TOKO SETTLERS’ BALL

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1930, Page 10

TOKO SETTLERS’ BALL

PROFICIENCY IN CROPPING. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES.’ During the years the winter fodder competitions were conducted by the longestablished Toko .Settlers’ Association there was always one evening of the year set apart for social amusement and relaxation. On this occasion opportunity was always taken to present the prizes won in the various, field competitions, and altogether it was a real settlers’ “night out.” Last year the association handed the control of its competitions to the Toko branch of the Farmers’ Union, which set up a special committee to oversee the work. In keeping with the traditions of the district the branch has retained the old association of the settlers’ ball, and last night the Coronation Hall held the usual large gathering experienced at similar functions in former years. Tastefully displayed on a table was a splendid array •of cups, trophies and prizes won in the competitions. With the music of Scott’s orchestra couples needed no urging to take the floor, and the time passed merrily in waltz, onestep, foxtrot and novelty dance until a movement on the stage indicated that the chief ceremony of the evening was about to take place. Prior to presenting the trophies, the chairman (Mr. T. T. Murray) said the competitions had been going on for 20 years, the first three being run by the old Farmers’ Union, then the Settlers’ Associationcarried on until, last year, when the Farmers’ Union as it is known to-day again took control. He mentioned that next year it was hoped to hold a competition for grass growing, in addition to the others. The recipients of prizes were: — MANGOLD GROWING. Best Half-acre. Mr. J. Reid, 119 tons 4 cwt to the acre, and a total of 256 points, 1 and cup. Mr. E. Jones, 7L} tons, total of 1591 points, 2. Mr. A. Marfell, 59 tons, total of 134 points, 3. Mr. Reid’s splendid crop also won the Sutton Challenge Cup for competition throughout North Taranaki. There was only one entry in the best acre of mangolds competition for the Evan Jones cup, and this was also won by Mr. J. Reid. A possible error was discovered in the marking of two competitions, and the weight of Mr. Reid’s crops may be found to be 140 tons for the half acre and 119 tons for the acre. CARROT GROWING. Mr. E. Jones, 51 tons, 119 points, 1 and cup. Mr. J. R. Woalaston, 28,} tons, 721 points, 2. “ SWEDE GROWING. Mr. L. Marfell, 58 tons 6 cwt., 1331 points, 1 and cup. Mr. E. Jones, 57 tons 9 cwt., 131 points 2. Mr. 11. Cook, 56 tons 5 cwt., 129 points, 3. STACK ENSILAGE. Mr. J. Jones, 90 pts., I and Masters cup. Mr. G. Were, 91J points, 2. Mr. T. A. Rowe, 91 points, 3. HAY STACKS. Mr. J. Jones, 90 points, 1 and cup. Mr. H. J. Kaye, 88 points, 2. Mr. J. B. Hine, 87 points, 3. The challenge trophy for most points in all the competitions was again won by Mr. Evan Jones. Certificates of merit to the winners of both competitions were also -presented. The Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr. K. Ewans and MiSs M. Hutchins. Ladies of the district subsequently served supper, and dancing was resumed.

OLD PUPILS’ BALL. PLEASING DECORATION SCHEME. The annual ball of the Stratford High School Old Pupils’ Association in the Town Hall last night attracted a large crowd of Stratford residents and visitors. As soon as partners had been taken for the first dance the success of the ball was assured, rfiid at no time during the evening was there cause for the first impression to be changed. A most effective and rather unusual scheme of decoration was adopted. Realising that attractive decorations contribute much to the success of any dance, a. men’s committee spent no little time and trouble to secure the best, results. A square centre-piece was utilised to form the nucleus of the scheme. From it red and black streamers were run to a wire running parallel with the sides of the hall, but a few feet from it. The overhanging ends were then gathered at intervals. The most interesting departure from usual procedure was a highpower floodlight placed on the floor and reflecting upwards upon the ceiling. In the centrepiece was another floodlight Ruminating the floor. Greenery was interspersed among the streamers, .and coloured lamps supplied the finishing touches to a scheme that reflected great credit upon its originators. McNeill’s orchestra supplied the music, Messrs. L. Caldwell and D. Young being masters of ceremonies. An excellent supper was supplied by a committee of ladies. PERSONAL. Mr. M. E. Bell; Frankton, lias been visiting friends in Taranaki. He left the Stratford district yesterday. Mesdames R. E. Kivell, H. Voght, Loveridge (Tariki) and Miss B. Mumby have motored to Auckland, where they intend to see the third Test match. Mr. and Mrs. A. Dillon and their two small daughters, from South Africa, are staying with Mr. and Mrs. W. Farrant, Opunake Road. Mr. and Mrs.. E. S. North left yesterday on their return to Rotorua after a visit to Mrs. North’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Jackson.