NGATURI NOTES.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 2774, 24 July 1907, Page 6

NGATURI NOTES.

(From An Occasional Correspondent.)

A farewell social was given on Friday evening by Mrs and Mrs Roberts to the Waikuku employees, who are about to leave the district on account of Mr J. P. Lethbridge handing his estate over to his son. At eight o'clock some twenty couples took charge of the floor, which was in first-class order, and dancing was kept merrily going until 11.30 p.m., when an adjournment was made to a sit-down supper, spread in a beautifully decorated, roomy building some short distance from the hall. W hen all were seated at the tables Mrs Roberts called upon Mr John Dick, as the oldest settler, to- say a few words. Addressing those present, Mr Dick said he had very much pleasure at being present on that special occasion. He felt sorry that they had t-o say adieu to the guests of the evening. but what was a decided loss to Xgaturi would be a gain for other districts. He said that Ngaturi could ill afford to lose young people of this stamp, and he hoped that some of those present would make good use of their time that evening, and secure their return as residents amongst

Mr A Bull responded, on behalf of the Waikuku guests, in an able and feeling manner. Mr James Dick said he could not let the opportunity pass without adding a meed of praise to the good people who were about to leave the district. He. perhaps, had come in contact with them more frequently than any one present, both in work and in amusements, and he considered them as near perfection as posible. Their departure would be a serious loss to the district. After full justice had been clone to one of the best spreads Xgaturi lias seen, dancing was indulged in until early the following morning, when every one present declared that it was one of the best evenings they had spent in Xgaturi. The social closed with singing of “Auld Lang Syne in the real old style, the guests in the centre. Mr Bone, of Kohinui, supplied the music in his usual able manner. Air James Dick. M.C.. called for three cheers for Air and Airs Roberts for their hospitality. He said they had not only treated the AA aikuku guests, but they had treated the whole dis-

Y:mr correspondent does not feel 1 capable < f doing justice to the ladies’ | dresses, which were very handsome. ( The district in and around Xgaturi t has experienced a great change of i settlers within the last few years, and t only a very f-w remain of the original t settlers. Air J. P. Lethbridge leaves t here for his new home at Hastings at I 1 the end of tlu> month. Air Lech- < bridge ha> been one of tlie most re- i spected settlers of this district, and 1 hi, departure will leave a gap that wili he hard to fill. Air H. 15. Letli- i hridg-- has sold his farm (Tuscan ' Hills) to ATr Grace, and takes over his s father’s place (Waikuku). Air Druce j t has also sold hi, farm (Hakawai) to j t Air Grace, and has gone to Kumeroa. j i Air Breed’s farm is also on the mar- , < kct, and it is rumoured that it is J likely to go. hut I trust Air Breeds - will remain amongst us a little longer. The district has the land fever badly. All who have sold out have gone in for much larger blocks of land elsewhere.