OPUNAKE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 July 1924, Page 3

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Oavu Correspondent.) RETURNED SOLDIERS’ BALL. The annual diggers’ ball, Avhich is one of the most popular functions of its kind held throughout the year, took place in the Town Hall on Wednesday eA’ening. This year’s function surpassed its predecessors in every way, and the A'ery large attendance of dancers had a most .enjoyable eA'ening. The hall and svipper room were tastefully decorated with nikau ferns and other evergreens, interspersed Avith numerous flags. The decorations of the tables were under the charge of Mrs P. JT. Holmes, the effect being admired by the numerous patrons. Tilt supper room arrangements were under the charge of Mrs F. Hammond, ably supported by a Avilling committee of ladies, who carried out their arduous duties with great despatch. The music was supplied by the Opuuake Orchestra, and in no smail measure added to the success of the eA'ening. Messrs H. Young and J. Munro faithfully carried out the duties of M.C.’s. Much credit is due. to Mr R. Peat, secretary of the local association, Avho was largely responsible for the organisation of the ball, and the success of the function i:j

the result of the energy displayed by him and his committee in attending to the details. The attendance was considerably in excess of the previous functions, the gross takings being over £3O. GOLF. Golf has this season taken on in Opunake. and enthusiasts may be seen at A’arious hours of the day wending their way to the links. The proximity of the links to the toAvn has no doubt helped in making it such a fa\ r onnte pastime. The strong membership has enabled the officials to make arrangements for the permanent employment of a caretaker, who is faithfully carrying- out Ills duties. On ‘Wednesday representatives of the Manaia Club played a match Avith the local team. After a A'ery close game the home team Avere victorious. EXPIRING LEASES.

The expiration of a large number of Avhat is knoAvn as the 10-vear West Coast leases took place last month. ’J he valuers for the assessment of compensation for improA'ements have in a number of cases not yet reached finality, and the delay is most disconcerting to the past lessees as well as the ualive owners, as in neither ease can they finalise their arrangements for the future. In the cases where decisions have been reached it is reported that the assessors have placed very reasonable values on the improA’ements, especially Avhere up-to-date methods of farming have been pursued. _ In a large number of cases the outgoing tenants have been in continuous occupation of the farms noAv reverting to the native owner since the opening up of these blocks of land some 40 years ago. The severing of old associations 'will no doubt prove a heartburning in many homes, and in a great many instances the reverting of these lands is going to further add to the drift from country to toAvn. TECHNICAL CLASSES. The inauguration of classes- of bookkeeping and shorthand- bv the local School Committee under the tutorship of Messrs W. Stevenson (bookkeeping) and D. Ross (shorthand) ’is meeting with much support. Classes are held bi-weekly in the schoolroom.