Okato News.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 206, 3 September 1904, Page 2

Okato News.

"■' Nothing if not up to date" must be the motto of at least one local resident who has connected his cowshed with tho homestead by means of a telephone wire, and who last year erected the first windmill pump. Humours aro afloat of further progress in the "borough proper" to tho effect that a new accommodation house is to be built on the corner opposite Mr Fox's drapery shop, and a section there has changed hands at a high figure. On Wednesday thero was quite a crowd of strangers in the township who were attracted thither by Mr McCnllum's advertised sale. Though the business was not sold as a going concern, Beveral head of horses and cows were disposed of at very fair prices. Many will be pleased to know that tho coach and waggon sarvice will he continued as usual by Mr McCallum himself.

Mr T Dowries having resigned the managership of the main dairy factory here, was farewelled at an informal smoke-concert. Suitable speeches, interspersed with songs and toasts were the order of the evening. A hearty and enthusiastic evening was wound up by the singing of "Au Rovoir, but not Goodbye, ' and finally "AuVJ Lang Syne." Mr Allwood, the new manager from Omata, was present, and opportunity w a s taken to give him a hearty welcome.

On. Saturday tho Puniho Native School boys were beaten in a Rugby contest by the Okato schoolboys b.V nine to nil. Mr E. Leedom perforin*! the difficult tusk (owing to the many coloured jerseys) of acting us referee. For the winners 1,. Carey was conspicuous among the forwards for his dash and fast following up,, while C. Ta(e „t halfback, played the most "headv " on the ground. Tries wore secured by H McCullum (2) .and F. Baker (1), who both played a ding-dong ganio from start to finish.