OTOROHANGA NEWS

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3252, 8 November 1932, Page 7

OTOROHANGA NEWS

TOPICS OF THE HOUR.

GUY FAWKES CELEBRATIONS. (Own Correspondent.) Otorohanga was en fete on Saturday night for the Guy Fawkes celebrations, the Fire Brigade's fancy dress carnival, and the opening of the bridge to the island reserve recreation ground, all of which were held in conjunction. A large crowd assembled, and bonfires, rockets, fireworks, and weird music from many instruments were the order of the evening. Rochery's Circus of tame and wild animals (in cages), accompanied by the Fire Brigade, Band, lerritonals, and young people in fancy dresses and masks marched from the monument to the bridge, where " Mr Lang (Mr H. Rothery) and his ministers and officials were in readiness to cut the ribbon to declare the bridge open. As "Mr Lang" was about to siasn the ribbon with his sword, however, up dashed one "De Groot" on Phar Lap," who scattered the official party, and'"in the name of common decency," severed the ribbon with his sword and declared the bridge open. "De Groot" (Mr D. Kennedy, ol ie Kuiti) was at once arrested by the Territorials, and brought before a drumhead court-martial, where miilitary friends used their influence to secure his release ! A feature of the evening's amusement was a popular demonstration of a walking-stick ragwort destroyer by Mr Rothery. The stick consists of a hollow pipe, with a screw-nut on the ground end, and it was clearly and frequently demonstrated that the contents, whilst death on ragwort, were quite stimulating when absorbed internally by humans ! A huge bonfire burned fiercely, and the dances, by groups in fancy dress, were loudly encored, whilst many stalls and competitions did maximum business despite the fact that rain was falling fairly heavily. Over £47 taken at the bridge will be devoted to the funds of the Fire Brigade. The carnival reflected credit on the promoters. Bishop Liston, assisted by Father O'Flynn (Te Awamutu) and Father Dore (Te Kuiti), conducted a largelyattended mass and confirmation service at the Roman Catholic Church here on Sunday. The bishop exhorted all those who were getting their living off the land to be thankful that" they were settled on the land instead of in the cities, where life, during these strenuous times, was so difficult for an untold number, of people. He was of the opinion that if the statesmen of the world placed their reliance less in nations and more upon God during their stewardship many of the wrongs of the world would be righted, the bugbear of turmoil and strife would be reduced to a minimum, and peace and happiness would return to an at present stricken world. As he travelled among the people of the towns and country districts he could only conclude that life on the land was the most natural one, no matter what the present trials and hardships were. Life in the cities and the larger towns was at present a nightmare to many and a heart-breaking struggle to most to gain the bare necessities of life. Mr F. 0. R. Phillips took champion honours at the Royal Show last week with his imported bull, Sybil's Volunteer, and first and champion with bull calved prior, to Ist July; whilst Mr V. MjcD. Hitchings (Kio Kio) secured second prize for cow 3to 5 years. In milking Shorthorns Mr G. D. Hall (Kio Kio) wQii a number of honours, among which were first and reserve champion with the cow Pinedale Laurel; second forj bull calf, second for cow in milk, and first for hiefer calf, besides other placings.