WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 17 June 1915, Page 5

WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND

WELL DONE, AUROA!

A GENEROUS RESPONSE

"The people of Auroa have responded most generously, and I am proud to be amongst them to assist in some small way this woi-thy object," said Mr R. Morrissey at the conclusion of the gift auction at the Auroa fete yesterday. And Mr Morrissey merely gave expression to a plain fact—for the Auroa people did respond most generously, both in labor and in money, to the fund now being organised to help those who have been wounded in the Empire's great battles. The president of the Aurba Committee/ \Mr R, W. J. McNeill), the hon. secretary (Mr D. Penny), and in fact all the committee, ladies and gentlemen, worked hard and ungrudgingly to make the function a big success. Settlers all around had been generous, too,, in their gifts for the auction sale, and nearly everyone, managed to send something, and a very goodly collection was made up for Mr Morrissey to quit in his own inimitable style. There were heifers and pigs, ducks and poultry, hams, cases of fruit; a 501b box of butter, cats, cattle and sporting dogs, Maori axes, table centres, and numerous other articles. The donors of these included Mesdames Vooght, Evans, Hitchcock, and King, Miss McLoughlin, Messrs W. A. Watson, Ogle, Campbell Ward, Hudson, Langton, Gargon, McPhillips, Raweliffe, Smart, P. Hughes, Jos. McCarty, W. McCarty, Johnstone, Penny, Bowie, C. and W. J. Bradford, ODea, R. Lambie, and others . whose names we were not able to obtain. An. Italian flag; beautifully worked in satin; by <Mrs ; and presented ty Mrti'Rawcliffe 'a^ was generously, bid for. Mr Ditiy of 'Otakeho, purc^sed it fbtir * times for £1 each time, and Messrs Tremain, A. C. Johnstone, Jos. McCarty, Palfrey, J. Duggan, and A. T. Schmkel twice each. Other purchasers at % 20s each included Messrs Duff, Davidson, A. Bowie S Hair, S. Hall, C. H. Walker (Star), M. Julian, Murray, Cruickshank, F. J. Jackson," Roberta son, J. Patterson, Muggeridge, Ridd.ck, Faulkner, J. Bradford, R W J. McNeill, Raweliffe, Anon, Russell, Bowman, ,Vance, Hoop, and Morton. Miss Campbell 30s, Mr MeCaul 15s, Messrs R. McNeill, Meharrv A Brown, C. Brown, Kersell; L. Palfrey, W. J. Bradford, J. McCarty, Parkes/ A. C. Johnstone, Duff, Robertson, Watson, Wallace, Ross, and Miss Hooper 10s were also purchasers of the flag. ,

The total amount realised at the sale was £188. The "Palace of Justice" realised twenty-one guineas, and the office of "His Worship" was ably filled by Mr J. R. Russell, of Manaia, who showed a "fine" conception of the art of tempering justice with mercy. Mr H. W. J. McNeill, as chief constable, assisted by Mr Hyndman, of Manaia, and a big'burly Maori, were very expert in..effecting many arrests. The tea room considerably augmented the funds, and the several ladies, who had charge of this worked hard all day long, and deserve the *best thanks of the community for their generous _ efforts in the great cause. • A SDecial wo,rd of thanks is due to Mr Dill, of Otakeho. Not only did he purchase the Italian flag four times over, but he also gave a SDecial three guinea donation and supplied all the meat required for the sandwiches at the tea, and luncheon booth free of charge. Such public spiritedness must command admiration and remind many others of^ what they could and should do for those who are fighting, their country's battles. ..'■■.• The weather fortunately held off very well, and although * the attendance was fair, the committee were disappointed that many well-to-do settlers whom they expected* to see at the function, and who were in a position to help along the movement, were not present. Doubtless-.- there were good reasons for their absence, and we have no doubt also that/they will do theirshare loyally and generously, if indeed they, have not already done,so. The novelty sports programme proved x very interesting, and -she events re^*suited as follows:—Menagerie Race> E. Snelling's entry, McGall "and Co.'SF 2. Novice Horse Jumn: J. Joyce 1, J. McCarty 2, J. Claque 3." Best School Pony: J. Patterson 1, J. McCarty 2, C. Benton 3. Human Wheelbarrow Race: Hughes and Evans 1, Cameron and Clarke 2. Ladies' Driving Competition: Me^dames Rawcliffe and McNeill. Paced Horse Race (walk, trot and gallop): J. King 1, McGall 2. Ladies' Three-legged Race: Mesdames Penny and Parker 1. Tug-of-war: Auroa 2 wins, The World 1 win. ' The following is an approximate estimate of the day's receipts: t £ s. d. Auction . sales, including sale of Italian flag (£52 ss), sale of do^ (£l3), 5: and sale of baskets at - social (£l9 2s 6d) 188 8 0 Gates ... 15 4 o Mock Trial .... ... ... 25 0 0 Subscriptions 46 2 6 Afternoon Teas 4 9 9 Competitions 6 4 0 Lolly Stall ] 3 5 6 Buttonholes 0 18 9 Social —takings at door ... 10 13 6 £300 6 0

As other amounts have still to be added to the above, and the. expenses are very small, the committee hooe to show a net profit of over £300.< The basket social in the evening was a great success and a most enjoyable affair. The baskets containing supper were disposed of by auction. They were keenly comoeted for and caused a lot <rf amusement. The highest price paid for a basket was 325. Dnncin^ was kept up to the wee sma' hours, everyone present appearing to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The gool folks of 'Auroa are to be complimented on their fine effort and for the generous manner in which they one and all resoonded to the calls for this worthy and deserving cause. * &