DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 May 1926, Page 13

DISTRICT NEWS.

RATAPIKO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Owing to the boisterous weather there was a very small attendance at the householders’ meeting at Ratapiko. Mr. Martain Karalus occupied the chair and presented the following report on the year’s work:— “I am pleased to report a credit balance of £l7 16s sd. Our committee have been handicapped during the year owing to several, who were members, moving from the district. The grounds could have had more attention, and I hope the parents of school children, who are not on the committee, will attend on a day which will be appointed and have a working bee on the grounds. The committee wish to thank Mr. Fred Hill for assistance given in taking the children to the beach for their annual picnic, also all parents who so readily assisted. Mr. Jack Lepper has been a very willing worker at our socials and euchre parties and the committee wish to thank him for his valuable help. Much credit is due to the secretary for the splendid credit balance, and also for keeping the euchre parties and socials going during the winter months. We also wish to thank the ladies who so willingly helped in this connection. This committee have every confidence in Mrs. Wilson, our head teacher, and fully appreciat the valuable work she has done during the last twelve months. Two pupils from this school were presented for the proficiency examination and and both gained their certificates. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the out-going committee. The following were then nominated for the new committee, and as there was only the number required, an election was not necessary:—Messrs. M. Karalus, Chas. Therkleson, J. Wells, M. Kuklinski, W. A. O'Donnell. Mr. Karalus was chosen as chairman and Mr. O’Donnell as secretary. The first euchre party and dance was held in the school on Friday last and proved a great success, the takings at the door amounting to £7. The euchre prizes were won by Mrs. Fred. Middlemiss first and Mrs. J. Craig second. Miss Teresa Potrotz won the booby prize. For the men's prize Messrs. Fred Hill, Ben Dravitski and D. Potrotz tied for first place, and in the play off Mr. Dravitski annexed the first prize and Mr. Hill the second, Mr. Tom Burkett gaining the “booby” prize. It is the intention of the committee to have these euchre parties and dances during the winter, when they hope to raise sufficient funds to form a good football ground at the school, and also a library. A points prize will be awarded at the end of the season to the lady and gentleman gaining the highest aggregate. We are experiencing very rough weather here at present, and our old friend the “mud” is beginning to make its appearance. Most of the farmers are-commencing to dry the cows off and the end of this month should see most of them enjoying their well-earned rest. I mean the cows, of course, as the dairy farmer does not rest at all, the repairing of fences and the many other odd jobs keeping him very busy during the off season. The Ratapiko bachelors intend holding a plain and fancy dress masquerade ball at the end of this month, and are going to do things in great style. Their committee are arranging to have a sit-down

supper and, as this is the first time such a thing has been attempted in Ratapiko, there is sure to be a record attendance. Mrs. L. Piper and Miss Joan Piper, of Wellington, are the guests of Mr. and' Mrs. Jack Wells. Mr. Jack White, Tariki Road, is visiting Auckland. KORU. (From a Correspondent.) Quiet a large number of dancing enthusiasts assembled in the Koru Hall on the occasion of the opening ball, which was held on April 30. The surrounding districts were well represented, some coming from as far as Okato, while on the other side two or three car loads came around from Mangorei and Hurworth. There was also a number from New Plymouth and Omata. The floor was in splendid order. After two or three hours of dancing a dainty supper was partaken of, after which dancing was carried on until the early hours of the morning. Mr. P. Meredith (piano) and F. Guscott (violin) played excellent music, while Mr. J Bentham and Vai. Green made efficient M.C.’s. In a competition for a sheep donated by Mr. Percy Wood towards the piano fund, Mr. Roger Pentelow was the winner. The hall committee are trying to raise sufficient funds to buy a new piano, but they still want a considerable sum for that purpose. They have therefore decided to hold a basket social, by which function they hope the funds will benefit to a considerable extent.

LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Favoured by a perfect night and a packed house the Farmers’ Union have every reason to feel satisfied at the success attending the annual concert and dance held in the hall on Friday evening last, when a varied and lengthy programme was submitted. All the items were well rendered and received by rounds of applause, all being encored and several being recalled for the third time. Mr. Silver -was undoubtedly the funny man of the evening, and appeared at his best, his comic songs being much appreciated. There were also present several artists who were new to Lowgarth, and some beautiful songs were rendered, the singing of the lady performers being particularly good. Mr. Willan (president) occupied the chair, and the following programme was submitted: —Overture, Boulton’s orchestra; songs by Mr. Burns, Mrs. Hemingway, Mr. Silver, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Hesse!, Mrs. Wilde, Mrs. Rankin, Miss Hammond, Mr. Hamilton. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr. Willan moved votes of thanks to all who had assisted in making the evening so successful, and expressed the opinion that it had been the most successful held in Lowgarth. Supper was handed round, and dancing was kept up until well into the. small hours. Boulton’s orchestra was in attendance, and the duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr. Willan. Supper for the performers was supplied by Mrs. Piper and Mrs. Willan. There was a large gathering at the Lowgarth Hall on Friday evening, April 16, when a farewell social and dance was tendered to Miss Bcleher, who has been assistant teaelyir at the Finnerty

Road school during the last five years. During the whole of that time Miss Belcher has been a most popular teacher and very general regret is felt at her departure, especially as her retirement has been caused solely by ill-health. Dancing was commenced at 8 p.m., and was interspersed by songs and recitations by the school children, all of which showed evidence of careful training. During the evening Mr. L. Taylor, chairman of the committee, presented Miss Belcher with a beautiful gold wristlet watch. A bountiful supper was provided by the ladies, and was much appreciated by all. Advantage was taken of the occasion to present the prizes to the school children. Mr. Taylor, in a happy manner, presented each child with a book, there being also a number of special prizes, while several received prizes for a full attendance during the year. During the evening songs were contributed by Mr. Martin. The music for the dance was supplied by Peek’s orchestra, and the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. Taylor. At the annual meeting of householders, held on Monday night, no committee was elected. This is rather unfortunate, but I suppose a number of those who have done this work for some years past think that it is time others eame forward and took their part in the work.

PIHAMA. « —— , (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of subscribers to the Pihama hall was held on Thursday evening last. In the absence of the chairman of the hall committee (Mr. A. Campbell), Mr. J. D. Conaglen was voted to the chair. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £32 16s 3d in the working account, and £44 2s 9d in the supper room reserve fund. It was decided that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to obtain estimates of the cost of building a new supper room. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the outgoing committee for the splendid state of the finances, special reference being made to the valuable assistance of the secretary (Mr. B. Duffy). A very pleasant evening was spent in the hall on Saturday, when Miss Riley was the guest of her many friends. During the evening a presentation was made of a purse of notes to mark the occasion of her approaching marriage. Excellent music was supplied by Miss B. Pollock, and the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. A. Clark. The extras were supplied by Miss K. MeHannigan, Mrs. Julian and Mr. Clark.

weather takes up again soon, as the completion of this important work is very desirable. The contractor, Mr. E. A. Johnston, has five' lorries running, so it can easily be guessed that when the weather is suitable the work goes on apace.

The Whangamomona Tennis Club is holding its annual ball on May 14. The services of Boulton’s orchestra have been secured, and coupled with a firstclass sit-down supper, patrons will be assured of an enjoyable evening. Mr. C. Algie, the local post office assistant, has been transferred to Marton on promotion. We will all be sorry to say good-bye to him, rs during his stay with us he has always given everybody his utmost attention and consideration, and has proved obliging in every way. We all wish him the best <jf luck in his future sphere. Mr. A. Miller, of the Stratford post office staff, is relieving assistant here for a few days. Miss Nita Sherbrooke, who underwent an operation, is progressing favourably, and will soon be home again.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A meeting was held in the hall on Saturday evening, 24th ult., for the purpose of forming a Ping-pong Club. After discussion it was decided that a club be formed, to be run in conjunction with the tennis club. The following officers were elected:—President, Mr. R. B. Fleming; vice-president, Mr. P. C. Smith; committee, Messrs. M. Beattie, H. Lobeek, G. Lister, C. Snow, S. L. Goodin, G. Watt, A. Townsend and J. Sullivan; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. Pennington. The opening practice was held on Friday, when a very pleasant evening was spent. During the evening a match was played between sides representing the president and the vice-president, the following being the players: President— Mesdames Pennington and Beattie, Messrs. R. B. Fleming, H. Pennington, R. J. Rutherford, M. Beattie, R. J. Fleming, G. Watt, C. McDonald and D. Ager; vice-president—Mrs. Lobeek, Misses P. Garrey and N. Fleming, Messrs. P. C. Smith, H. Lobeek, W. Kirkwood, H. Wells, R. Neal, D. Elliot, G. Barr and G. Millar. After some very exciting games the president’s side ran out the winners by 515 points to 310. A dainty supper, kindly provided by the ladies, brought a thoroughly enjoyable evening to a close. A grand opening night is to be held in the course of a week or so, when the t members of neighbouring dubs will also be invited to attend. A trophy has been donated to the club, the form of competition for which has been left to the discretion of the committee.