EASTERN DISTRICT

Southland Times, Issue 19859, 3 May 1926, Page 9

EASTERN DISTRICT

WAIKAKA NOTES. The township was a scene of great excitement on Friday morning last, when excursionists from far and near flocked to the station in order to make the trip to the Exhibition. Long before starting time the carriages were well filled, and by the time the train reached McNab nearly every seat was taken. The train arrived at Dunedin with almost 1000 excursionists aboard. The weather was fine, and all enjoyed themselves, having their last but never-to-be-forgotten look at the great Exhibition. When the train left Dunedin at night the carriages were again packed and a few had to stand. Quite a number of local residents are paying a visit to the Exhibition this week before the doors close. On Wednesday evening, April 21, about 40 of the young people of Waikaka met in the supper-room of the hall for the purpose of saying good-bye to Mr. I. Lawson, who has received all his schooling at the local school and for the past 15 months has been on the staff of the local post office. A merry evening was spent in games and singing. After supper had been partaken of Mr James Keating, in a neat speech, presented Mr Lawson with a gold-mounted fountain pen as a small token of the esteem in which he is held by all present, and wished him every success in his new position. Mr A. Corcoran also spoke, wishing the guest of the evening the best of luck in the future. Mr Lawson suitably replied, thanking all for the gift. A pleasant evening was brought to a close with “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr Lawson left last Monday for Lumsden to take up a position in the post office there, his place in this office ' being filled by Mr A. Mackay. On Thursday night the friends of Mr J. Mains honoured him with a smoke concert in the hall on the eve of 1 his departure frqm the district, and presented him with a suitable gift as a memento of the many happy days spent at Waikaka. Mr and Mrs Mains and family left for Dunedin *on Friday morning. A while ago money was raised to purchase crockery for the hall. The crockery was purchased and has already proved to be a benefit as it can be hired by any local body for social functions. In order to raise t more money so that more crockery can be bought, a plain and fancy masked ball has been arranged for Wednesday next. Good music has been obtained, and it is to be hoped .that i all will come along and hedp to augment the funds. The first football match to be played by the White Star Club takes place on Saturday when the seniors travel to Waikaia to play a friendly match with the Waikaia team.