Palmerston Doings.

Free Lance, Volume XVIII, Issue 975, 20 March 1919, Page 9

Palmerston Doings.

Dear Christ Abel, — IT is just a year, since that startling phenomenon which resolved itself into a cyclone and bushfire and devastated Raetihi. It was a memorable day here, the mid-day darkness and lurid glare striking terror into more than the timid. That night St. ' Patrick's concert was'held. We are hoping, for more favourable circumstances this year. Miss Teresa McEnroe, of "Wellington, and Mi- Burke, of Auckland, are the vi siting stars. . , The Sisters of Compassion have been in town on their annual visit to gather donations towards the- upkeep of their. Orphanage and Home for' Incurables in Wellington.

Mr and Mrs Alison Greig were in town last week. They were motoring "back ,to Whitecliffs, New Plymouth, - after a honeymoon spent in the South Island. ■ ■•'.■•■■#..'■'.*• * "* ' ■ The Chautaqua has been, and gone, Before departing they succeeded in obtaining thirty guarantors for next year, but not all the same ones as this yeal. It is stated that there was a good-sized deficit here, but owing to the fact that the Chautaqua promoters did not keep their part of the bargain, but opened .in the Zealandia Hall, a building which : is closed all the year, and not in a tent centrally situated and advertised as .agreed, many are wondering if they can enforce the" agreement. .':. ■ •■■■ * •'■ * *■'.'■■*". Rev. A. Ashcroft, secretary of the Methodist Conference, has 'returned home: , : * •• * * # : Private. Vernon Hay don of the Medical Corps, .a local journalist-before the war, Was in Walton-on-Thames when the last mail left, suffering from an attack consequent on being gassed in France last year. He had just completed 'a fortnight's tour of England and Scotland, during which, at a way- ; side station, he saw Sister. Brandon, at one -time well-known in Wellington press circles.

• News has been received that Lieut. E. D. Warburton, son of Mr and Mrs Elliot Warburton, is in hospital in England seriously ill with influenza.

On Saturday night about. fourteen men who arrived by the Hororata returned .to Palmerston. The station was crowded, band playing, cheering and an enthusiastic welcome being accorded these veteran heroes.

Mrs. Harold; Abraham, of Stratford, lias been staying here with relations. . ■■ ' ■• -■ --■ Mr, Mrs GifforcUMoore are spending a holiday in Napier. Mrs Sutton, .of Feilding, and her small twins, Peter and Paul, are visiting Palmerston. They are relations of Dr and Mrs Hooper.. * ..'..*■■ * ■ ■ * A new "sawbones" arrives.', in our midst, Dr. Willis. He has taken up his residence in Dr. Greig's hotise, in Broad street. Dr. and Mrs Greig are not leaving town, but will remove to a less busy street. ■ ■. * . ■ * '*.■•" * Mr and Mrs Louis Griffiths were in town staying with Mrs Griffiths' sister, Mrs B. L. Broad. The Griffiths are on their way back to Blenheim, after having resided in Taurano;a for some time. Mrs Waddy has also returned with them. AWAPTTNI.