DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 253, 4 March 1911, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

OKAIAWA. (From an Occasional Correspondent). The Okaiawa sports were held on Wednesday in the doll Memorial Park, and were a huge success. The entries were most satisfactory, and the various events were got oil' without a hitch of any description, which speaks volumes for the odicials connected therewith. The jumping events were most interesting; indeed, a number of those present who have witnessed similar functions were of opinion that better equestrian feats have not been seen outside the big centres. During the progress of the sports the proceedings were enlivened by sweet music discoursed bv the Manaia Brass Band.

In the evening a concert was held in the hall, which was packed to the doors. The management had gone to extreme paias to provide a first-class programme, and the hearty manner in which the various performers were received demonstrated that the audience appreciated the committee's efforts in that respect. The programme opened with a selection by the Manaia Brass Band, and was followed by Mr. Sargent, of Hawera, who rendered that pretty son;. "Mary," in a tasteful manner. "A Si re-mule in Summer" was the next item, the siiijvr being Miss Xeilsen, her sweet voice being heard to great advantage, and she was recalled. Mr. Maekie then contributed "Archibald" in an acceptable manner. Mrs. Booth, who appeared for the first time before a local audience, gave two whistling solos in a finished manner, and was recalled for both. Mr. Beasley, of Eltham, was in fine voice. He gave "The Skipper" and "The Deathless Army" in rousing style, and received an imperative encore for his efforts. Mrs. Beasley contributed "The Veteran's Song" and i "Long Live the King," and, in response ] to an undeniable encore, gave further vocal numbers. This lady's voice is of fine quality, and her songs were greatly appreciated. Mr. Sheehan gave "Off to' Philadelphia" in his usual breezy style, and for an an encore gave "OIF to liendigo." Miss Xeilsen sang that pretty song, "Hoses," so successfully that the audience insisted upon repetition. An instrumental duet by Bandsmen Clegg and McDonald wtis well interpreted. The duet, "What are the Wild Waves Saying?" was well rendered by Mrs. Beasley, and Miss Xeilsen, the two voices blending I most harmoniously. The humorous side 1 of the programme was mainly filled by Mr. Ralph Farmer, of Waitara, who was' aeccorded a most enthusiastic reception' from the large audience. His six songs were responsible for much laughter, and he certainly was one of the most pronounced successes of the evening. The chairman, Mr. A. Lees, announced each item, and also returned thanks to the performers who liad assisted, and to the audience for their presence. The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was indulged in until an early hour on Thursday morning, the music beinif supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Beasley, of El'tham, in a very capable manner. The total receipts of the concert and dance amounted to 118 10s, a considerable advance on that of last year, so that the committee, Messrs L. Walsdorf, A. Xeilsen, ,). Shearer, 0. Belts, A. .Murdoch (secretary), and A. Lens (chairman) have the satisfaction of knowing that the function was the most successful ever held here.