TAIHAPE NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11906, 2 September 1919, Page 8

TAIHAPE NOTES.

From Our Own Correspondent The following soldiers from this district are due to return by the Taiuui: —W. McKean, D.C.M., M.M, Rangiwahia; E. Cordingly, Huuterville; R. Harper, Owhaugo-; F. C. Norton, Mauuuui; T. H. Williams, Taihape. The following are aboard the AyrshireA. L. Goodrick, Taihape; C. W. Gregg, Raetihi; C. C. Jones, Ohakuue; and H. D. Stallard, Raetihi. At a large gathering of Presbyterians and others, the Rev W. Mawson, M.A., and Mrs Mawson ware entertained in view of their early departure for China. The Rev. Mawson has had several years’ _ experience of mission work in China, but Mrs Mawson has resided in Taihape for the past few years. On behalf of the Taihape charge, the Rev. J. C. Loan presented Mr Mawson with a cheque, and Mrs Mawson was made the recipient of a presentation by the teaching staff. They leave for China by the first available steamer. The children’s fancy dress bill in aid of St. Margaret’s Church motor car fund was a great success and reflected great credit on the organisers. The fund benefited substantially. The fancy dress ball recently held by the returned soldiers in aid of Taihape Public School Library Fund resulted in a profit of over £lO, which is now available for purchase of books, etc. Mr R.’ W. Smith, M.P. , is recommending that the River Trust land nortn of Retaruke Stream and on the left bank of Wanganui river, be made available for soldier settlement. Mr Smith may mean well, but he should also demand that settlers thus relegated to the back blocks should be properly financed to meet the great ated with the particular area mentioned by him. Some Taihape returned soldiers were at one time placedou sections in that locality, but only one of them remained in that district, and he is now working at another occupation and trying to save’euough of his earnings to buy stock, etc. The others appealed for financial assistance, which was refused, and they all gave up in disgust. If Mr Smith is anxious to do his best for the returned soldiers, I would suggest that he draw ( the attention of the Minister of Lands to some of the most suitable big holdings, for subdivision for soldier settlement, and urge that they be acquired for that purpose. The most interesting Rugby match of the season was played on Saturday, when Pirates and Huias again met to decide the Senior Championship for the season. The teams had previously met and played three drawn games, iu consequence of which a great deal of interest was evinced in the final game. The Huias attacked vigorously in the first spell and scored a penalty goal. A great tussle ensued in the second spell, and the Huias maintained the lead of three points until within a few minutes of time being called, when the Pirates scored a try, which was converted, the game ending iu a win for the Pirates by 5 points to 3.

A feature of the Rugby Champion ship match on Saturday was the splendid sporting spirit shown by the Huias. With the advantage of a lead of three points they gave their opponents an opportunity to win, as they kept the ball in play as much as possible. Had the Huias taken advantage, of their lead and found the line at every opportunity, the Pirates would never have had a chance. The winners of the Championship can attribute their win to the splendid qualities ot their Maori opponents The fancy dress ball at Utiku on Fridaj 7 in "aid of Chutu branch of the King Country Timber Workers’ Union was a great success. The prizes for the best fancy dresses were won by Miss Lalor and Mr Phillips. The Rev. Father Connolly, who was for some years in charge of Tailiape parish, Is due to arrive home about the end of September, and it is intended to give him a public reception when he arrives in Taihapo.