DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 214, 21 July 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAIUKU.

THE HUNT.

The last outing of Waiuk'i section of the Pakuranga Hurt Cluh took place last Thursday. There was a capital muster near the Kentish hotel, from where Huntsman Selby and the Master, Mr R. T. Reid, led off with the hounds towards the Sandhills. The throw-off was at Mr D. Makgill's farm, and the hounds found straight away. The hare chased across a paddeck of new grass, across McCullough Bro?. and McGo*van's and back to Makgill's again. A fresh hare was then taken scent of and practically the same ground was gone over. Another Lare was started in Makgill's, which tcok a couree over to Scouller'B place, over Jeffries' and White's and back to Makgill's again.

An adjournment was then made for afternoon tea, which wai much enjoyed by all after their keen runs. After this had been partaken of Mr R. T. Reid, on behalf of the Club, returned thanks to Mr and Mrs Makgill for their kind hospitality, whicn was followed by three hearty cheers.

Ou resuming another chase across the farm enc'ej in "purs" being lost in a gullv. After hunting round for a time a chase started on White's which led back to Makgill'?, on t) Scouller's and Jeffries' sections and eventually finished up at the lastmentioned place. Only ore kill was registered, but a very enjoyable outing was experienced. Among those present were Meires Selby (huntsman) on Hobart Town, R. T. Keid (master) on Sentinor, V. J. Hoskirig riding a bay, W. Hoaking a bay, Gillard (whip) a bay, Townsend a chestnut, Dunn un Canonball, Ramsbottom a bay. Martin a bay, Triflin on Nimblefoot, McCounell on a chestnut, Jeffries a bay, Boult a bay, D. Makgill on Patch, Palmer a bay, McDonald a chestnut, and Thompson a bay. The lady riders included Misses Makgill, Greenhead, Grimmer (2), Perry, D. BarribaP, E Rossiter, Mrs Mellsop, Mrs Short, and Misses Harris, Henry, Lockic, Mtaros and Holland. ♦ TUAKAU. OVERHEAD BRIDGE. Interest is being again revived in the respective merits of two proposed sites for the overhead bridge. ' This is really an old controversy, and the diverse opinions of residents has done much to delay the project. Of the two sitrs that are favoured the first one is south of the present goods shed and the second one over the prevent crossing. During bis recent visit the Hon. F. M. B. Frshor stated that to bridge the present crosatrg would be an expensive matter, and the Department could never consider it, whereas the eouth crossing lent itself on account of the embankmeut to easy construction and would reduce considerably the question of cost. Acting on this advice the Progressive League circulated a petition favouring No. 1. In doing so they were acting upon the representations made by many owners of stock who found the present crossing very dangerous. A second petition, in the hands of Mr F. Hyde, is being circulated with the view of getting the Department to again consider the bridging of- the present crossing. In circulating this petition it is assumed that in the event of the other site being decided on the Department would close the present crossing to traffic. We have not heard if the Department have been actually approached to ascertain if there is any likelihood of the crossing in question being closed, but as the road is a main arterial one the possibility of this road being closed is very remote. It is generally conceded that to bridge the present crossing would best suit the district, but the point is, Will the Department vote the necessary expenditure, say £6OOO, to do so? ihe Minister says "No." One thing is certain that while residents are divided in opinion on so important a matter, the Department will remain inactive. If, on the other hand, some agreement could be arrived at so that the petitioners could present a united front the proposed bridge would soon become a reality. It therefore seems a pity that both Bides could not meet and try and come to an amicable settlement in the general interests of the township. There is no doubt that there is a wish on the part of the Government to eliminate b me of the most dangerous level crossings, and Tuakau is without question one of these. On this score alone it is a pity to lose any chance. » BOMBAY. CONCERT Un Wednesday evening a benefit concert by the Bombay Wesleyan choir was tendered to Mr John Craig, of Pokeno, who has been in the Auckland hospital for some time. Mr H. V. Burton was choirmaster. The followirg programme was well rendered:-Part song, •'Softly Fall the Shades," choir; piano duet, Misses McCowen; flute solo, Mr Keddell; cornet solo, "When Other Lips," Mr Ramsay; vocal trio, "The Little Farm," Messrs Smith, Best and Burton; song, Mrs J. Filkington; part song, "Stars of the Summer Night," choir; "The Broken Soliloquy," male voices: selection on the bells by Mr F. Souster; recitation, "To Be Continued." Mr Smith; song, Mrs McCowen; vocal duet, "Excelsior," Messrs Smith and Burton; part song, "Moonlight and Music,' the choir; musical monologu?, "The Poet," Mr Burton; song, "Anchored," Mr Best; selection on the bells by Mr F. Souster; catch "T'was You, Sir," male voices; song, Mrs J. Pilkington; vocal trio, "Don't Look at Me," Mrs Burton and Messrs Best and Burton; part song, "The Parting Kiss," the choir. "Gcd Save the King" brought a very pleasant concert to a close. Notwithstanding the inclement weather th°ra was a splendid attendance, the hall being crowded. THE CREAMERY. Our creamery opened for the season on Tuesday, July 14th. ♦ MERCER. A VALAUBLE GIF!'. A 100-year-old Browne's Bible, in a splendid state of preservation, has been presented to the Anglican church authorities for use in the new church. The valuable gift came from Miss Johnstone, of Pokeno.

PAPAKURA. HOvlE SEPARATION. A representative gatherinc; (f fanr.es me' on Friday eve. i g in the Change hall, Fapakura, on the occasion of the annual meeting of suppliers to the Waikato Co-opera-tive Dairy Co., Ltd. Unfortunately Mr Goodfellow w:s unable t> be p-esen*, his place be'n? taken by Mr W. U. Thompson, of Te Hoe, a director ot the company. As is the case with the other directors Mr Thompson is a well-known dairy farmer, milkirg a herd of 100 cows. Mr Godwyn Smith was voted to the chair and briefly introduced the visitor.'.

Mr Hudson, the company's tiavelling representative, gave an outline of the past season's work, a full account of which has already appeared in these columns. Mr Thompson sketched the history of the company since its inception Ave years ago down to the present time. The phenomenal growth ot the company, said Mr Thompson, was due entirely to the fact that home separation pays, whilst tbe creamery system does not give as gocd a return to the farmer. The reasons were to be found in (a) more efficient sampling of cream than of milk; (b) better yuung stock; (c) less wear and tear of waggons and horses; (d) more time available for work on the farm. It was noticeable, continued the speaker, that wherever men who had to consider the qu?sticn of making the highest possible return in order to meet the expend attached to highpriced land home separation was becoming the order of the day. Already a number of large creameries had suffered from the charge. The temporary lose, however, would result in a heavy ultimate gain. It was not the creamery that added value to the land; it was the outlet afforded by the creamery. Now, under home separation the work formerly done at the creamery could be done more economically and more efficiently on the farm. The stand taken recently by the Waikato Dairy Co. showed that the concern waj fully alive to the best interests of the industry, Touching on the cost of making the change from one system to the other it would be found that the extra returns would more than meet the expense. In addition, his company was prepared to supply separators on specially easy terms and every endeavour would bs made to assist suppliers. Cartage would be arranged wherever possible, and in this matter each district bore only its own expenses. The company paid all rail freights. Experts were at all times at the service of suppliers and these men would effect any adjustments to machinery and give advice on matters pertaining to the care of the cream. No charge was made for this work. In conclusion, Mr Thompson referred to the services of Mr W. Goodfellow, the founder cf the company, who had rendered such signal service to the dairy industry of New Zealand. (Applause). Ths number of questions on the working of the home separation system led to an interesting discussion, at the close of which Messrs Walker and Carpenter moved a vote of thanks to the visitors, expressing satisfaction at the information they had received. Confidence was expressed in the ability of the company to carry out efficently the important work of maintaining tbe high standard of quality at present held by New Zealand butter.

A vote of thanks to the chair concluded an interesting m;eting. ORANGE CHURCH PARADE.

'lhe Orangemen of the Fapakura L.O.L. held a church parade at the Papakura Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, the ranks being reinforced by members of the various sister lodges. Between 70 and 80 Orangemen were present at the service, who, with the congregation, overtaxed the seating capacity of the little church. The Rev. J. D. O. Madill preached on the theme "What the Protestant Church Stands For." He stated that there was a possibility of becoming so accustomed to privileges as to lose sight of their true value and meaning. At the present time there was a great need for instruction in Protestant principles. At the conclusion of the service the congregation joined in singing the National Anthem. MAUKU.

The monthly euchre party held under the auspices of the Farmers' Union took place in the Patumahoe hall on Monday 13th inst. Regardless of the dark night and mushy roads a large number turned out to this popular evening's entertainment. Arrangements were in the hands of Messrs W. Sommerville and C. A. Crispe and proved satisfactory. The ladies' first prize, a box of pretty handkerchiefs, fell to Miss Finlay, who won 12 out of the I'd games played. The gent's first prize was again secured by Mr J. Forbes, who is having a remarkable run of luck this season, he having won the first prize at the last three euchre parties. Minor prizeH were won by MioS Howe (ladies) with four games, and Mr K. Quiun (gents) with two games. A meeting of the Mauku branch of the Waiuku Railway League will be held in the Paturnahoo hall on Friday evening, the 24th inst., when matters in connection with the site for a railway station will be discussed.

POKENO. The Bishop of Auckland, Or Averill, paid his first visit to Pokeno on Tuesday, 14th July. He was met at the train by Mr Pyne and, together with the Revs. Foulkes, Dobson, Wood, Vaughan and Williams, was entertai&ei to lunch by Miss Johnston, of "The Pines."

Nearly all the visiting clergy assisted at the service at three o'clock, the Bishop preaching the sermon. He based his address on the miracle of the healing of the blind man at Jericho. That miracle will always have an added fullness of meaning for the large congregation who were present to welcome the Bishop. After the service the Bishop drove on to Mercer for the dedication of the Churth of St. Jude.

As showing the interest the Rev. t'oulkes took in the erection of the new Anglican church at Mercer, it may be mentioned that he was on the scene of operations every day with his coat eft', hard at work. He had to get up he ford daylight and did not arrive home again until after dark. It is rlii3 to his efforts that the new church when finished will be free of debt.

! DRURY. HAR S'URM. An ext aart'nary heavy hailstoim passed over Diury and portion of Papakura on Tuesday of last week. In parts lumpa of ice fell which measured threa incb r s in length, and in others 1 imps like large marbles with spikes on caused any one outside to make a hasty retreat to cover.