WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143646, 14 November 1911, Page 7

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Nov. 10.—The Good Templars’ Lodge garden party, which took place yesterday afternoon in Mrs. M. Jones’ spacious grounds was unfortunately marred by the unkind weather conditions which prevailed. A very comprehensive programme had been mapped out, some 2d competitors entering for the ilqral and fancy dress displays. The prizewinners were as follows: Decorated pram.—Mrs. C. Limmer. Decorated push carts.—Mrs. W. Thomas 1, Mrs. H. Elliot 2. Doll’s pram.—lda Telfar 1, Wavoriey Bould 2. Decorated umberellas. Phyllis Hutchinson 1, Stanley Clare 2. National dress.—Miss M. Jones. Girls’ fancy dress.—Eileen Jenkins L Annie Wakely 2, special Ethel Crow. Most original dress.—Edio M'Koy. Highland iassio.—Mavis Jones. Boys* fancy dresses.—Leo. Bould 1, Tom Roberts 2. Most original dress.—CUf. Clare. Most original costume.—Miss Ivy M‘Koy. Other competitors Ethel Hoskins, J. Crow, C. Wakely, E. Jenkins, D. Tate, Grace Jones and Dugald Pnrdie. The judging was in the hands of Mesdames Stubbs and Vaughan, The following stalls were set up in tho grounds:—Fruit and lollies: Mrs. Kettle, Misses Crow and Jones; Christmas tree and bran tub: Mrs. Bicheno, Misses Ullunder, Pennington, Bullot, Brough and Herrick. During the afternoon the Waitara Municipal Band enlivened tho proceedings by a good programme of music. Tho day was wound up with a concert which took place in Sc. John’s Hall in tho evening. Despite the fact that the elements were still unkind, there was a satisfactory attendance. The major part of tho programme was carried out by a number of New Plymouth ladies and gentlemen, members of tho New Plymouth Egmont Lodge, who bad journeyed out to help the cause. Their efforts in song and story were well received, and met with tho approval of tho audience. r Jho only local contributors to ftho programme were Miss R. Brough and Air. W. J. Smith. During tho evening addresses were delivered by Miss Grimley, organiser of the Good Templar Order, and Bro. Legg, of New Plymouth. Bro. 0. J. Herrick, C.T., presided at the concert, and was accorded a vote of thanks at the conclusion. The object of the entertainments, viz., tho raising of funds for purchase of the Good Templar Lodge regalia, has, so I understand, been successful.

The Waitara bowlers opened the season yesterday, amidst very discouraging attentions on the part of Jupiter Pluvius. It seems rather remarkable that for several seasons now, the opening day has been ushered in extra moist. Good play under these conditions is impossible. However, after a little dodging the members present were able to get off tho match, president v. vice-president, which resulted in a win for tho first named by three points. The rinks were skipped by Ogle and Gilbert, "Wyllie and Bcckbeasinger, and Caldo and Dugdale. At the conclusion rapid cracks were made to tho pavilion were ample justice was don© to aftexmoon tea and edibles provided by the ladies of the Croquet Club. During the afternoon Messrs. Ogle (president) and Gilbert (vicepresident) made come brief congratulatory remarks on the progress of the chib and splendid state of the green. It is stated quite openly by the “man in tho street” that one of the first acts of tho new elected County of Clifton Councillors will bo to abolish the ■\Vaihi toll-gate. The reasons given are that the conditions which impelled the erection of tho gate some five years ago do not now exist; in short, that the finances of the county are in n much more healthy condition —and, finally, that the cost of collection is costly. I shall only concern myself with the last utterance, which can only emanate from some parsimonious individual, whoso whole existence is built up on cheese-paring tactics. The salary paid to the toll-gate keeper is some £2 per week, for about a 16 hours’ day. Why, the amount is not a living wage, and anyone who carps at such a pittance has no business in “God’s own country” or anywhere else, for that matter. The examination of pupils in Standard VI. attending the Waitara. School was held on Mondaj’, 6th inst. The following are the passes;—Proficiency certificates: George Arms, Laurie Baker, Harry Brabant, Charles Fulton, Ernest Jenkins, Frank Klennor, Hoy Limraer, Willie Luxton, Arthur Oliver, Ernest Procter, Douglas Tate, Victor Weston, Ethel Hoskins, Marion Knight, Alice Smith, Ada Stoddart. Competency certificate: Eric Beauchamp.' There were no failures. Mr. Saunders had excellent houses on both Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The pictures have certainly filled a long felt want here, particularly on Saturday evenings. Owing to the largely increased trade of Waitara, the present railway goods shed is being enlarged. When completed it will be a big. factor for the convenience of both the staff and public. Waitara residents will also be pleased to know that the present bare state of the Waitara railway station is at last to have a verandah. This need, which has often been urged in these columns, will fill a long felt want.

The Royal Pictures Proprietary are contemplating another visit to the Mohan for a continuation film. Tt is probable that, if the operator, Mr. Newham, can spare the time, several eral pictures of Waitara will also be taken. The Mnkau River and New Plymouth films will, when released on the Continent, America, and the Old Country, prove one of the grandest advertisements imaginable. The music for motion pictures is a class on its own, and both picture proprietors are fortunate in having the services of Messrs. Von Lubbo and Ern. Stewart, who contribute greatly to the pleasure of the entertainment. Several improvements in the business block have, and arc, being carried out at present. Mr. IT. Langman has increased the dimensions of his shop by half, Messrs. Cossar and Purdie have just added a new showroom to their already compact premises, and a new shop is in course of erection, adjacent to the Masonic Hotel.