DISTRICT NEWS.

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Own correspondent.)

NGUNGURU.

A valedictory social was held in the public hall on Friday in honour of Mr aand Mrs Miller, to bid them farewell and express regret at their leaving the district. There was a large and representative gathering, and many good things were said in the speeches made. Mr Miller was presented with a parcel of cutlery from his friends, by Mr Currey, who in a brief speech eulogised the efforts of their guest in promoting social functions and the furtherance of sport, and wished him good luck in his future ventures. Dancing was indulged in with great spirit. The music was provided by Messrs W. and H. Armitage and K. Gilbert. A dainty variety of refreshments was handed round, amd a most enjoyable evening spent.

| Mr Miller, who is leaving the district for Auckland, has resided here for eight years, and during that time held the license of the Ngunguru Hotel. He was quite a young man, newly married, whn he first came, and has since become the father of four. His wife, though of a retiring disposition, by her many kindnesses gained the respect of all. Mr Miller was ever to the fore and most energetic in matters pertaining to the advancement of the district. As a sport he was unrivalled. He worked hard for the success of our race meetings until tho great war broke out, when racing ceased as far as Ngunguru was concerned. He then started a sports club with great success. The meetings have been held annually ever since, chopping, sawing, running and many other events being included in the programmes. They have been a source of pleasure to the settlers, bringing together many who had not met for months,, to exchange ideas and chat about matters of general interest. The women folk were always present in great numbers, adding to the pleasure of tho scene by their varied costumes and merry laughter. Mr Miller, finding the hotel business not altogether a paying one", took a contract from Parker, Lamb and Co., and for the last two years has been rafting logs down the river with the aid of his motor launch, his wife managing the hotel meanwhile. He was a hard-working and energetic man, ever ready to assist any deserving cause, a good neighbour and esteemed by everyone. He will be greatly missed and we wish him success in whatever walk of life his energy may lead j to. Good luck!

The annual meeting of householders on Monday, to elect a committee, met with the usual response. It is surprising and regrettable how little interest is taken by the parents in respect to the school and their children's education. They send them to school to get them out of the way, and that is all they care. Tutukaka did better —held a meeting and elected a committee, viz.:—Messrs T. Eadmington (chairman), 0. Grant, J. Snell, E. Pullman, and Mrs Langman. The Ist of May did not awake the echoes with a fusillade, though birds are numerous and the weather fine. Mis Tattley arrived on Tuesday.