DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The ladies' committee lire working very hard towards making the Leap Year Ball, which takes place (as advertised) on Wednesday, 15th September, In the local hall, one of the best of its kind so far held on rhe coast. As a result of their untiring efforts it is hoped that a fairly large sum will be handed over to Mrs. E. A. Mathews for the Hall Improvement Fund. * Coastal districts ' were well represented at the Returned Soldiers' Association's plain i.nd fancy dress ball at New Plymouth. Whilst the dancing was in progress a mean theft was committed, when boots, driving gloves, etc., were taken from some of the visiting cars from the coast. One of the most successful and' enjoyable functions held in Oaonul for some time was given by the "Diggers" of that district In the Oaonul Hall on Friday evening, September Svi. The function took the form of a complimentary social and dance to the Oaonul residents, in appreciation of their efforts on the Diggers' behalf. There was a large attendance, the accommodation being severely faxed, all appeared to thoroughly enjoy the attractive music and excellent arrangements. Songs were given by Miss Gardner and the Misses Cook (2), and were greeied tvlth much applause. The accompaniments were played by Miss Cook, and the music was supplied by Messrs Parker (piano), Norris (violin), and Cook (cornet). Mlessrs. Young and Lusk were indefatigable as M.C.'s. An extra was played by Mrs. V. Young. A most bountiful supper was provided, and In spite of the unusually large crowd there was plenty and to spare. A word of praise is due' t6 the. energetic secretary, Mr. J. McFie, junr., who was ably supported by those comprising the committee, for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out. During an interval Mr. H. Young, on behalf of the Diggers, expressed their thanks at seeing such a large attendance He had no hesitation in saying that Oaonul residents had done more for their soldiers than any other district he knew of. (Applause.) The final of a series of euchre parties in aid of the hall funds will be held in the Ooonui Hall on Friday evening, 17tli September, when the presentation of the points prizes for the season takes place. Further particulars will be announced through the columns of the News. Our local school broke up on Friday, the 3rd Inst, for the usual spring vacation, and re-opens on Tuesday, 14.th Inst, Quite a large number of settlers on the coast are waiting to be connected with the telephone exchange, but shortage of poles, insulators • and wire prevents them from obtaining the convenience. A local Maori named Mero was the victim of a shooting accident at the beginning of the past week. It appears he wa» In the act of taking down a gun that had recently teen In use, when it went off, the shot blowing away half bis hand. He was conveyed to the New Plymouth Hoßpltal for surgical treatment.

Coastal Rugby enthusiasts attended in large numbers at New Plymouth on Thursday last, to witness tho final representative match between Auckland and Taranakl. The arrangements made for the comfort of visitors were favorably commented upon. Mr P. Jenkins, who has accepted a position with the Waren flalry Co., and Mr. S. Armstrong, who starts farming on his own account, were entertained by Pungarehu friends on Saturday last. From every quarter complaints come about the shortage of labor, and the difficulty of procuring men is hampering and restricting business of every description. On Tuesday evening, 7th inst.,' a meeting of employees connected with the coastal factories was held in the Pungarehu Hall, for the purpose of forming a Dairy Factory Employees' Union. Mr. H. Tynan occupied the chair, and explained the urgent reason for the formation of a union of factory hands.

Mrs. Henderson and daughter (Nurse Henderson), of Chrlstehurcu, are at present visiting here, being the guests of Mrs. E. A. Mathews, "The Pines." Pungarehu. Mr. D. C. Bates, Government Meteorologist, paid a visit to Cape Egmont lighthouse on Thursday last.

STANLEY ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A masquerade fancy dress ball was held in the school on Wednesday night. There was a packed house, about thirty ladles and gentlemen coming in fancy dresses Miss Hamilton as "A Maori Girl" got the Srst prize for the ladies, Miss Feavcr coming a good second. Mr. Cliff. Phillips as "A Maori Chief" got the gents' prize. The following ladles and gents appeared In fancy dress:—Miss John-stone,-"Ambulance Driver"; Mrs. Spray, "Brltannica"; Miss Kerrisk, "Spring"; Mrs. Richmond, "Japanese Lady"; Miss Mona Buskin and Miss Louie Kivell, "Mr. and Mrs. Golliwog"; Mrs. Hamilton, "Japanese Lady"; Miss Dingle, "Farm Boy"; Miss Belle Knox and Mrs. V. Smith, "School Boy and Girl"; Miss E. Phillips, "Night"; Miss Lash, Pierette"; Miss Mary Baskin, "The Order of the Bath"; Miss Chard, "Gipsy Fortune-teller"; Miss Sadie Shaw, "Servla"; Miss E Breen, "American Cowboy"; Miss Maclver, "Nothing In Particular"; Mr. Pat Brech, "Retired Farmer"; Mr. Tony Breen, "The Merry Widow"; Mr. Stuart Strack, "Pierrot"; Mr. Hewitt, "Little Red Riding Hood"; Mr. Croydon Rich-, mond, "Th& Pirate Chief"; Mr. Hone Murray, "Economy"; Mr. Arthur Chard. "Footballer"; Mr. J. Sangster, "Cowboy"; Miss May Lash, "Folly"; Mr. R. Vickers, "Swagger"; Mr. T. Barleyman, "Olcf Clothes." Dancing to the strains, of Mrs. Blanchl'a orchestra till "Old Spot" whistled us home in the early hours of the morning, was indulged in. Extras were, supplied by Miss Kerrisk, Miss Feaver, Mr. P. Mischeuski, and Mr. Barleyman. Mr. J. Chard carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual good style. RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A benefit kitchen party was held in the supper room of the Rahotu Hall on-behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Marc Voullaire, when a nice collection of aticles were given. Mr. Volllaire had the misfortune to loose all by Are a few months ago. Mr. L. Billing has kindly let 'part of his residence to Mr. Voullaire until he Is able to build again. The hall was crushed on Thursday night, the occasion being the carapflre concert arranged by the frontiersmen. A great many of the performers arranged for were unable to come, and this caused disappointment, but the items given were very much appreciated. The camp fire with background of bush and scenery, with soldiers and Scott sitting and lying around in the are light, made a very pretty scene. • Lieut. Goldsworfhy—the Inimitable "Goldy" —was a host In himself, telling stores, cracking jokes, and generally acting as your typical Frontiersman does when he's on the warpath. Mr. B. T. Bellringer contributed quite a number of songs, and Mr. A. E. Howlelt supplied the comedy element, giving song after song. Mr. R. J|cßae, and daughter and son, appeared in Highland costume and danced In a manner that evoked tremendous applause. Piper McLeod played the accompaniments. Mr. A. Barry danced an Irish jig, and Mr. E. W. Wakefield sang very acceptably a couple of songs. After the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne," the hall was cleared for dancing, and those present had a very enjoyable time. Supper was- dispensed by the ladies, and It was a good supper, as will be realised when I mention it was in the hands of Mesdames O'Neill, Morgan, Field, and Cameron. Frontiersman O'Neill acfted as secretary, and proved the right man in tho right place. The Misses M. and E. Morrow, of New Plymouth, are visiting Rahotu.