MANGATOKI.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 5 June 1919, Page 8

MANGATOKI.

—4 (From Our Owu Correspondent.) SURPRISE PARTY. A surprise party was held at Mr and Mrs A. Corkill's residence on Stuart road, at which a presentation was made to 'Mr J. Forbes, who is leaving the position of toll-gatekeeper to take up farming near Normanby. Mr D. L. Astbury, in making the presentation of a handsome Morris chair, referred to the fact that Mr Forbes had faithfully fulfilled his dutoes for over 10- years, and though, it was his office to be always collecting money from people, "he nevertheless had many friends who had gathered that evening to bid him au revoir and best wishes for success in his new venture. His well-wishers thought that as he had for many years been unable, through the nature of his duties, to enjoy the comfort °f an easy chair, he "would appreciate their gift, and when sitting before hiis fire on these long winter evenings^ would no doubt think of the long years he had at the Efthara toll-gate and of the -friends he had left behind. (Applause). - Mr MoGrUinness also spoke as a councillor of the efficient services of Mr Forbes, who in te n years had not once had a complaint against him, Mr Forbes, who was taken completely by surprise, could only express hie thanks, and. said that he had only done his duty. He would treasure their gift. He in his turn, thanked all those who, in many F^jfs- had been kind to him. With' garnet, "music anu the company present whiled away a pleasant evening, and concluded by a hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Grifford, id the host and hostess, and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. FAREWELL GATHERING. On Friday evening last a farewell was given by the residents of Duthie road and others to Mr and Mrs H. Thrush and Mi* and Mrs J. Magjill. Mr C. Nicholas spoke in appreciative terms of the value of their guests as neighbors, and presented each with a travelling rug. Miss Pollock, for being so helpful, and always willing to do a good turn, was presented by Mesdames Nicholas and Thrush with a gold brooch. The recipients suitably replied, and were accorded musical honors. The evening was spent ih the usual way —games, music, etc., and broke up in the early hours of next day. FOOTBALL AND HOCKEY. Mangatoki played a football match against Kaponga, at Mangatoki on Friday afternoon, and were beaten by a large margin (27 to nil). The visitors had a superior knowledge of the game, and were heavier than the local boys, who, however, have made up their minds to practice and do better next time. The visitors were entertained by the local scholars, and Mr Lyall, headmaster at Kaponga, in a few appropriate remarks, thanked them on behalf of his team. , : On King's Birthday Mangatoki journeyed to Kaponga and played a hardfought game of hockey. Both teams were very evenly matched, and proved no mean exponents of the game;. Excitement ran very high, as at two differout stages, two all, and three all, it was a drawn game. Kaponga, however, two minutes before time shot a fourth goal, and as there was no further score the game was won by Kaponga by 4 goals to 3. Mr Abbot made an imparts al refereo. Mangatoki were afterwards entertained by the ladies and scholars. Mr Curteis, headmaster, in returning thanks, spoke of the game as being one of the hardest he had witnessed for some years but he was pleased that it was played in a sportsmanlike spirit. Ke could congratulate Kaponga on their win, and both teams on their play especially on the fact that the players kopt their places. Many old players from both schools were tnat day playing; in Hawera, which showed that the school was the nursery for all games It iji intended to play a return match betovo the end of the season. THE HALL QUESTION. 'ili is evening (Thursday) at the annual meeting of the Hall Committee, it is intended to again bring before the public the question of the proposed hall ll is hoped that there will be a good meeting, and tha^ a strong committee :>t representative citizens will be formed rind jhat a progressive policy be adopted. ISo doubt it has been noted that the lifting had been postponed twice un:M to-night. This was because of the i-apakalrura concert in Eltham, and u-o because of other functions being !•■!'•. which would have prevented the !ii"':c from attending.