WHAKAMARA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 28 May 1915, Page 6

WHAKAMARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

THE SCHOOL AND EMPIRE DAY

Empire Day was celebrated at the Whakamara School in a very appropriate manner. The children had prepared a very interesting patriotic programme, which included songs, recitations and a course of drilling—all excellently performed. An invitation had heen extended to the parents and settlers generally. The day was an ideal one for the occasion, and quite a large gathering availed themselves of the opportunity.; At the conclusion the National Anthem was sung, and all agreed that the children had given them an excellent entertainment.

PUBLIC HALL.

The annual meeting of the Hall Committee was held on Monday evening, when there was only a small attendance. Mr 0. Crawford occupied the chair and fully described the year's work. A balance in hand of £5 17s 7d is the financial position at present, which is very satisfactory indeed, seeing that in past years the hall accounts were generally on the wrong side of the ledger. The balance-sheet was adopted, and the following gentlemen w.ere elected a committee for the ensuing year: Messrs 0. Crawford, W. Reid, A. Potter, G. Milham, F. Milham, F. Dobson and J. R. Murch. Mr Crawford was re-elected chairman of the new ■committee, and Mr Murch treasurersecretary. In the course of, his address the chairman feelingly referred to the ab*ence of two members of the late committee—Messrs J. Catchpole and 'W. Vickery—who were now at the front fighting for King and country, and he expressed the hope that they would come back again and fill their vacant pla-ras, none the worse for having answered to their country's call in her iio'ir of need. It was good to know that from their own remote little corner of the earth-they had cent two of the»r best, who would uphold the British traditions as good as the best.

SOCIAL PARTIES

This year (said the chairman) it is proposed to hold euchre parties in conjunction with the dances, as it is hoped that this course will be beneficial, seeing that it will be catering for a wider circle than heretofore, and will bring out more patrons and consequently enable the committee to fulfil their duty m a larger measure to the public.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Service was held on Tuesday evening, when Rev. J. W. Butler conducted the service and preached a stirring 6ermon to an attentive congregation. These fortnightly services are losing none of their popularity, nor is this to be wondered at, for it would be poor return, indeed, to Mr Butler if they did, seeing that he works so untiringly and whole^ leartedly for the district. Under his control these services have done a vast amount of good socially by bringing neighbors together in a far greater degree than other meetings would do.