HALCOMBE NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11754, 11 February 1919, Page 5

HALCOMBE NOTES.

From Our Own Corr respondent Tbe annual school picnic was held on Tuesday last in the local park, a patch of grass land commonly known as the “Rec”, though the word ‘ 'wreck” would be a more suit able title since the trees were cut down on the western side to enable people to discern approaching trains. Counting adults there were over 20p present, and the School Committee had a very busy time attending to the wants and needs of everybody. Ail sorts of games, etc., incidental to such functions were played, and much “grub” and tea consumed. The married ladies’ race and a tug-of-war for ladies were the principal athletic events, the former being won by Mrs A. Stern by a half a length or so, and the latter by Mrs W Johneki’s team. Altogether the affair was one of the most successful of the kind held in Halcombe and the Committee desire io thank everyone who in anyway contributed to the day’s pleasure. Mr G Woodcock was the chief caterer Members of the Halcombe Band had a good time at the residence of Mr Frank Farmer on Sunday afternoon Mr and Mrs Farmer, wno live in a very pleasantspot on the Mingaroa Road, made their guests, which included a number of ladies and .children, most welcome After the Band had played a few numbers, light refreshments were partaken of, Mr Farmer making a neat little speech, saying how pleased he and his wife were to have the Band, and he hoped the visit would be an annual affair. The Bandmaster replied, saying that there was no doubt of the visit becoming a yearly one if the Band received such encouragement as they had that day. Mr Far mer also presented a cheque to the funds cf toe Band.

Tbe Halcombe-Stanway branch of the Ret! Cross Society resume} operations ou Wednesday last. There was not a big attendance, which was probably due to the fa?t that the Feilaing Show was being held. Ladies are urgently asked to attend the next meeting on Wednesday, February 19*h. John Iwikan, a Maori boy of about 16 years of age, died at Onepuhi last week, and a tangi was held between tbe date of his death and Sunday, when the burial took place. The deceased lad was a son of a wellknown Maori, Fred Iwikan. lu tbe near future we are to have a permanent picture show. Two well-known residents are just now busily engaged making necessary

arrangements, so shortly we may expect to see the gloom which has been hanging over social affairs in Halcombe like a wet blanket on a whited sepulchre relieved. A letter received in Halcombe states that Sergt. George Simpson was still well, and happy at having, anived at the end of the Smash of Ages with a whole skin. Sergt. Simpson was at one time on the local railway staff, bnt had been transferred from Halcombe before the international murderer buckled on Ins shining nrmonr, George got away immed alely’, and ever since tins been chasing the enemy, and has now the satisfaction of knowing that the efforts of him and others like him helped to sweep out of existence s criminal and brutal system