DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU-AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent). It is rumored that Mr Llffen Is thinking of cutting up his One property on the Mokau river ! Into dairy farms, and that If he does so, a butI tor factory is to be established in Mokau. It strikes us, too, that onr district is going to forge ahead soon, because, as we are glad to see by [the papers, that someone is interesting himself in trying to rouse the public to the fact of the country along the Mokau possessing valuable resources, such as coal and limestone, which could be made use of especially at the present time when coal is so scarce. The coal Is clean and very good for household purposes, and its output would at least release other coal of greater heat-giving value for railway and shipping use It has been a matter of wonder to many that more trouble has not been taken by the Government Tourist Department to boom our beautiful river a little more. We often see sparkling notices of the Wanganui and other scenic resorts—but of the Mokau, seldom. However, this Is a progressive age, and we are hoping for better things. That reminds U3 that a progressive society lias been formed in Awaklno, and we think It will do much good In and around our township. It would not be a bad following for Mokau to take up. In May last Mrs .1. McNeieo, of Awaklno, gave a most enjoyable afternoon and evening In aid of the Soldiers' Club, when a very handsome sum was raised by silver coin collection. The cosy sitting-room was prettily decorated with splendid chrysantheums, and after a dainty afternoon tea wis partaken of, several musical Hems, songs and recitations, were contributed and much enjoyed by tho numerous gueßts, who were most enthusiastic in their appreciation of each number given. In the eTenlng, by th 6 "light of the silvery moon," some on horseback, somo driving, some on "Shanks' pony" came a goodly number of young folk as well as adults, and had a real good time. For those who preferred bridge, etc., cards were provided, while others Indulged In the "light fantastic toe" or music and song. A recherche supper was handed round, and Mrs McNeice is to be congratulated on the success of the function. Items were contributed by Mesdames Thonißon, (illlick, Wanklyn, McNcice, and Chrlstofferson; also by Misses Thomson, Balnbridge, Wolfe and Shell, and Messrs McGregor, Paynter and Lake. Among the numerous guests were Mesdames W. D. Thomson, Black, Whitehead, Maine, Howard, Avery, 011llek, Condon, Stevens and Carrington; Misses Thomson, Avery, Balnbridge, McMahon, Carrington, Wolfe, Black, Shell, Wright; and Condon: Messrs Elliott. Paynter, Hawkins, Avery, McMillan, Carrington, McGregor, Smith, Black, Christolterson, and many others, The work on the Valley Hoad is progressing apace, and it Is hoped that In two years it will be open for traffic, which will be a great boon to settlers and tho travelling public. Our district is the poorer by tho loss of one of its most respected settlors, Mr Arthur H. Condon, who died on May 31st. The end, though sudden, was not unexpected, as Mr Condon had been ailing for some lime. . His wife and [family have the deepest sympathy of all. Ho was a man of sterling character, and by many who found in him a staunch friend he will be greatly missed He was a prominent member or the Awakino County Council. The occasion was rendered sadder by tho fact that on the day he was hurled (June 3rd), his daughter (Miss Dollv Condon) was to have been married to Mr Lai Black, M.M., son of Mr and Mrs \V. Black, of Awaklno, but the young couple were quietly married tho following week, and left the same day on an extended tour of the North. Mr Condon is survived by a widow, two daughters (Mrs Lew Jones and Mrs Lai Black), and one son (Mr Bert Condon). His oldest son, Mr V. H. Condon, was killed in action last year, and his youngest son (Jack) died of Infantile paralysis thd year before. Messrs Tweedle Bros, have sold their fine property on the coast at a satisfactory figure. They are old and .well respected settlers, and will be mucK missed, having always been most generous in donating to our patriotic and other function - , and liavo always been to the fore iu assisting in furthering the welfare of the district. Mr David Twecdie' was an energetic member of our county council. A smoke concert was tendered by the members of the Awaklno Club to Mr Itlgg, of Tongaporutu, road ongineer, who is leaving the district, and who had been a member of tho club for some 'time. Quite a number of "jolly good follows" were present, and a very enjoyable evening was spent Mr Itlgg's health was drunk, with musical honors Tho miest of the evening responded In Ills usual happy manner. Mr Itlgg bns not only been popular with hl'i workmen, but also with a large circle .of friends in tho district, and been most generous in contributing" many enjoyable Items at our patriotic and other concerts . The host of good wishes go with him and Ills wife and family. Mr Chris, Pixon, and Mr litzjerald, who have been spending a few days with Mr and Mrs Ceo Dixon, of Plol, have returned to New Plymouth. Mrs Percy Howard, Messrs W. D. Thomson and N Bignell aro iu New Plymouth. Miss Kathleen Thomson is away on holiday. Miss K. McMohon, nurse at the Mater Misencordla hospital, Auckland, who has been on sick leave, and was the guest of Mrs W. D. Thomson for a few days, has left for her home In Inglewood. Much sympathy Is extended to Miss Winnie Shell in the loss of her mother, \iho died a few weeks ago. , Constable McGregor, of Mokau, is being transferred to Shannon, and Constable Blaikle, of New Plymouth, takes his place. It Is rumored that Mr and Mrs F. Carrington are leaving our district. If so, we wish them all prosperity In their new sphere. The heavy rains have again made our roads very unpleasant for travelling, but we arc hoping that before next winter the long-promised metalling may have becomo an accomplished fact. Miss Minnie Wolfe is home again, after a most enjoyable holiday In Stralford and Hnwera. Mr and Mrs J. McNeice and family have also returned after spending a few weeks In New Plymouth. Mr Norman Bryant has started In the butchering business in Awaklno, and seems to be going to make a success of it Good luck to him. 0 Peace celebrations In Mokau and Awakino took the form of day sports fot the children, followed by games and dancing in the evening, when the "younger set" held the floor till nine o'clock, aftor which the adults took possession and kept things going merrily till 2 a.m. Tho youngsters enjoyed themselves greatly. The arrangements for the Awakino races and jumping competitions were in the capablo hands of Mr J. McNeice, chairman of the Awaklno School Committee, asststed by Mr G. I<akc, while Mr C. Chrlstofferson ably conducted the commissariat department, and the little ones were plentifully regaled on all sorts of good things, which they devoured wltli much gusto. On July 11th, a "black and white" dance, organised by Miss Marie Avery and Miss Minnie Wolf, was held In tho Awaklno Hall, and was a pronounced success. The hall was beautifully decorated by tho two above-men-tioned young Indies, assisted by Miss Balnbridge, and grent praise is most certainly their due for tho way everything was carried out. From start to finish, all went as "merry as a marriage beirNand the function was decidedly one of tho best ever hold here. The supper was most delectable, the floor in first-class order, and theNnuslc, provided by Mesdames Thomson, McNolcov Avery and Chrlstofferson, and Misses Galtt aniHShell, was excellent. The ladles In their pretty "black and white evening dresses, looked whom special mention must be made of Mlss'os N. Thomson, M. Avery, H. and M. Wolf, Bainbrtdee, Black, McDonnell and Shell. Mr Keith Black made a most efficient M.C. The supper arrangements were In the capable hands of Mr C. Chrlstofferson. The proceeds were In aid of the fallen soldiers' memorial. Our now postmaster (Mr Caltl) has arrived and seems to be the "right man in! the right place" Being musical and it dancing man, ho will be quite an acquisition,' as also": Bis sister, Miss Galtt. Wo extend a hearty welcome to hoth. 'V' : On May Bth a kitchen tea was given In the Awaklno Hall for Miss Dolly Condon In view of her approaching ninrrlngo to Mr La! Black, j Mrs Monk was the hostess for tho occasion, and many and useful were the presents received by the ppoular bride-elect. Musical Items were given during the afternoon by Mesdames Thomson, McNcice and Wanklyn, and Misses Shell and Wolf. On the following Wednesday, the ladies of Moknu Invited Miss Condon to i handkerchief and d'oyley afternoon, when many pretty and useful *lfts were received by tho guest of the day. The hall was prettily docorated, and a dainty afternoon tea served, while pianoforte solos, duets, and songs were given by Mesdames Sole, Clifton, Bally, Chrlstofferson, and Misses Wolfe, Condon, Stewart and Shell. In a happy little speech Mrs Clifton wished Miss Condon and her prospective partner many years of happy life together. Their health was then i proposed with musical honors, and, in a few neatly chosen words, Miss Condon thanked all present for their kindness and pretty gifts,' ■ which, .she assured them, would always bo amongst the most treasured of her possessions.