WAITANGURU.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 582, 5 July 1913, Page 5

WAITANGURU.

Own Correspondent.

Of all the reminiscences recordei ! throughout the annals of our district' history, 1 venture to assert there i perhaps none that occupies such a pro minent position in the minds of thi residents of this district at presen (nor will do in years to come) as thi remembrance of the achievements o Thursday, June 26th, and the socia conditions which attended that memor able occasion. Though they )ccupi but a small fractional area of tht globe, and Waitanguru inhabitants an but an infinitesimal portion of thi world's population, they neverthelesi bear an equal share of responsibilitj compared with the remainder of tht teeming millions. They have a wort to perform, brimful of importance, and the following account of Jun< 26th work will suffice to make obvious that they are adopting sound and sensible measures in the execution oi their share. It was proposed by Mr H. Lowry to organise a "working bee," on the dav in question for the purpose of straightening the running track and thus effect improvements generally to, the "domain." A track had previously been made by voluntary assistance from the settlers, but this "bee" was called to straighten it, and it was to be utilised by the children for picnics, etc. However, the track has reached such an advanced stage that the settlers have the project in view, that by a little more labour they hope to possess a course that will entitle them to hold an athletic meeting. Very early the district was aqtir and shortly after 10 o'clock about twenty able-bodied men had gathered to do their share gratis, for the welfare of the juveniles and the district generally. The foreman, MrH . Lowry laid out his plans, before Mr Buckley, who was in charge of the logging-up gang, and Mr Barrett in charge of the excavation gang. But a very short period had elapsed before work had beaun in real earnest. Large heaps of wood were soon in evidence, huge logs being handed as though they were mere sticks. As soon as a small clearance had been made, Mr Bert Armstrong, ploughman, and Mr Andresen, driver; and Messrs Joe and Claude Armstrong, in charge of the acoop, proceeded with their teams. Mr Buckley, in charge, and Messrs G. Dew, V. Jackson, E. Larson, J. Richardson, W. Jones, D. Prederickson, and T. Denison, continued with the logging up; while Messrs Barrett, in charge, N. Thomas, C. Thrush, T. Cooper, Thorns, Cranson and W. Thrush worked hard at excavation work. While all were busily engaged in their work, Mr Buckley announced that dinner was ready, and there waß a ready respose to his invitation. It is perhaps necessary to say that the "busy bees' did full justice to the good things provided, especially the "second course." They were not subjected to "long waits" for anything, for the manner in which Mesdames Armstroig (2), Cranson, Dew, Thorns, Barrett, and Miss D. Armstrong, catered for the wants of all present, was admirable, and would be difficult to surpass. The scene of labour was again visited and once more great interest was evinced in the work. Roots were being torn up, logs foiled, plough and scoop were hard at it, and the hand cart of the excavtors was subjected to a brisk trade. All was an animated scene. After working a further couple of hours a Company in white met the gaze of all. These were the ladies, each struggling under a load of good things, which were to compose afternoon tea. Work again ceased and once more attention was directed to sampling the pastry. Hunger again being appeasd, work was resumed until dusk began to dispel the light of day, and the labours of the day terminated. The foreman expressed great satisfaction at the results accomplished, and calculated the cost of work done at approximately £2O. This speaks volume i for the district and for the sociability of the people as a whole, and only proves what a combination of people, wholly averse to party affairs can achieve. To wind up the day a dance had been organised to eventuate in the hall. About forty people Were present, and about fourteen couples took the floor. The first dance was proclaimed about 7.30 p.m. and dancing which was entered into With much enthusiasm continued, the first interval taking place about 10 o'clock. Again the generosity ot the ladies was apparent, for then.a bounteous supper was provided. After supper Mr H. Lowry, on behalf of the "worinkg bees," thanked the ladles for their hospitality and pronounced that, like on all other occasions, they were largely responsible for the successes attained. His words were whole-heartedly endowed with much acclamation bv all the men present. Dancing was again resumed with unabated vigour, and the dancers continued to "trip the light fantatsic till the "wee sma' 'ours of the mornin'." Mr Buckley acted aB M.C., and carried cut his duties very efficiently. Songs interspersed the dances, vocal items being contributed by MeßMs F. Cline, C. Thrush and T. Denison, and were all well received, Accordeon music was supplied for the dances by i Messrs Ar.dresen and Larson, while i Mr C. Thrush played extras, all > players giving complete satisfaction. The company dispersed about 1.3(1 i a.m., and thus ended a profitable ! and no les3. enjoyable day.