OHAKEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 15, 15 December 1937, Page 30

OHAKEA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) OHAKBA, Dec. 13. Friday evening was an eventful time for the children of the district, when a Christmas party was given by the Ohakea Women’s Institute. There was a largo crowd present and most of the children were in fancy costume, thus adding to the gaiety of the scene. A largo Christmas tree laden with presents occupied the centre of the floor and with the arrival of Father Christinas these were _ distributed to all the children. Special presentations to mark the members’ appreciation of the work of the president , (Mrs B. Frecklington) and vice-president (Mrs W. Robinson) wore made. A short programme of folk dances was given by the children, these being Captain Jinks, Lithuanian Folk Dance, Toast to King Gustav. The Grand March was well done and the rest of the evening was passed with ballroom dances. In conjunction with the function the opportunity was taken to tender a gift evening to Miss Edna Simpson, who is shortly to be married. A large number of beautiful presents wero given and these were handed to Miss Simpson by Mrs Frecklington. Miss Simpson briefly' thanked the Institute members for their kindness and those present for the large number of presents. Mrs L. Sadler and her daughter Lorna met with an unsual and painful accident at the week-end, when a needle held by tho latter was accidentally driven in to Mrs Sadler’s hand. Medical attention was necessary to locate and remove the needle, after which it was discovered that the other half was ombedded in her dauglitcr’s hand, and this also had to be re» moved. , . The members of tho Foil ding Salvation Army Band visited the district and rendered programmes of carols. Afternoon tea was served on the lawn at the residence of Mr and Mrs H. Masters. Mr H. Redpatli loft, on Saturday for Auckland, where his mother is very seriously ill.

Weather records for November kept At tho school were as follow: Average barometric pressure, 29.57 in; average temperaturo,_ 60.8 degrees; total rainfall, 1.28 in. An indication of tho extent of the rocont dry spell can bo obtained from the rainfall for September, October and November for the past few years as follows: 1932, 3.78 in; 1933, 7.5 in; 1934, 6.98 in; 1935, 8.82 in; 1936, 7.82 in; 1937 , 3.5 in. Beneficial rains fell early in the week and farm crops and gardens which were in need of moisture have benefited considerably. A surprise party was tendered . Miss Joyce McKinnon to mark her coming-of-ago. A pleasant evening was spent with games and music. Some twenty persons were present, and the guest was the recipient of many beautiful gifts and several congratulatory’telegrams She was also presented with a beautiful bouquet at supper time. The toast of tho “Guest of tho Evening” was proposed by Mr B. Frecklington, who extended best wishes for her futuro happiness- Mr D. Capstick conveyed the thanks of those present o Mr and Mrs McKinnon for thoir hospitality.