DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 22, 20 July 1911, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

EGMONT VILLAGE. (From Our Own Correspondents). The cutting away of the bank and the necessary filling next the Mangaoraka bridge is practically finished, but is, I understand, to be left for about six weeks to allow the clay, etc., to settle down firm before the metal is put on and the new bridge opened for traffic. Hard frosts have been experienced here during the last two or three days, and the weather has been beautifully fine in consequence.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Chard are at present spending a holiday in the Auckland district. The euchre party held under the auspices of the Cricket Club was much better attended than the previous one. Prizes were won by Misses N. Heal and C. Nisbet and Messrs Brown and Kilpatrick. A dance followed, during which refreshments were partaken of. Music was supplied by Mr. R. (}. Marsh, while Mr. \V. S. James acted as M.C. Mr. R. Burrows was mainly responsible for the supper arrangements, which were excellent.

The much-talked-of plain and fancy dress children's ball eventuated on Friday night. The weather was gloriously fine though cold, ideal for dancing, and, as was expected, a very large number attended. At tbout 7.15 the children lined up for the grand inarch, which opened the proceedings, and seldom has a prettier sight been witnessed in the local hall. About thirty couples took part in the march, and all were in fancy dress. The bright colors of the costumes were set off to great advantage by the dark green foliage with which the walls were decorated. Afterwards a miscellaneous programme of dances followed I till 9 o'clock, when another grand march was gone through for the benefit of those who had not arrived early enough for the first. During the danoe the vote of the onlookers was taken on the best fancy costumes for boys and girls, with the result that the following prizes were awarded:—Miss Marjorie Morton, Spanish dancer, 1; Mary Marsh, "Golden Butterfly," 2; Masters R. Corney, coon, I; R. Willing, jockey, 2. The adults took possession of the floor and continued the dancing till 2 a.m. Mr. N. S. James ably filled the position of M.C., assisted by Mr. E. Dewhirst. The music, which was of a very high order, was supplied by Mr. Geo. Marsh's orchestra of six instruments. During the evening supper was handed round and much appreciated. The ladies' committee, who were responsible for all the arrangements, are to be complimented on the completeness of every detail, and also on the strenuous manner in which they worked for the success of the gathering. It is safe to say that no more complete success in this direction has ever been witnessed. For some time previous Mrs. Mcßeth had been coaching the children in dancing. The financial aspect of the affair was also highly satisfactory. Mr. A. D. Stanley, the energetic secretary, has handed to the Hall Committee the sum of £2 9s lOd, £1 of which will be devoted to purchasing two new hanging lamps for the dressing rooms, the balance to be utilised in erecting a cupboard for the crock»ry in the supper room and improving the steps into the ladies' dressing room. I understand that a gentlemen's committee is being formed to give a return ball to the ladies next month. It is to be hoped it will meet with similar success.

Mr. F. Whitcross has sold his farm on the Upland road, the figure being somewhere in the vicinity of £24 per acre. It is proposed to hold a general meeting of the public next week to consider the advisability of lining the supperroom of the hall. A considerable sum of money has been voted for the purpose, and there is very little doubt that it will be commenced immediately,

OMATA. The School Committee met in the schoolroom on Monday evening, Mr. E. C. Meredith being in the chair. All the members were present except Mr. E: George, who was prevented by sickness from attending, and from whom an apology was received. The chairman reported having visited the Bchool grounds, and he placed before the committee the repairs needed to fences, gates, etc. A lengthy discussion ensued, and it was finally resolved—That Mr. Matthews and the chairman be empowered to have the necessary repairs effected and also to have furze and blackberries grubbed, trees topped and trimmed, and the shelter-shed floor attended to, all to be done as soon as possible.

It not being known what the duties of the school cleaner were, the chairman was instructed to enquire into the matter and report to the committee at its next meeting. It was proposed by Mr. Matthews, and seconded by Mr. Kendall, that the chairman write to the County Council to ask them to metal about ten chains of the Waireka road leading to the school.—Carried.

Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting closed. Mrs. Clemow has quite recovered from her illness and is about again. Mr. E. George is suffering from a severe attack of muscular rheumatism I am sorry to report, and hope soon to hear of his recovery.