DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1924, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent. ) As anticipated the social and dance held in the hall on February 29 in aid of the Tennis Club, proved very successful. Notwithstanding the fact that a. numlber of other enterta|inments had been held in the district during the week a large crowd wa 7 - present, and the club’s funds will henet t to the extent of about £9. The soti.£T"P art ie P ro_ gramme consisted or a number of songs, contributed by Mrs. P. Brennan, Mr. W. Willis (Okato) and Mr. R. Thorne, which were greaitly appreciated. The music for the dance was supplied by Mr. P. Parker, Mrs. Brennan kindly contributing a number of extras. Messrs. Hickey 7 and Tobeck carried out the duties of M.C.’s.

Much sympathy is felt for the parents of the two little boys, Ronald Deacon and Ernest Smith, who met their death under such tragic circumstances on the Newall Road on Saturday last. Mr. M. Fleming, who represented the Pungarehu parish at the recent celebrations held in Wellington in connection with Archbishop Redwood’s golden jubilee, has returned. Mr. H. Pennington, one of our local bowlers, has been picked to represent Taranaki in the annual match against Auckland on Wednesday next. Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Neill and family have left the district and have gone to reside in Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. A. Williamson have returned from Wellington, where they have been spending a few week’s holiday.

Mrs. M. Beattie is visiting friends in Wanganui. Mrs. Potter (New Plymouth) is the guest of her sister, Mrs. H. Pennington. RIVERLEA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The pretty little mountain town of Kaponga was agog with life and activity on Friday, February 29, the occasion being St. Mark’s Horticultural Show, the promoters which must have been highly pleased with the successful gathering. The display of flowers was excellent, and would have been a credit to a much bigger town than Kaponga, while the pot plants, children’s exhibits, produce, cookery, sweets and vegetables- made a show well wdrth seeing. The secretaries, Messrs. Dagg and Death, were kept moving, aranging the mauy exhibits. Some local residents were successful in gaining prizes in the cut flower section and also in the vegetable class, and some huge field turnips from this district showed' what the land is capable of producing. Each turnip must have weighed Islbs.

The Methodist churches of the Kaponga circuit are holding, their harvest thanksgiving services in the various churches, followed by the sale of gifts in aid of the church "funds. On Sunday, March 2, the Hev. C. H. Kendon conducted a service of thanksgiving in the Makaka school, when hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung, Mrs. Kendon presiding at the organ. The room was prettily decorated. On Monday evening the sale of gifts took place, Mr. A. Sadler, of Riverlea, wielding the hammer. Mr. Sadler is a host in himself, and his winning manner and persuasive tones could not fail to dispose of the gifts at satisfactory prices. The quickness with which all the goods changed owners was sur- ! prising, the gross returns being in the ! vicinity of £6. It is expected that about £7 will be the total, the subscriptions and Sunday offertory bringing in the extra pound—a sum very satisfactory for the small congregation of Makaka. The combined schools of Riverlea and Kaponga journeyed to the Opunake beach for their annual school picnic on Thursday, February 28, the gathering being a huge success. A dip in the briny was indulged in by many of the “grown-ups,” while paddling was much enjoyed by the children. It was a tired but thoroughly happy crowd who made the return journey home in the evening. On Saturday, March 1, the Makaka school committee took the scholars and as many of the parents who could spare the time to the Ngaere Gardens lor their outing. Unfortunately quite a number of parents were unaware of the date of the picnic and some scholars disappointed. The young folk are looking forward to the leap year ball. The bachelors ot the district will doubtless be present in full force.

Miss O’Neill and Miss Hey are spend ing a holiday in Wanganui.

The Misses Russell, of Palmerston North, are visiting friends here, and ar e the guests of Mr. and Mrs. G. Riddick.

Friends of Mrs. Richards, of Makaka. ,who has been ill in the Stratford hospital, will be pleased to hear that she has sufficiently recovered to return home. Her little daughter Edna is also home from hospital again and is convalescent.

The new bridge at Rowan, on the Stratford-Opunake road, is nearing completion. It will be a boon to factory suppliers and motorists.