OTAKI and DISTRICT

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 January 1917, Page 4

OTAKI and DISTRICT

NOTES FROM OTAKI MAIL,

A party comprising Messrs Fothering, Goad, Loney and McLean -made a walking tour oveff the Tararua ranges during the Christmas holidays. They left Bassett's liut, Woodside, on Wednesday morning, December 27th, and oamped at Tauherenikau hut the same night. The next night they camped at the but below Mt. Alpha, and, coming on, reached Judd's wharc (Otaki Forks) on Friday night whore they stayed for the night. They took the trip ■leisu'rely, and express themselves as thoroughly delighted- ■ with the outing, which they heartily recommend to anyone fond of mountaineering. The glorious weather experienced added largely to the enjoyment of the trip. The Horowhenua A. and P. Association decided wisely, we think, in resolving to hold its annual show as usual this yearn, though a small section of its members deemed it advisable to allow the show to lapse far this sea son. A show of this nature does not come undeii' the category of amusements—it- is a gathering that lias a very great educational value, and viewed on broad lines, it would be very short-sighted and misguided policy to abandon the <show at- a time like this, when every effort should he made to add to the productiveness of the country.

In our lust issue we published the viows expressed by Mr W. H. Field, member for the district, in regard to the anti-shouting regulations, in which ilr Field takes a strong, fatherly interest. Mr Field declares that in his very slender experience of hotel bars lie has never seen a "case oi infraction of the law." Of course not! Perhaps our experience of hotel bar,s is creator than Mr Field's. At any rate we are sorry to differ with him on this point, and repeat our assertion that tile law is openly flouted in many parts.

There was a capital attendance at the Druids' Hal[ for the purpose of bidding good-bye to the local soldiers of the 22nd Reinforcements, who are now heme on their final leave, viz., "Corporal T. Thorner, Private Roy Satherley, Shirley, MeHardie, R. Knox, Frank Lptford, Gordon Freeman, and Lionel Burst on. The gathering, which was under the auspices of the Otaki Patriotic Society was 'a very successful and enjoyable affair.

Mr F. Thornton, who has been a member of the teaching staff at the Otaki Native College for the past three years, has left Otaki for Auckland, where he has secured an improved position. Mr Thornton has been popular during Iris 'stay in Otaki, and will be particularly missed in sporting circles, he being a keen member of the cricket, hockey, tennis and golf clubs. Xot only so, but mainly owing to Mr Thornton's energy and supervision, the lads of the Otaki Native College have taken a prominent and successful part in sport, and lie will be much missed.

Bush fires on both sides of the Rimutaka ranges have caused settlers much anxiety dliving the past few days. Considerable areas of land have been burnt over on the Wairarapa side, and around Kaitoke. At one place last Tuesday, the fires had swept so close to a homestead that aid had to be summoned, and a score of men. women and children turned out to beat down the flames, their combined efforts eventually proving effective.