TE ARAKURA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 218, 13 August 1940, Page 5

TE ARAKURA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) TE ARAKURA, Aug. 12.

The To Arakura Hall was taxed to overflowing when relatives and friends gathered to honour the following men who have been in training with tho Third Echelon: Sergeant A. Lewis., Corporal B. Royal and Privato C. Firth. The hall and stage were fittingly decorated. The music for- dancing was supplied by a professional orchestra, and Mr Bradley and Mr 'l'. Lawton were the M.C.’s. The following contributed items between the dances: Mrs Waka, Miss M. Hume, Messrs A. Lawton, I. Lawton, W. Kingi, Kahrehana and 11. Simeon. The three men in uniform were asked to lake their seats on the stage, with Mr J. J. Hume, Mr Mason Durio, and Mr Allen, and were warmly welcomed. Mr Hume, chairman of tho Patriotic Committee, ex-! pressed ploasuro at seeing such a large and representative gathering present to join in honouring the throe local boys who had answered their country’s rail. Mi- Allen, on behalf of tho Feilding Returned Soldiers’ Association, explained tho work the R.S.A. was doing and how it was endeavouring to do its utmost for the men on their return. Mr Allen, on behalf of the Mayor and the Feilding Patriotic Committee, presented Sergeant Lewis with a wallet with a 10s note enclosed, with the committee’s best wishes. Mr Mason Durio, a member of the local Patriotic Committee, spoke on behalf of the Maori race and stated they were all proud of the men who had already gone overseas to stand side by side with their pakeha friends, and now they were just as proud of those boys of the Third Echelon. On behalf of the residents of the district be presented Scregant Lewis and Corporal Royal with a wristlet watch each, and concluded by wishing them the best of luck. Mr Hume finally presented Private Firth with a' shaving outfit and money belt. Private Firth is the son of a returned soldier, and is tho first pakeha boy to be farowellcd from this district. Sergeant Lewis, on behalf of Corporal Royal and himself expressed thanks, as did Private Firth. Mrs W. E. Thomas, on behalf of the committee, presented the mother of each of the boys with a shoulder spray. A spray was also presented to the newly wed wife of Sergeant Lewis. Hakas and Maori action songs added to the entertainment.

The Kauwhata Women’s Institute cole brated their first birthday anniversary with a social and dance in the To Arakura Hall. Music for the dancing was provided by a professional orchestra. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr H. To Oka. Tho dancing was interspersed with items by Mrs Waka with Mr Larkin at (he piano. Mr I. Lawton, and members of the institute. A euchre tournament was held in the supper room. the. winners being: Mrs To Oka 1, Mrs Butler and Mrs Ward equal 2; Mr T. Cribb 1. Mr A. To Oka 2. Mrs Poananga, president of the institute, expressed appreciation cf the excellent attendance. Tho institute’s membership numbered 30. An apology and birthday greetings were received from Miss Grant, president of tho Manawatu Federation, and Mrs Whisker, president of tho To Arakura Women’s Institute. Mrs Poananga called upon the oldest member. Mrs Wereta, to light tho randle. after which the youngest member. Miss Rewa Brown extinguished it. Mrs Haythornc, president of tho Awahuri Institute, extended birthday greetings. Mrs Thomas, on behalf cf the members -of the To Arakura Institute, extended greetings and congratulated the Maori institute on their excellent, progress. Mrs Havthorne and Mrs Thomas wore asked to cut tho rake, which had been made and iced by Mrs Havthorno and presented to the institute. Mrs Poananga presented the members with their prizes: Highest points for tho year, Mrs. Knowles; most entries in competitions, Mrs Dixon; special prizes donated by Mrs Haythornc were won by Mrs Hynes and Mrs Te Oka. Tho winner of the fireside stool competition was Mrs Tapone. Mrs Poananga was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Miss Trcmbath. Novelty dances were won by Mrs Waka and partner, and Miss J. Tantrum and Mr Wallace. .