DISTRICT NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13463, 18 April 1917, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS

MATANGI. Farewell Social. A farewell social was tendered recently to Mr W. Cameron, who lias gone into camp with the 28th draft. There was a large number present. Mr H. Robinson, on behalf of the residents, presented the departing soldier with a housewife, money belt and military toilet set. In doing so Mr Robinson referred to the large number ol young men who had grine from the district. Some had paid the supreme sacrifice, some had returned with honourable scars, some had earned distinction, and he felt sure that their guest that evening would nobly do "his duty and worthily uphold the reputaof the district. He wished him good luck and a safe return. Mr Cameron returned thanks for the kindness shown him. During the evening Mrs Kennedy sang two songs, the eompaniments being played by Miss Halegood (Gisborne). Master Holland gave two appropriate recitations. Music for the dances was supplied by Mr R. Cranston, and supper was provided by the ladies. Persona!. Private L. R. Martin, of the 2fith Specialists, who has been up on final leave, visiting his parents, returned to camp on Saturday. _ Rev. .T. D. McArthur, the newlvanpointed *Methodisfc Minister to the Hamilton East circuit, preached his first sermon at Matangi on Sunday. There was a fair attendance, and the preacher made a very favourable impression. Mr T. Bryant., who had a severe stroke some weeks ago in Auckland, has arrived home again. Although far from well lie is gradually improving in health, but it will be some time before he will be able to do any work. WAHAROA SPORTS. On Easter Monday the W'aharoa Athletic Club held its sixth annual sports meeting in the domain.* Owing to the doubtfulness of the weather, the number of former competitors now | "playing the game" at the front, and a [ similar counter-attraction at Te Aroha, it was impossible that the entries should be so numerous ■ in former years. At the steward .uneheon, Mr F. Johnston, the pres! ' .it, thanked the judges for their help, and said that under the aforementioned circumstances the W'aharoa' public were prepared for a diminution in the number of entries. Mr J. Hastie replied on. behalf of the judges, and said the dis-

play of jumping was much superior to what he had expected. In the open hunter competition Mr W. Eastwood, of Cambridge, gained first and second honours, with Mr 11. Manuel's Kiu lira, who had won the event twice previously, coming third. Special interest was attached to the high jump for horses, Mr \Y. Eastwood offering to give 12 inches handicap to any horse competing with his horse Raven; and easily beat his rivals, and followed by jumping the rail raised six inches higher, a height of sft Uin. Both horse and rider received a-reat applause, and the winner donated his prize to the W'aharoa Red Gross funds. The visitors were specially well catered for by .Mr P. Salisbury, who was accorded a hearty vote of at the conclusion of the day's sports. Mr A. Richards supplied the refreshments for the gathering, and his arrangements and altentiveness were satisfactorily commented upon. The officials {including Mr F. .lolmslon as president and Mr J. Ryan as*secretary) are to be highly commended for entirely satisfactory way in which the whole programme was conducted. It is understood that half the proceeds of the sports meeting is to be devoted to patriotic purposes. In the evening a social and dance was held in the hall, a very large number being present. The prizes won at the sports were presented by Mr F. Johnston. The impromptu items given by '"The Originals" Concert Company, who bad journeyed from Matamata after the conclusion of their performance there, added much to the evening's enjoyment, and vociferous encores had to be responded to. Songs were also sting by Misses Scott and Ross, and Messrs J. Raker and A. G. Yardley. Mr R. A. Forsman acted as M.C., and the dance music, supplied by Messrs P. Ingham and J. Graveson, was much appreciated.

The sheep donated by Mr J. Finnerty, late of W'aharoa, and sold at the sports on Monday, realised 30s.