunity to reply, having been associated and attached to the 2nd Anzacs during the Somme and Messines engagements. 1-Ie always found the Colonial troops good pals, that being one of the reasons he decided to come and see New Zealand for himself and which he had not regretted. Mr A. Rodgers briefly replied on behalf of the Imperial forces. The toast was followed by humorous items by Mr Payne, of Mercer.

Mr G. Rodgers was called upon to honour the toast to the Royal Navy and in doing so stated that very great credit was due to the Navy for its activities in all centres during the war. in fact had it not been for the naval units there would have been a different tale to tell at the end of hostilities. This was ably replied to by Mr T. Byrne, of the Navy, who also gave seme songs which were highly appreciated. The rnll call was then made, each digger giving his name and unit, whicn showed practically every unit of the forces being present. Further items were given by Messrs A. Rodgers. T. Maxwell and N. Burk. N.Z.E.F. Toast. Air G. Rodgers proposed the toast of the New Zealand Forces and in doing so said it gave him much pleasure in moving the toast as he had had some very happy recollections of times spent with the New Zealand troops at Flers. Monlohan and many other places during the campaign. Replies wore made by Messrs T. Maxwell. Infantry Battalion: G. Woodhead. C. Halford. Divisional Signallers: N. Smith. Mounted Brigade: ,T. Long. Engineers: IT. Prafley. Rifle Brigadeand .T. King. Pioneers.

The president then prnopsed the toast to Maori veterans, and this was replied to by Mr .1. King and Air .Tohnnson. who said he was very pleased to have had the opportunity to reply to the toast. Alt’ .Tohanson stated that although his name seemed foreign, his fattier was in the Alaori war in 18F.2 and one of the first in New Zealand: also his family had lost five members

ONEWHERO NEWS. - SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL CONCERT. Voted to be the best held in the district, was the .school concert at Onewhero on Friday evening. The young people showed evidence of careful training by their teachers, Mr G. A. Gufrv and Miss Butler, and all acquitted themselves with distinction. The large audience Indicated appreciation oi each and every item in an unmistakeable manner. At the conclusion of a varied programme, the headmaster was the recipient of numerous congratulatory remarks. There was not a dull moment throughout the programme. The chairman of the school committee. Mr W. H. Pei low. expressed thanks to the teachers on behalf of the committee and parents and extended to them their heartiest congratulations. In reply. Mr Gutry thanked all who had assisted in arranging for the concert, the residents for their support. the chairman and Mrs Pellow for their help. The programme was commenced with the singing of the National Anthem. after which the following items were given :

School songs, “Thatched Cottage," “Hunting Morn,” “Sparkle of Fountain,” “The Bells” and “Trip-trip”; recitations by juniors, C. Cathcart, W. Read, B. Andrews, M. Anderson and M. Kerr: action song. “Gardeners,” junior girls: dramatisation, “Miss Nan Nockabout.” juniors: songs, “Hoea Ra” and “E Pari Ra,” M. and R. Ewe; folk dances, “Sir Rodger de Coverley” and “Jenny Pluck Pears,” juniors: song and haka. “Ringa, Ringa Pakeha,” junior Maori pupils: playette, “Packing the Suitcase,” senior girls; solo, “Lady Moon,” Margurete Murray: recitations, “Johnny Washes his Neck” and “Play the Game,” H. Crawford; action song, “Ten Little Niggers,” juniors; recitation, “The Man Who Wins,” Noel Parsons; playette, “Father Christmas, juniors: recitation, “Johnny Eats Too Much,” Bruce Andrews: recitation, “The Measure of a Man,” D. Bovill. Other Items. The items in the second half were; School songs. “Evening Scene.” “Cradle Croon.” “All Through the Night,” “The Roses Age” and “Come, Follow”; playette, ‘Johnny in Class,” seniors; recitations, “Johnny Wants a Radio” and “The Croaker," Ken Taylor; comedy, “Lustrous, the Boy Wonder,” K. Parsons (Professor Althebigblufske) and R. Biddick (Lustrous) ; song. “Mother Machree,” F. Muir: recitation, “Can You?” Ken Parsons; recitation, “Johnny Goes to Bed,” F. Muir: recitation, “Give Me,” B. Anderson; folk dances. “Sclingers Round ’ “Black Nag” and “Rufty Tufty.” senior girls: action song “Six Big Policemen.” junior boys; action song “School Books Away,” seniors: school songs, “Come O’er the Stream,” “Fairy Glade.” “A Boat, a Boat” and “Row the Boat.”

A dance took place subsequently, music being played by the local string band.

Mr F. Andrews has returned home from the Auckland hospital, where he has been a-patient for some time.

OTAUA NEWS. A SUCCESSFUL DANCE. On Saturday evening a most successful and enjoyable dance was held in the Otaua hall, there being a very large attendance, including visitors from all the surrounding districts. Mrs Goodwright’s orchestra supplied excellent music and extras were played by Misses E. Sherrard and Crighton and Air Jonathan Aliss W. West obliged with a song which was well received. The Alisscs W. Goodwright, A. Johnson, 0. Bright and 1. McDonald gave an exhibition of fancy dancing. Alisses A. Scllows and T. Burns gave an Irish jig and Misses A. Johnson, O. Bright and W. Goodwright gave a Dutch dance. An exhibition of quick step and slow waltz was given by Alss Crighton and Air Brownlee. The Alonte Carlo was won by Alias K. Miller and Air B. Wilson; Air Storey acted as M.C. The proceeds are to go towards providing medals for the Highland dancing at the Pukeoware sports. NOTES FROM BUCKLAND.

A very successful progressive pairs tourney was held on the Buckland green recently by members of the Pulcekohe and Buckland clubs who were not engaged in the Northern Waikato toui'iinmenl. Five rounds were played and resulted as follow: Alessrs Wy11101' urn] .1. Blake tied for first place with four wins each, for the skip’s prize, and the lead’s prize was won out-eight by Air J. Adams with 5 wins all being members of the Pukekohe chili and they Very generously donated their prizes to the funds of the Buckland club alter expressing their thanks for the enjoyable time provided.

in the Alanri and late wars, of which he also saw service throughout Further items were given by Alessrs Payne and Byrne, after which the president thanked all present for their atlendance and said he felt sure, now the diggers were pulling together, many such gatherings would cement the friendships made. A vote of thanks to the chair and the s.nging of “Auld Lang Syne” finished up a real diggers’ meeting.