OKAIHAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10454, 28 May 1897, Page 6

OKAIHAD.

A farewell party to the Misses Fraser was given by the young ladies of Okaihau on the 12th May in the Victoria Hall, The dancing was excellently managed by Mr. Buchanan (M.C.) At eleven o'clock preparations were made for refreshments, which were served by the Misses E. Cook, H. and J. McKenzie, and C. Connolly, assisted by Messrs. C. Michie, Buchanan, and R. Anderson. Mr. C. Michie, who provided the music, distinguished himself in all matters in trying to make the entertainment a success. The dancing closed at one o'clock, when all were pleased with the evening's enjoyment, joined hands and sang " Auld Lang Syne." The honours for belle of the ball were equally divided between the Misses A. McKenzie and E. Cook.—|A Correspondent.!

AWITU. A most enjoyable concert, interspersed with reading and recitations, was held on the 21st May in the Central school. The object of the concert was to raise funds to assist the sufferers of the Hawke's Bay disaster, and the sum taken on the occasion was nearly £5. I noticed visitors from all the surrounding districts. Mr. James Hamilton presided. The chairman stated that the first item on the programme (a quartette) had been written and set to music for the occasion by local talent. The programme was carried out with great success, and, as a finale," God Save the Queen" was sung by all.-[Own Correspondent,]

NEW PLYMOUTH.

The Hawke's Bay Relief Fund here totals £234 up to date of writing. The proceeds of a progressive euchre party have to come in yet, besides other contributions promised on various lists. Our Taranaki Rifle Volunteers fired a salute in honour of Her Majeety's Birthday on the morning of the 24th, and then proceeded to the rifle range to shoot for the annual prizes. The winners are as follow :— First-class range: Colour-sergeant Okey, 1; Lieutenant Hooker and Sergeant Lister tied for second. Second-class range: Private W. Phipps, 1 j Hopkins, 2. Third-class range: Private A. McDermott, 1; Freethy, 2. The Friendly Societies' band played some suitable selections, including the National Authem, at midday on Monday opposite the National Bank buildings. The Town Band held a most enjoyable social on last Monday evening, the proceedings opening with the singing of " God Save the Queen" by all present. Mr. J. Paul, the president, was present, and fulfilled the duties of M.C, assisted by Mr. A. E. A. Clarke (president Friendly Societies' Band). A capital programme was gone through, and during the evening Miss Walters, of Auckland, gave an exhibition of the "Irish Washerwoman's Jig," much to the admiration of those present. About 120 couples took pare in the dancing. After supper dancing was kept up with spirit until 2 a.m. Great credit is due to the management committee, viz.: Mesdames Goldwater, Paul, Yates; Misses Humpries (2), Yates, Oldfield, Ellis, and Cunningham; Messrs. Fred Newell, E. Humpries, Cholwill, J. Oliver. J. Jones; also the energetic secretary, Mr. W. Yates, as no pains were spared to make the affair a success, which it has undoubtedly turned out both generally and financially. Mr. G. Garry's orchestra supplied the music. —[Own Correspondent.]

DARGAVILLE.

The County Council has authorised two cutter loads of shells for oar footpaths, and is now repairin* the roads. The repairs to both roads and footpaths are urgently wanted. The chairman of the Dargaville School Committee, Mr. F, F. Day, has received a letter from the secretary of the Board of Education, Auckland, statin; that they will fix another day for the election of a' school committee, and that meanwhile the committee elected in 1896 will continue to hold office until the appoiutment of their successors. The National Bank of New Zealand have purchased a section at the corner of Victoria and Hokianea Streets, in this township, and, I understand, intend erecting a two-storied building almost immediately. It is a pity that more publicity is not given to the fact that a Hawke's Bay Fund subscription list lies at one of the local post offices in this district The receipts of our railway, Kaihu section, continue to improve. Eor the four weeks eliding 31st March last the gross receipts were £1249, and the expenditure £572, leaving a net revenue for the month of £677. For the same period the Whangarei section earned £'206, and the Kawakam section was run at a loss of £72. For the year ending 31st March last the gross receipts of the Kaihu section were £9696, and the expenditure £4220, leaving a net revenue of £5476, thus earuiug more than 101 per cent on its cost to the Government, ft is needless to say that, as 1 predicted, this section would, and has now proved itself, the best paying line in the colony for the years abovementioned.— [Own Correspondent.]

ALBANY. Ock settlement has been quite brisk daring the past month, A Urge number of hands are being employed by Mr. W. Stevenson, jun., on his recently acquired land, and under his skilful management a considerable tract of Rorse and tea-tree will soon be under cultivation, and in the end amply repay the Urge outlay. The greater part of the land is of excellent quality, At a public meeting held on Saturday last it was decided to erect a public hall, 50 x 30. Plana and specifications are to be prepared, and the necessary arrangements completed. —[Own Correspondent.]

HUKERENUI SODTH. A football match was played on May 8 between the Towai and Hukerenui Feotball Clubs, which resulted in a draw, neither aide scoring. The football club held their annual dance at the opening of the season. The bachelors gave a promenade concert and ball in the school on the loth May. There was a large attenduece. Mr, George Walters made a very efficient M.C. A number of songs were well given during the evening. The belle among the single ladies was unanimously accorded to Miss Mary Flanagan: among the married ladies to Mrs. (J. Naden. Dancing was kept up until 3 a.m., when everyone retired tired and satisfied. Mr. Lee, our new teacher, since the holidays, is Riving entire satisfaction. He seems to be just the sort of man Hukerenui requires. The attendance of pupils is on the increase. The extension of the railway is progressing rapidly, and we shall soon be hearing the scream of the locomotive in our midst. The bridges are being erected, the Whakapara bridge being in a forward state. Very extensive alterations have been made in the Hukerenni Hotel. The ground floor has been extended by billiard and other rooms, and another story has been added.— (Own Correspondent,) HAKARU (MANGAWAI), I AM sorry to record the loss we shall sustain by the Rev. E. H. Wyatt leaving our district. I understand that himself and Mrs. Wyatt are far from well, and that a change is inevitable. It is hoped that the reverend gentlemen will be even more appreciated ffl Christchureh, where he is going, than he was here. Whilst amongst us he has always fulfilled hie duty, and seldom missed a service, unless through illness or very had weather. lie generally presided at the organ, and led off the singing. It would be much better if we had a resident minister here, as the journeys they have to take are rery trying during the winter months. A new tombstone has been erected to the memory of the late Kev. John Tutu, the former one — which was subscribed for and erected by friends of the deceased gentleman—having been blown down by the high wind which we experienced a few weeks back. The new stone is of solid marble, from the firm of Mac Nab and Co., Auckland, and the work of fixing was performed by Mr. Sidney Woods, who is one of the firm's workmee. Aβ the atoue to the memory of the late Mrs. Tutin was also blown down and destroyed, it was thought by friends of the Misses Tutin that it would fall a great expense upon them to re-erect both etonee, so they started a subscription to defray the cost, or help to do so, of their father's memorial stone. A few pounds have thus been collected by Mr. Wood, Kev. E. H. Wyatt heading the list. It will be a heavy burden upon the Misses Tutin unless a few kind helpers come forward and give something, and Mr. E. R. Boldero, Mangawai, has consented to receive any sums contributed for the purpose.— IA Correspondent.] KAUKAPAKAPA. The second meeting of the Literary and Musical Clnb took place in the hall on May May 24. " What U the duty of the State in reference to great disastersf was the subjectof debate, and was ably opened by Mr. Carr, who took the view that the State should assist the sufferers by iucb disasters as recently occurred at Uawke's Bay, which in cases such as the Brunnerton and Kaitangita disasters the shareholders should be made chiefly responsible. The subject was fairly and intelligently discussed by all who spoke. The last of the blue ribbon entertainments of the season took plac* in the hall on May 19. In the absence of- the president Mr. Carr took the chair, and conducted the meeting. The programme, as usual, conlisted of vocal and instrumental music, speeches, and readings. A very enjoyable evmJDg waj jpeut.-[Own Correspoadcnt.]