KAITAIA

Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936, Page 2

KAITAIA

PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs E. PaiTcer, accompanied by their son ai.d daughter, Charles and Mary, have returned to Kaitaia after holidaying in Auckland. Mr M Crene. of Awanui Road, is spending a holiday ai Kaikohe. RUSSELL LATEST C VTCHES IN THE BAY. A great thrill was experienced by Mr. G. L Schroder, of Kerikeri. Bay of Islands, fishing from the launch “Valhalla.” when he landed the first

black marlin to be caught in the bay this season. The fish, of 6421b5. weight, for the first few minutes put up a magnificent display of leaping, taking out over 400 yards of line. In the effort to check him, the harness broke and. the rod cracked, necessitating temporary repairs being carried out during the fight. After U hours the fish was successfully gaffed, and was found to be only foul-hooked in the back, the hook falling out as the fish was pulled aboard. Mr. Schroder, who has fished from Oteihei Camp for the past two years, is immensely pleased at his success. Other catches this week are:—Mr. E. C. Blomfield, of Auckland, fishing from “Katherine B,” a mako shark, 2491b5.; Mr. H. White-Wickham, of London, from the “Ozone,” a striped marlin. 2661b5., and a reremai of 270 lbs.; Mr. C. Alma Baker, of Malay States, from “Reliance,” a striped marlin, 2401b5.; Mrs. C. Larkin, of Russell, from “Rosemary,” a fine striped marlin of 2901b5. LAUNCHMEN’S ASSOCIATION.

A very interesting meeting of launchmen was held in the Swordfish Clubroom on January 30th to consider a scale of charges and matters pertaining to launch traffic. A scale of charges prepared by the harbourmaster was adopted, and is to be submitted to the harbour board, with the request that they become a board by-law with a penalty of £lO for a breach. It was unanimously agreed that the control of traffic and ballot for loading from railway excursions be left in the hands of the harbour board official.

Mr. T. Hewitt was appointed a delegate from the Association to attend the next meeting of the harbour board. A vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, Mr. Gibbs. TENNIS TOURNAMENT. A very successful combined doubles tournament was held on Anniversary Day, when 24 players, including visitors from Auckland and other parts, competed. Mr. A. H. Hitchcock, of Russell, and Miss McClymont, of Auckland, were the winners, defeating J. Kivers, of Russell, and Mrs. Redpath, of Auckland, in the final 7-2. Afternon tea was dispensed by the lady members and at the close of the match Mr. B. Bisset presented trophies to the winners.

YOUTH’S LONG SWIM. On January 30th Charles Baker, 15-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Baker, of Russell, accomplished the feat of swimming from Russell to Paihia and returning at once, a distance of over four miles. Charles made the attempt on two previous occasions, reaching Paihia, but was prevented from returning owing to the presence of sharks in the water. A few years ago Miss Joan Strawbridge attempted the swim, reaching Paihia, but not returning on account of sharks. Charles Baker found the return swim • very difficult on account of the strong current, and was forced well off his course. He was given refreshments at intervals, and is none the worse for four hours continuous swimming.

MATAKOHE One of the largest gatherings seen for many years congregated in the Matakohe Hall on Thursday evening to bid farewell to Mrs Frank Metcalfe, who, after residing in Matakohe for the past twenty years, is leaving very

shortly to make her home in Auck land. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates anc Mrs Coates were among those present Dancing to music provided voluntarily by the Matakohe Orchestra, assisted by several local musicians, comprised the bulk of the entertainment, while the items rendered by the following artists proved popular with the appreciative audience:—Miss T. Smith, Mrs Peake, Mr Peake, Mr G. Smith, junr., and Miss Pensen (songs), and G. Smith (recitation). In presenting Mrs Metcalfe with a travelling rug, on behalf of the residents of Matakohe and the surrounding district, Mr Coates said that during her sojourn in their midst, Mrs Metcalfe had earned the respect and admiration of all who knew her, and the gap in the social and sporting activities of the district caused by her departure would be hard to fill. Her activities in connection with the local troop of Girl Guides would always be remembered with gratitude by those associated with the movement, and the enthusiasm displayed by the members of the troop was a tribute to her organising ability and character.

Speaking on behalf of the Matakohe Tennis Club, Mr J. Sterling said that their guest had proved an enthusiastic secretary, and the club would be the poorer by her departure. In Mrs Metcalfe, the district had a resident who was always to the fore in every moveI ment for the good of the community, and in asking her to accept a case of fish-knives and forks from the mem--1 bers of the club, Mr Sterling said that the gift was only a slight token of the esteem in which they would always hold their late secretary. Mrs J. Deeming, in presenting Mrs Metcalfe with a crystal salad bowl on behalf of the Matakohe Women’s Institute, said that the local institute was losing one of its most valuable members, and the district one of its most respected residents. Mrs Metcalfe, who was accorded musical honours, suitably responded. Supper served by a committee of ladies, concluded an enjoyable gathering.