COUNTRY NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2697, 30 December 1909, Page 7

COUNTRY NEWS.

SMOKE CONCERT AT MATAWAI

(From Our Own Corres? J’ldcnt.) A smoke concert at thA Matawai store on Christmas Eve greatly assisted in making a very wet Christmas one of the brightest in that part of the district. Though the roads seethed in mud, and rain fell in sheets, still the men of the district were not to be disappointed in tlie making of their Christmas merry, for over 25 people ■attended this most successful function, and very gr«at credit is due to the committee for the untiring efforts it put forth to make the evening mosLenjoyable. Mr. Herbert Lyford occupied the chair, and kept the programme from lagging. A very lengthy programme was disposed of, the first half of it being as follows: —Toast, “The King,” by Mr. Lyford; song, Mr. W. Neal, “Be Kind to your Parents” ; song, Mr. Jack McKenzie, “Three Thousand Miles Away” ; song, Mr. R. J. Brown, “Touching Them Up” ; toast by Mr. A. Smith, “Good Fellowship”; song, Mr. Woolford, “Miner’s Dream of Homo” ; toast. Mr. W. Neal, “Settlers” ; duet, Messrs Brown and Smith, “Only a Leaf” ; song, Mr. W. Dooley, “The Rose of Trealie” ; toast, Mr. A. Chiloott, “Visitors”; song, Mr. R. J. Brown, “The Ship I Love” ; toast, Mr. A. Smith, “Matawai Sports”; song, Mr. Woolford, “Good Evening” ; toast, Mr. J. McKenzie, “Rakauroa Sports” ; song, Mr. A. Smith. “My Starlight Maid”; toast, Mr. F. White, “The Ladies.” The toasts were coupled with tlie names of several persons, who suitably responded. The chairman proposed the health of Mr. and Mrs. Neal, which, was responded to by Mr. W. Neal. After a most enjoyable time had been spent, the party dispersed with singing a Christmas carol and the National Anthem.

MOTU RIFLE CLUB. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Motu settlers are showing their interest in the matter of defence by the way they are resuscitating the Motu Defence Rifle Club. Quite a strong club has been formed under Mr. Elliott as captain. Messrs Carron Bros, have given a very suitable rifle range on their property, the range being handy to the township and the public road. On Monday afternoon tihe range was opened, when a large number of riflemen and visitors were> present. The ladies provided lunch, and afternoon tea, which were partaken of on ,the range. After Mr. P. Wright had opened the proceedings with an appropriate address, the shooting took place, which was a very; creditable performance indeed, many of the riflemen putting up scores that some older volunteers would find difficulty in beating. A very enjoyable day was brought to a close by an address from the captain.