COUNTRY NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2570, 3 August 1909, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

RAKAUROA NOTES. (From our own Oorrespondcrifc.) Our district, which is at present somcwliat conspicuous as being the objective point of the Gisborne-Rotorua railway, as at present authorised, also as the first point on the said railway at which the timber trade may be expected to begin to influence the railway profits, can scarcely claim as yet to have much •more than just made a beginning to feel the benefits of railway communication in the district. However, some not inconsiderable benefits are enjoyed, even now, and the population is considerably increased by the men engaged in the sawmilling trade, -and the ad-vance-forward of the railway works. Should the rate of progress at present attained be maintained we will very soon see our local railway paying as well as any in tho Dominion, and this is just wherein the town and country interests of the district require to combine to urge the maintaining of the pressent rate of construction, not only until the work is completed at Rakauroa, but until the railway shall fully develop the timber industry in the district. Undoubtedly, although the railway will greatly assist the settlers in its immediate vicinity, it must necessarily be the timber trade which will justify its construction lor a good many years To come, and that can only be accomplished by carrying it rapidly into the centre of the timber area, to enable the residents of the town of Gisborne, and the settlers of the Poverty Bay flats to reap the advantages of cheaper building timber in the immediate future. The local disciples of the “Light Fantastic” were treated to a fancy dress ball on the 30th inst., when a full house resulted. The night was all that could Ire desired from a climatic point of view hut,’ owing to bad roads, many intending visitors wore unable to he present. The Grand March, in which some 30 couples took part, was led off by Mr. W. D. S. MacDonald and Mrs. J. B. Clark, to music supplied by Mr C. Smith, piano. Dancing was briskly carried on during the night, interspersed with songs by Mr W. Clark, Mrs Grace, Mrs J. B. Clark. Mr AV. Graham. Mr Macashan, Mr J. Mackenzie, and Mr Alennie. The prize for tho most becoming fancy dress was won for ladies by Miss’ Nellie AlePhee as “Carmen,” and for gentlemen by Mr. _ Vivian Beauioy in court dress. During the evening Air W. D. S. McDonald, M.P., was invited to give an address, when he said that although ho did not come with any intention of making a speech yet lie" was very pleased to meet the residents of the district, and especially to meet so many of the ladies. Alter reviewing the last session of Parliament and the causes which led up to the presentation of the Dreadnought and the necessity for Parliament, Mr McDonald said that lie had no doubt that the result of the visit of the Premier, Sir.J. G. Ward, to London would fully justify the action taken. He also congratulated the district on the progress which the railway was making. Further, he assured tlieip that while he was their representative lie would do his best to further the interests of the electorate and the Dominion. Air McDonald’s remarks were highly appi’eciated and received with hearty applause by those present. The following ladies wore fancy dress: — “Cleopatra,” Airs J. B. Clark; Shepherdess, Airs W. Clafik; Lady of the 18th Century, Alls W. Graham; Spanish Dancer, Mrs ,M. AlcKcnzie; Italian

' Dancing Girl, Mrs Grace; Dutch Girl, .Mrs C. Smith; Italian Dancing Girl, Miss Beatrice Shaw; ‘ llted Cross’ ’ Nurse, Mrs Flemming; “Carmen,” Miss Nellie MoPliee; “Cherry Ripe,” Miss Newman ; “Kate Greenaway,” Miss IMcLean; Roman Fiower Girl, Miss'Redpath ; “Crossing Sweeper,” Miss L. Redpath; “Nancy Lee,” Miss Smith; “Winter,” Miss Neal; Tambourine Girl, Miss Whitlock. A Gentlemen in fancy dress:—Court dress, Mr S. V. Boaufoy; “Lord Nelson,” tar A. T. Smith; Spanish Toreador, Mr. W. Graham; Stockman, Mr Macashan; Clown, Mr Peter Malone; “Jack of Hearts,” Mr ji B. Clark; Jockey, Mr W> Neal;, Mounted Rifles, Mr. Stewart McDonald; Mounted Rifles, Mr. 35. Neal; Volunteer, Mr. R. Brown; “The Mad Hatter,” Mr. F. Shaw; Cricketer, Mr. Bisdee. A plentiful supper was suppled by the ladies, and Mr. T. Grace performed the 'duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner. The Motu and Rakauroa football teams had a friendly match on Saturday, the result being a win for Ralcauroh by eight to nil after a very evenly contested game. The season hero is mild, and stock are looking well in consequence. Some of our settlers regret haying frozen so nnany sheep this season; as on account of the favorable weather they could have easily carried them over, and prices for frozen meat being low, nothing has been gained by freezing. Anyhow, we will benefit to a certain extent with the favorable season.