MANGATOKI.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVIII, Issue LXXVIII, 16 June 1919, Page 8

MANGATOKI.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WELCOME TO SOLDIERS. A welcome home social was held in i the hall on Friday evening last (June ! I'd), tne guests being jfrivates D. Johnson and H. Briscoe, Lance-Cor- ' porals H. Watts, F. Stade, D.C.M., ; C. Ball, M.M. (\Vanganui), and Corporal Skelton (New Plymouth). The gathering greeted the returned soldiers with the oid song of "Home, Sweet Home," the chairman's welcome following. In it he stated that the people of Mangatoki and district wished to give a hearty welcome to all soldiers, no matter to what district they belonged. Those at home knew the soldiers had on many occasions been in tight corners, and had acquitted themselves well. He desired to convey, the congratulations of Sir James Allen and also of the district to Lance-Cor-poral Stade, D.C.M., and also to Lance-Corporal Ball, M.M. But it was not only the duty of the residents of a place to welcome their boys; it was due to those lads that the glad hand should always be held out to them. There was not a person in the hall, youth or man, girl or woman, but would have some opportunity of helping a returned soldier, now or in after years. There were many ways of giving assistance—a good word here, a little advice there, and a helping hand where needed; all would tend to settling the boys and bring about normal conditions. Finally he repeated his welcome. Lance-Corporal Stade replied, expressing" pleasure at the welcome given thenij and .special^^thanks, to. the Ladies' Patriotic 'Carnrnjite^ for their parcels, which always seemed to arrive just when needed. . When chaps were longing for a smoke somebody would get a home parcel, and soon they would be smoking cigarettes or tasting the good things that had come from home. (Applause.) Private D. Johnson said after all there was "no place like home." He and his mates had travelled many miles, had been in the fighting^ and would not have missed the experience for worlds. All the same they were glad to get back. (Applause, followed by cheers for the boys.) The supper on this occasion was catered for by Mr Sheehy, and deserves special mention. So does the music or Mr and Mrs McCarty, who also assisted in the welcome home proceedings. Mr Bob. Lambie_ recently returned, acted as M.C., and was assisted by Mr J. MeGuinness. There was a large audience to cater for, but no strangers were wanting for partners, thanks to the energy and tact of the M.C.'s. Extras were kindly played by Misses E. Perry, E. Swindlehurst, C. Catley. and Mr Phillips. ANNUAL HALL MEETING. I must apologise. for delaying notes on the annual hall meeting, but have been absent on a short holiday. There was a fair attendance, presided over by Mr E. J. Gifford, who in opening the meeting traversed the steps that had been taken since the last public meeting upon the proposed memorial hall. Plans of two kinds were submitted, with estimates. The first, with rooms main hall 32ft x 72ft, eiderooms 14ft x 14ft, supper room 46ft x 18ft, pantry 18ft x 14ft, was estimated to cost £2500. This plan was identical with the present hall, but on a larger scale. The other was one in which the main hall 72ft x 32ft was flanked with side-rooms about 16ft wide, including ladies' and gent's dressing rooms, card room, supper room, and pantry. The estimated cost.was £2523 for concrete, £1600 (about) for wood. A discussion followed, and it was

felt that it was futile to go into the question any further until some indication was obtained of what support the! residents of 'the district intended to i give. The following resolution was carried, proposed by Mr Astbury, seconded by Mr McGuinness: "That with a view to testing public opinion | as to the desirability of erecting a Peace Memorial Hall, the Hall Committee canvass the district for subscriptions, pledging themselves to set any moneys gathered aside for that purpose, and that the Hall Committee by gift auctions, socials, or other entertainments augment this fund." I

The balance-sheet showed a turnover of £58 4s lOd, with a credit of £13 Is 6d on the year's working, which, included £11 4s lOd brought forward from 1918. The assets were valued at £416 14s.

The following committee were elected: Messrs E. J. Gifford, W. A. Curteis, Reeve, N. Linn, E. Rogers, J. Thomas, A, McCracken, and W. Lambie. At a subsequent meeting Mr Gifford was re-elected chairman, and Mr N. Linn secretary. Mr McGuinness did not desire re-election as secretary. This was regretted by Messrs Gifford and Curteis, who both spoke in appreciative terms of the work he had done during the past year, when he had proved himself suitable for the position.

A discussion followed upon the resolution passed at the annual meeting concerning subscription lists for the new hall. Messrs Curteis and Gifford were appointed a committee to deal with the matter. Messrs Lambie, McCracken, Rogers, Thomas, McGuinness, and Linn were constituted an Amusements Committee. It was decided to hold some function every week there is nothing "on" at the hall. The idea is to be tried of having a social evening, one charge only at the door, supper provided, when a euchre tournament and dance will go on simultaneously. It was also hoped to get up a few musical items. This committee is composed of young men, who are very keen, and will push things along. All funds will be put to the Memorial Hall Fund, so the Hall Committee is confidently looking for support.

THE SCHOOL. The inspection report of the local school was read at the last meeting of the school committee, and was considered good. It mentioned that the school was fortunate in possessing an efficient, zealous and hard-working staff, and that the "prefect system" was still giving every satlisfaction. The committee and head teacher and staff were commended for the upkeep of the| grounds and the improvements done during the year. The only adverse re- j marks was that attendance was satisfae-^ tory (89 per cent.) and punctuality j "fair." There -were too many late-j comers. The staff trusts the parents concerned will remedy this by sending children away so that they can be at assembly promptly at 9 o'clock. The committee decided to apply for subsidies on £32 gathered.

Petitioners in forthcoming divorce eases include the Duchess of Westminster, Lady Clifton. Also the Marchioness of Oonyngham is suing for the restitution of conjugal rights. Mr W. Whyte, who received injuries to Ms leg as the result of the accident in Union street on Saturday forenoon, was, later in the day, removed to the Hawera Hospital. Ladies , do not wear out your beautiful clothes on the old-fashioned washboard—let "No Rubbing" Laundry Help and the pure "Golden Rule" Soap do the work for you.—R. T. Bullock. w