PATRIOTIC FAIR AT RUAHINE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11602, 17 June 1916, Page 2

PATRIOTIC FAIR AT RUAHINE.

The Rnahine folk were blessed with perfect weather for their patriotic sale iu aid of the Belgian Refugees and Y.M.C. a. Funds. For months the energetic committee, ■under the supervision of their genial secretary, Mr W. H Billingburst, have been busy getting everything in readiness for the 14th June, and there is no doubt the methodical way in which every department was managed showed that those responsible for the brilliant success of the great day were no novices at the game. The ladies’ committee comprised Mesdames W. Billingburst, Hall, F. Fox, J. Rampton, A. McMillan, Sullivan ; W, Shaw, S. Meads, D. Couper, Guthrie, hreeman and F. Billiughurst and Misses L. Hall, G. Shaw, Billingburst, Poole and Neal. Miss Meads had charge of the Sweet Stall, and Mrs S. Meads and Miss Warren the liab pond and bran tubs. The ladies are trojans to work, and a big slice of success must be credited to them. Mr Patchett was again in the front rank with his scientific engineering, and his latest plans for the merry-go-round eclipsed that of last year. To watch the kiddies emptying daddy’s pockets for a penny ride was wonderful, and made the old “fogies” wish they were young again. The dining car did a line trade and the fortune teller would warn yon that you would have to take a sea trip, that would almost make one imagine they were crossing the bar, A large cheese, donated by the Ruahine Oheese Factory, contained quite a lot of money, and it brought in heaps more at a shilling a slice. It was wonderful how hard it was to find the coins in a “bob’s worth of cheese.” All sorts of ways and means to catch a threepenny, sixpenny or shilling piece was ■sprung on to those who were out for the day. And the funds got the capital, simply because everyone had that patriotic feeling that the whole business was lor a good honest cause. The sheep donated by different farmers in the Valley; ■were a prime lot, and commanded big prices, in fact, this particular line brought in £l2B 17s 6d-—not a bad figure for about 30 woolly ones. Guessing competitions, flower and sweet stalls, bran tubs and !fish ponds, poultry, pigs and farm produce realised about £6O. The grand old Union Jack was waved for bids, and the funds increased by £23. A fine dinner was in Mr Poole’s homestead, at a very small cost to those who partook of the long menu before returning. Mr Donald McLennan, the auctioneer, did good work, and took the wink and nod in great style. Many visitors came over from the Mungaweka, Rangiwahia and Kawbatau districts and were hospitably entertained. The hall was well filled for the dance in the evening. Mr and Mrs McDonald, visitors from Palmerston North, supplied the music. Mesdames Tunnelly and F. Thompson played extras. Mr T. Dunn had -charge of the floor, and it was well on in the morning before the strains of the music ceased. The following donations were made to the committee for disposal: —Mr S. Freeman, 1 horse; Mr W. Tompkins, 1 horse; Guthrie Bros., 10 sheep; W. Poole, 3 sheep; Mr Pennyqnick, 3 sheep; S. Freeman 1 sheep; Messrs Meads, 2 sheep; Mr Uouper, 2 sheep; Mr Pearson, 2 sheep; F. Fox, 3 sheep; W. Shaw, 2 sheep; W. Bilinghurst, 2 sheep; A. Kendrick, 2 pigs; A, McMilan, 1 pig. Fowls were given by Miss Elsie Halles, Mrs J. Rampton, Miss Pole and Messrs T. Palmer, F. Thompson, and W. Billingburst; Mr H. Sweet, 3 sacks potates; J. Neal, ham; and many other donations, the names not being available at the time of writing. In the competitions, the weight of the sheep was 116%1h5, E. Pearson, exact weight; weight of cake, 19%1bs G. Kreeger, exact weight. Mr Gas Kreeger put the cake up for auction and it brought £3 17s 6d after keen and spirited bidding. Altogether the bard work seemed a pleasure to all those who assisted, and the people'ct Rnahine must be congratulated on showing a credit balance of £240 for such a worthy cause.