DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 15, 11 February 1909, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAHOTU. I l-'roiu Our Own Correspondents.) the contractor*, Messrs. Ward and louper, are making '_'ood progress Avith llit erection of the now hall, and should have it completed well within the contra l time. When completed, it will add greatly to the appearance of our township. Tho billiard-room recently erected by llotnona is now completed, and is open under the management of Mr. F. Butterworth. It i- a nice, neat structure, directly opposite tin.' new hall. Mr. JlcHaaighan. county foreman, lias greatly improved thu appearance of our township by levelling oil' the side track. The unsightly ditch opposite the .hotel has been lilled in, and the'dangerous swamp in front of the ipolice station and post office is now a thing of the past. An eilort is to be made to get the Egmont Couaty Council to form e footpath from the Kahui road to the J police station, a distance of about seven chains. This would be a boon to pedestrians. A meeting was held on Monday evening in connection with tile above. Mr. T. J. Smith was voted to the chair, awl explained the object, of the meeting. Mr. L. Fischer was appointed secretary and Messrs. T. J. Smith, F. West, aud T. r. Hughson were appointed a deputation to interview the Egmont County Council on the matter. It is expected that sufficient money could be raised in Raliotu almost to pav for the kerbing, if the Council would' find the necessary earth and do the labor.

The final meeting in connection with the. last Raliotu sports was held on Saturday evening. Mr. A. E. Phillips presided. The balance-sheet showed a profit on the meeting of £2O. which reflects great credit on the able management. A bonus of £3 10s was voted to the capable secretary, Mr. L. Fischer, and votes of thanks were accorded the officials who had assisted in making the sports so successful.

The Rahotu Rifle Club has just completed a new range, which will cnabh members to practise up to 1000 yards. I understand a team is going from here to compete at the Taraiialti Association meeting. We have several good and enthusiastic shots here, and I wish tilicm everv success.

Wo have a young man in our township who is becoming quite famous as a water-diviner. On one farm lie discovered water in several places; and on another, whero the fanner lias sunkseveral times 50fl. unsuccessfully, In also discovered indications of water. This farmer intends to sink a well where indicated, and if it proves successful the young water-diviner should be ilk great request. Great preparations are being made. t>» ensure tilie success of the forthcoming Hall Bazaar, and as practically every one in the district is working for it. a good sum should be raised. The settlers of the Kina road ar* erecting a school on the road for the convenience of the children of the district, many of whom at present haw to ride at least si* miles to school. It is expected the school wiVf open with an attendance of 23 scholars.

Xow that the Opourapa road is mot allied several buildings are about to b' erected in that locality. Messrs. Dnggan and Symons are caeh building residenceand intend milking there this contra" season.

It is stated that tlie Oaonni Dairy Company intend erecting cheese plants during tlie winter, so as to be in a position to make either cheese or butter next seasoa.

WAREA. A farewell "social" was given to Mr. Victor Robinson, our local factory manager, preparatory to his leaving for England on a six month*' holiday, on Thursday eveuing. The night being fine, a larg£ crowd gathered from all parts of the coast. During the evening Mr. James Burgess made a short speech and presented Mr. Robinson, on behalf »l his numerous friends, with a costly travelling-bag, rug, and a gold-mounted fountain-pen. Mr. Isobin«on suitably responded. About midnight supper was handed round aud very much enjoyed. Dancing was kept going until the small hours of Friday morning. Miss Marie Francis supplied the music, while Mr. John I/eedom made an able M.C.

When the latter went to get hi* boots to go home die found they had been stolen. This is not the first pair ol new boots that has been stolen from the hall.

Mr. J. Hall, who temporarily succeeds Mr. Robinson as manager of the local factory, took up his duties on Saturday morning.

Mr. E. Aylward. oue of the largest suppliers to and a director of the local factory, left for the Pirngarehu cheese factory on Monday morning last with his milk, there being more money in cheitse than there is in butter. If a cheese factory is not built here by next season, fully halt of the suppliers will probably leave here for Pungaroliu. This, of course, will make a great difference to our local company, who should consider the mattcT of going in for a cheese plant. The weather lately has been very hot and dry. Bush fires started in different directions last week, and seemed to make plenty of smoke, which hung about the country for some time.

The milk-supply at the local factory is decreasing. Another month will probably sec a substantial drop hi the supplies. The tests have started to rise, and make up for the drop in milk. The highest for tho past week was 4.4.