Out And About In The North

Northern Advocate, 27 February 1941, Page 2

Out And About In The North

Kaitaia The competition for a dressed doll at the Anglican Dahlia Show on Friday was won by Miss Nyr,a Switzer, of Takahue, and a competition for fruit cake was won by Miss Helen Murdock, of Kaitaia.

Russell Russell women collected much in the way of clothing and some food for the unfortunate Maoris who were burned out of their camp and possessions. So great was the fire that the axes used for the job were rendered useless by the burning of the handles. It appears that the sudden death of the chief of their tribe —an elderly stalwart, Tene Hei Hei—occasioned the temporary absence of the party, and it was on the return of the mourners that the loss was discovered. Mr C. Apiata had returned earlier, and, finding the place in flames, attempted to fight them, but was nearly overcome and had to save himself. Russell women members of the auxiliary service merited the praise of onlookers for their splendid marching on parade night. Over 40 were taking part and, it being their first attempt, they did remarkably well.

Ruakaka A combined meeting of the Patriotic and Emergency Precautions committees was held in the school at Ruakaka. The patriotic meeting was held first with Mr. J. Crompton in the chair. Mr. Crompton personally thanked canvassers for subscriptions in the last drive, and said the result of over £lOl was a striking testimony to the generosity of the people in the combined districts. A letter of congratulation from headquarters was read. After some discussion it was decided to take over the patriotic stall in Whangarei on May 9th. Apparently the names of one or two donors to the patriotic subscription list were subject to “printer’s error,” and a / letter of apology is to be sent to Messrs Mrsich and G. Johns for the errors in the publication of subscriber’s names.

Ruakaka Emergency Precautions,

Immediately following the patriotic meeting, the Emergency Precautions Sub-Committees met, the area controller, Mr. Jim Sloane, being in the chair. Mr. Sloane welcomed Mr. C. D. Neale O.C. of the local Home Guard platoon, who had associated with him Mr. W. I> Murray, secretary of the unit. At the start, Mr. Neaie made it perfectly clear.Ahat the Ruakaka unit had now T become part of a company including Waipu and Mangapai, with Mr. S. B. Dunn, of Waipu, as Company Commander, so that whilst he, Mr. Neale, could and was prepared to pass on suggestions to his company commander, he wanted the meeting to realise that as a unit the Ruakaka platoon must work with the rest of the company from now on. Orders would automatically come from Mr. Dunn, or through Mr. Dunn from headquarters. Certain combined manoeuvres could be worked between the Home Guard and E.P.S., and he did not doubt that authority would readily be forthcoming for “stunts,” proposed to be arranged.

Mr. Flyger reported that he had linked up with the “Hill Billies,” Independent Mounted Rifles, and Mr. Fred Tebbutt was recommended and is to be approached to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Flyger’s resignation.