WAIROA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17452, 29 December 1930, Page 12

WAIROA NEWS

(Iks rail I Correspondent.) A singular coincidence in the official life of Mr. O. Hall, tho borough turncock, occurred on Christmas Eve, when a blow-out in the main Water pipe at the Bank of New South Wales’ corner occurred. Last Christmas Eve half an hour earlier a similar break occurred, and Mr. Hall had to spend part of his holiday half-way up to his waist in water.

Christmas Eve in Wairoa was marked by large crowds in the main street, Along which, almost from end to end, country cars were parked. The Municipal Band played a number of hymns and Christmas carols, and again on Christmas morning. Father Christmas visited a number of the stores and was tho scene of attraction for the young people. Many of the shops were nicely decorated, and all were well stocked. The toy shops were well dressed and stocked, but the Power Board easily led the way with a brilliant display. Traders’ who were interviewed did not give any pessimistic replies, most of them having experienced good business. The usual services were field in the Wairoa churches on Christmas Day.

Though the weather on the coast has been both stormy, cold, and hot at intervals, the crops on (he route from Wairbn to Ruukituri present a satisfactory appearance, especially potatoes. It was particularly noticeable how clean the Maori-owned crops were. The people must have spent, a lot of time, and used much skill in bringing them on, and the result does them credit None of the pakehas can touch them in minor agriculture, and the-“sons of the soil” have afforded a valuable lesson for their white-skinned brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Allen Thomas, Gisborne, were present at To Reinga sports.--Mis R. W. Jane, lather of Mr. G. E. Jane, Kopu road, spent 1 1 is Christmas iq hospital in Napier. The. latter left on Christmas Day to pay him a visit. Mr. Jane, sen,, is well over 80, and was one of the pioneers of Wairoa specially honored at the jubilee celebrations here in 1926.

The Wairo.a Hospital experienced a very happy time at Christmas, quite eclipsing past years’ efforts. The Wairoa Band visited the institution on Christmas morning and rendered a programme of Christmas carols. Father Christmas was also in evidence and there was a lavish distribution of gifts at the hospital, patients and staff alike participating. The Christmas tree had been decorated by the staff, and, lighted by electricity, presented a pretty picture. The Anglican choir attended in the evening and rendered Christmas carols. None of the patients was seriously ill and all enjoyed the treats. The matron, Miss L. M.‘ Croft, thanked the public for their generosity, there being an abundance of good things for all.

The hot weather during the holidays drew a large crowd to the Wairoa beach, and swimmers especially lmd a happy time in the sea.

The train excursion to Opoutnma was well patronised, the hulk of the excursionists being members and teachers, besides parents interested in the pupils, of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The waterside workers’ sports and the benfh claimed a fair proportion of the public, and all enjoyed the daw Mr. Jones, of Wyndhnm. and Mr. Los n rnwn, of Forhiiry School, are on a motor tour of the North Island.' Tho\' camped on the Wairoa camping, site, arid after spending an enjoyable day at Waikarnmoann left on Saturday for Rotorua, via Gisborne and Onotiki.

Oirte a sense of gloom pervaded the snorts ground at Runkiluri on Fridnv on vofpint of the news of the death of Mrs. If. J. Moiie. of ITangnroa, who died that morning in Gisborne. The deceased, who was the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs. Walter Whyte, was very popular. Towards the close of the snorts a irieetimr of the committee was held and it was derided to postpone the annual dance, n decision which mot, with unanimous approval. THE SPORTS AT TE RETNOA The attendance at To Relnga sports mi Boxing Day was affected somewhat by the counter attractions at Opoutama and Waikaremoana, and the .suggestion has been made that, the Waikaremoana people should hold their function in carnival week, or at some other time that would not interfere with the old-established meeting at TV Rcinga. The officials in charge of the meeting this year comprised Messrs. If. P. Wright, president, and W. Whyte, A. I). Graham, E. T,afford, P. Richardson, P. Mossmnn, 11. G. Nolan, T. Delaney, A. Reed, 11. Kent, S. Spence, D. Evans, J, Sinton, T. Fahey, W. Bellorby, F. Law, A. Richardson, D. Evans, 0. Evans, S. S. Spence, K. W. Richardson. K, Evans, and J. Moore. Mr. E. W. M. Wallace, Hangaroa, gave every satisfaction as judge, and Mr. A. 11. 11. Unwin proved a capable secretary, assisted by Mr. Wright. Mr. P. Bates had the refreshment stall.

The special riding event for children under 12 was won by Joan Morico, with Alick Sinton second and T. Fahey, jun., third. Many children’s races, for toys provided by the club, were run off by Mr, f. 11. Kent.

The cups and trophies were won as follows:

Mr. Rov Bruce’s Cup.—Miss Ray Wright. Te .Rcinga Cup.—Roy Bruce 12 points, against the next best, 7 points; won for the second time in succession.

Open Cup.—Miss Ray Wright. H, P. Wright’s Cup.—T. Fahey.