COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 378, 15 July 1911, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

(Own Correspondents). Otorohanga. Last Saturday night, Mrs Holden held another of her fortnightly dances in Turner's Hall. About twenty-five couples were present, and the evening was moat enjoyable. A progressive euchre party and dance was hdlJ in Turner's Hall on Tuesday, in aid of the building fund of j the Roman Catholic Church. The veni ture proved a great success, everything going off well. In spite of the threatening weather a large number of tabl=3 were occupied. The ladies' first prize—a silver-mounted manicure set—was won by Mrs W. J. Worthington, who won eleven games out of twelve. Mr Arthur Board carried off the gentlen.en'a prize—a brief bag, presented by Mr. Erikson—his score being ten games out of twelve. Mrs Gordon Reynolds won the ladies' booby prize—-a pair of nice glass vases, donated by Mrs Leatham; and Mr H. Tingay was the fortunate winner of a necktie given by Miss Naughton for the gentlemen's booby i prize. The supper web in the hands j of a committee of ladies, and was a very dainty affair. After supper, the floor was cleared, and dancing was indulged in until an early hour in the morning, the music being supplied by Mrs Gardiner, Mrs Holden and Mr Jacobsen. Several pretty dresses were "worn, among them being: Mrs Worthington, black skirt, maroon silk blouse; Mrs Forster, dark blue, relieved with cream ; Mrs Gardiner, blue fancy striped voile, Mrs Cumpstone, black silk; Mrs Holden, black silk, jet trimmings; Mrs G. Reynolds, navy blue, cream yoke and under sleeves; Mrs Johnson, black and white; Mrs Spencer, black silk ; Mrs White, cream; Mrs Young, brown; Miss Furbur, black silk; Mrs Kidson, black; Miss Moonev, cream silk; Miss Johnson, black; Miss Caulier, cream silk; Miss L. Johnson, cream turquoise, blue belt and hair ribbons; Mrs Watkin, soft cream dress; Miss Hunter, black, relieved with white; Miss Reynolds, white silk; Miss Reardon, pale blue Japanese silk. Next month the committee propose to hold a concert, for which they are engaging several singers from town. The takings at the door for the above-mentioned social amounted to over £6, and as

the expenses were light the building fund would be considerably augmented. It is anticipated that the concert which is to be held in aid of the Catholic Church fund on Wednesday, August 9th will be a great sucess. Such well known Auckland singers as Miss Lorrigan and Mr Bourke from St. Patrick's Cathedral choir, have promised to. assist, and the best local talent will also render items.

Otangiwai. It is a matter for satisfaction that the long series of frosts has at last broken up and a good warm rain subveened. On several occasions the thermometer registered between 23 and 24 deg. Fah. indoors, and it is a wonder that the grass has withstood the severe fro3ts so well as it has.. Given a good spell of weather without a recurrence of a long series of frosts this spring promises to be early as the grass is already coming away well wherever settlers are not overstocked. The absence of bush seems to cause the district throughout to be less mild it. the winter although the difference is not nearly so great as one would expect from experiences outside o£ the Ohura.

Nihu Niho settlers are deserving of praise for their energetic action in securing a loan for metalling. When are Matiere and Otangiwai ratepayers going to utilise their "thirds" to such good purpose? Such is the query constantly in the minds of all genuine progressive settlors. Personally, I fail to see how Matiere is to hold the trade of this large, closely-settled district if they do not soon make a move to secure decent access to their township from this direction. At present the road between Otangiwai and Matiere is easily first amongst the many roads of the district for that undesirable commodity deep mud. Smith's hill and Ralph's saddle are particularly bad after this recent rai, and thereis every prospect of worse conditions prevailing if something is not soon done to keep water-tables free and clear off small slips. The balance sheet of the Ohura County Council certainly does not make entertaining reading. It was a cunning move to defer getting the elaborate furnishings until after the present financial year. County Chambers are set down at £4OO. Now the elaborate furniture about £IOO worth, I fully believe —will be a prominent item in the next balance sheet. £240 actually spent on roads, out of nearly £I7OO, needs no comment as it speaks only too eloquently for itself. It would respectfully suggest that our Councillors should memorise Kipling's poem "Pay' Pay !! Pay !!!" as a suitable peroration to the ratepayers at the forthcoming hustings. Of course I quite admit that some of them may have dissented from this millionaire's extravagance, and it would be well for them to see that their protests are duly recorded. The fact remains that a majority of the present council can be constrained upon to support almost any reckless scheme without first counting the cost.

In some respects it was an unfortunate "move" on the part of the Ohura Medical Association in giving settlers of this district an "ultimatum," as it revived the spirit of opposition in all with independent feelings. Speaking on behalf of quite a number of settlers, I feel compelled to state that the opposition at this end is not on account of Dr Latchmore, whom we all admire as an ideal doctor, whose kindness, courtesy and "warranted to get there" attitude cannot be too highly praised. The committee, however, acted illadvisedly in refusing to take any members from this district unless they got practically all

lof us. A doctor is now engaged for j this end, and will be in the district in ! a short time from now. Fees are to I be on the lowest scale, and mileage also. In one respect it will be a good I move for the whole district, a3 it will now be possible with two medical men within easy distance of each other to proceed with the matter of a cottage hospital. Or Lumsden is coming to us with high qualifications, is a married man, and was the "pick" of five applicants for the position. He is on the water now—don't laugh too loudly this time, please Mangaroa—and will soon be on the muddy Ohura roads seeking to alleviate the pain and distress of unfortunate backblockers.

Coronation day was duly honoured at Otangiwai. A march past and salute of the flag by the Boy Scouts, an address to scholars, and the presentation of medal was the procedure followed.