DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

URUTI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Tuesday, October 27, the Uruti Hall wag the scene of much laughter, fun, and criticism, unixed with shyness and bashfulness as many promenaded the hall to the air of the Grand March, played by Miss K. Murray, in. costumes suitable for the occasion—a hard-up social. The promenade was led by a couple in hard-up character costumes, Mr. Tom Murray, as "Uncle Tom," and Miss N. H Dempster, as "Topsy." Others in hard-up costumes were: Mrs. Ellis as match girl, Mts. Sherlock (Trilby), Misses M. Mcßae and E. Fugel as "Hard-up," Mrs. Aubrey and Miss Sownj’ as "Weldon’s latest in hard-up times." Messrs. Rupert Larsen "Swagger," Wilfred Sutton "Rags and Tatters," Percy Thompson "Hard-up," and Cyril Rogers "Our Little Nigger Boy, Honey” with his favorite petdog Trixy.

Dancing was tlren indulged in until ten o’clock, when all in hard-up costuunes paraded for prize judging, the. winners being Miss N. H. Dempster "Topsy,” and Mr. Wilfred Sutton as "Rags and Tatters." The latter, upon examining his prize, found it Was real hard-up, only a packet of' Epsom salts, a joke which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, and to his surprise, later, a better prize followed. Shortly after Wards came the mock court, Mr. i. A. Telfar tnaking an efficient judge, while. Messrs. C. Denman atid J. Mandsley made stern "John Hops,” atfedflrig many of those present. During this time, amid much laughter, heavy fines were indicted. Then to the surprise and disgust of many, a hard-up supper followed, consisting

of water and water biscuits, but ere long one’s mind was greatly relieved, when the ■ usual sumptious supper was handed round. Dancing again was indulged in until the early hours of the morning, when one and all went l-dme, thoroughly pleased With the night’s pleasure. Mr. E. A. Jones (“Son”) ably carried out the duties of M.C. Miss K. Murray was the pianist for the dancing, While extras were supplied by Misses N. Murray and M. Mcßae. MOKAU-—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) "Bexley,” the home of Mr. Duncan, of Awakino, has jukt/ undergone a thorough renovation under the capable hands of Mr. Dobbinson, foreman for Messrs. Sparks Bros., painters and paperhangers, of Te Kuiti, and the work reflects great credit on the young workman and tis assistant. "Bexley" is a fine homestead, about six miles out of AWakino, on the Valley Road, and was purchased by Mr. Duncan from Messrs. ’Miles Bros., some three years ago.

Mrs. Jacob Johnson has received notice to remove her house, which has been tot many years a landmark at the ferry. It seems that in the late survey it has been discovered that the building eiicroaches upon the main road, ; hence the order for removal.

Owners of racehorses in our little district are busy training them for the events at the forthcoming races; which are to be held at Awakino on November 28, for Awakino Is- the proud possessor of a real bona fide Racing Club, and a permit for holding annual meetings. Should there be a trotting mat(?h, Mr. N. Clifton, of Mokau, will probably enter either his champion trotting mare Trixie, or his spicy little chestnut gelding Ginger. Mr. Geo. McMillan's horse Key, seems to be on 6 o? the favorites for the Awakino Cup, while Mr. F. Wolfe’s Kariri, is showing good promise for the hurdles.

The aeroplane that recently made a flight from Invercargill to Auckland was seen passing through Mokau at about 5.5 p.m. on Tuesday, the 25th. The machine was flying high, and had a fair wind and a clear sky. Folks of our district are wondering if it might not mean the aerial mail and passenger service for us in the near future.

The bad weather has delayed shearing somewhat, but now the sunshine has returned, the sheds will be going merrllyi

There are whispers in the air of a syndicate being formed to take over and work the local coal mines, which is devoutly to he wfehed, and we believe would prove a good venture.

There has been a great depth of water for quite a distance up the river of late; in fact for 50 miles, right -up to the Matai.

she genial Will McKenzie- has been seen in these parts touring round in his handy little runabout. Speculation amongst us has been rife as to whether his visit means that the freezing works might be resuming operations or whether he might be after a property here for himself or a client. Fish have been ’ scarce here lately on account of tte flood water and muddy Mate of the rivers.

Sir. McGregor, of Awakino post office, has bought Mr. Ennis’ Ford car. Mr. Rowe, of New ’Plymouth, Who has been relieving Mrs. Condon, our local (postmistress, returned to New Plymouth on Friday last. He will be much missed, being a most courteous and capable officer.

Mrs. Condon, of our local post office, has just returned from her annual holiday after having a most enjoyable trip to the South Island, where she visited Akaroa, Christchurch and many other scenes of old associations. She has come back looking much the better for the vacation.

Mr. Eric Lewes, who has the. contract, for carrying the cream for up-river settlers to our local butter factory, tells me that* he carries eacl? trip per launch, well over half a ton of. cream. Mro. Claude Stevens, of Mokau River, is vlciting Taranaki.

• Mr. '’Frank Stevens, of Mokau, left this morning- for -a holiday trip. He is one of our returned boys, who has purchased a farm on the river, just below the ferry house.