APITI NOTES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14199, 26 August 1919, Page 2

APITI NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Between 4 and 5 o ’clock on Friday morning the block of buildings occupied by Mr Jas. Porter as a general store was completely destroyed by fire, only the books from the office of the building being saved. Although the stock was insured, Mr Porter must be a heavy loser as he was carrying a large stock at the time. The public library, containing about 1200 books, which is run in conjunction with the store, was also completely destroyed; on which there was a small insurance. The buildings were the most conspicuous in Apiti, covering nearly a quarter of an acre. Mr Porter intends opening in temporary premises as soon as stocks come to hand, and hopes to be in full swing again during the week. On Friday night last Mr Wm. McKay’s little daughter Jean, aged 10 years, died of diphtheria after a short illness, having been at school only a few days before. Great sympathy will be felt for the bereaved family throughout this district. The funeral, which was largely attended by residents of the district, took place on Sunday morning at the Apiti cemetery, the service at the grave being conducted by the Rev, W. Kearney, of the Presbyterian Church. Mild spring weather has prevailed throughout the greater part of the past week and in consequence the young grass is shooting up very fast, and ore long there will be plenty of feed about again. The "local butter factory recommenced the season’s operations from Monday last.. The children of the Presbyterian Church held a successful concert and sale of work in the Public Hall on Friday last, the following contributing items: —Violin solos, Mrs Cullen; songs, Sunday School children; recitations, Faith Rankin, Ida Malcolm and Master George dialogue, Masters R. Morrison and Petersen; duet, Misses D. and I. Malcolm; solo, Mr Cullen. Rev. W. Kearney, who acted as chairman, called on the Rev. D. Martin, superintendent of the Sunday School, to present the prizes won during the year. The sale was then held and the mission work for which the function was held, will benefit accordingly. Master George Cowan, who is attending Wellington College, is at present homo on holidays. A fair number of spectators turned out to see the final game between the Apiti and Kimboltou senior fifteens, which took place in Mr Watson’s paddeck on Saturday last. Kimboltou were not up to their usual strength and in consequence the local lads had an easy win, the final scores being Apiti 14— trios by D. Forbes, A. Dick, M. Watersen and J. Boddy, one being converted by T. Nix —to 5, a try by M. Nesdale converted by F. (Nesdale. The local team entertained the visitors at the Apiti Hotel in the evening. Mr A, Moycs, son., ably controlled the game. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Apiti Lodge, 1.0.0.F.M.U., was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday night last, Bro. C. E. Smith, N.G., presiding. Two new members were admitted to the order and one proposed for membership. The Apiti Rifle .Club sent a team to Ohingaiti on Saturday last, there being a return triangle shooting match between Rangiwahia and the local team. After keen shooting, Rangiwahia again turned out victors, with the local Club in their usual position, third. A match between the Apiti Club and the returned soldiers is being spoken of here. A welcome-home reception is to bo tendered Trooper Dick Brough, C. Halls, C. Buckman, C. Bainbridge, J. Purnell, A. E. Payton, Chcyne and Romlry in the Public Hall on Friday next, when the local Amateur Theatrical Society will stage ‘‘l’ll Write to the ‘Times’.” The following is the cast; Sir Harry Harford, Mr L. F, Vail; Hon. Henry Huntley (his friend), Mr N. S. McLeod; Mr Block (a “Times” correspondent), Mr Ivo. Oummerficld; Maria Bland (his nciee), Miss Ida Guinmcrfleld; Hon Mrs H. Huntly, Miss E. Osborne; Jane (a servant), Miss D. McMullan; cabman and paper-boy, There will bo the usual dance to follow.