DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 305, 21 December 1908, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent). The Opunake Brass Band visited here on Thursday evening and played a nice programme of music in Groom's gardens. Despite the fact that the weather was not altogether ideal for a moon.'iiglit picnic, there was a good and appreciative audience, and gratification was expressed at the wonderful improvement in the band since its last visit here. A collection was taken up and realised C.'i. At the conclusion of the concert the members of the band were entertained at supper by Mr. and Mrs. James (.■room. On Friday evening the Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary was concluded by the annual entertainment- in the chapel. There was a good attendance. The liev. Mr. Ijaybourne presided. After the usual liyunn and prayer the following capital programme was rendered: .-—Piano solo, Miss IdaLaybouni; song, "Always in the Whey," Miss Mary llughson; address, l>ev. Mr. Laybourn; recitation, Miss Mabel Phillips; piano duet, Misses K. and E. Campbell; recitation, "The Barber," Mr. T, Hughson, jun.; humorous address in costume, "Mr. Jccko Bragge," Mr. S. Taylor (encored) ; address by the Superintendent, Mr. T.

P. llughson. The secretary, Mr. T. llughson, then read the balance-sheet, which proved satisfactory. Several anthems were nicely rendered by the choir and children. During the evening the prizes were distributed, after which supper was handed around. The annual meeting of subscribers to the liahotu Public Library was held on Wednesday evening. There was not a large attendance. M!r. James Garcia presided. The balance-sheet showed that the subscriptions amounted to about £7; Government subsidy, £5 3s l)d; balance last year, £5 5s fld. The principal items of expenditure were books and magazines £lO 10s 4d, leaving a balance in hand of about £4. The report showed that 53 books had been added during the year, whilst 90 had been exchanged with the Warea library. Tlie following committee were' elected: Mesdamcs F. West and Lowrie, Miss Eustace, Messrs. TV J. Smith, J. Campbell, F, West, J. Garcia, A. E, Phillips,

and IP. Trye. Mr. J. Garcia was reelected chairman, Mr. Campbell librarian a;ul treasurer, and Mrs. West secretary, Votes of thanks were accorded the officers for their services, and particularly Mr. Campbell, librarian. Whilst on the subject of the library, it seems a pity that this institution is not better .supported. It receives a fair amount of support, but not nearly what one would expect. In a district like this, so far from any centre, reading should form the main recreation, particularly in the winter months. The Rahotu library contains over- 400 books, well selected, and more are being added as funds permit, so that new subscribers mean more books. Mr. Campbell, the popular librarian, is ready at practically all times to give out books, and the subscription is fixed very low; os will allow a subscriber to take out one book at a time for twelve months, whilst 7s Gd will allow him to take out two books. The committee is always willing to act on any suggestions re new hooka that subscribers may make, so that every inducement is given, and it is hoped during the coming year that a large number will avail themselves of the privilege and become supporters of a well-deserving institution. There was a very good attendance at Mr. .T. H. Bleakley's clearing sale on j Wednesday, and very good prices were, realised. I understand 111'. Bleakley in- j tends residing at Eltham for some time, j lie is to be tendered a farewell "social'' 011 Monday evening by settlers of the district. J

The recent rains have been very ha/A (ieial to the grass, and as a supply of milk is keeping up local factory is turning out of cheese daily, whilst turning out nearly two cheques paid out to-day jMHHHtter factory for November bi^fl^HHßount record in the history o|^HEtory.

Christmas is nearly aWand. Several of our residents are going away for short holidays, but the majority, being engaged in milking, will perhaps manage to see the Opunake sports 011 Boxing Day and the local ones 011 New Year's Day, leaving their holiday until the winter time, when the cows for a short time cease from troubling. Building operations in our to'wnshiyi are lively at present. The timber is tinthe ground, and a start is being nwdb with two buildings in the main street, namely, ollices for Mr. Kerr, of New Plymouth, opposite the Post Ollioe s and' a billiard-room for Momomi opposite the Public Hall. Tenders are also being called for the erection of the Public llall at 'Rahotu.