DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 238, 13 February 1911, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

itAiimr. (Krom Our Own Correspondent). Messrs Petersen Bros, have commenced the erection of the new post office and evidently intend pushing on 'with it, as seven carpenters are employed. • On Thursday the foundation stone was well and truly laid in a most unostentatious manner. Owing to the fact that the matter had not occurred to anyone until the last moment, there was no time to arrange an elaborate ceremony and invite any political "star' 'to officiate, but it was felt that the occasion should not be allowed to lapse without any record. Accordingly a suitable hole was bored in the corner pile, and a neatly type-written document was inserted, bearing the names of the leading celebrities of the district, viz.. county councillors, road board members, business men, etc., as well as of the contractors, the -engineer,etc., and other archives o£our township, including a copy of the "Daily News" of that date. Mr. T. I'. Hughson officiated in an able manner. Mr. Davis, of the Public Works-Office, Stratford, has been on a visit to tin district. The spell of dry weather has caused most of the local tanks to refuse duty, and as a result the well on the corner section where the post office is being built is iu great demand by all and sundry. To our consternation we heard that the "powers that be" had decided to have (he well filled in. Mr. Davis, who was visiting the district in connection with the'erection of the post office, was approached, and it was suggested that a force pump should be erected outside the post office fence, and some 300 ft of hose provided. This would come in very handy in case of fire, as it would command a good portion of the business portion of the township. The townspeople are prepared to contribute towards the enst. Mr. Davis, who is a most courteous and obliging official, considered tile request a very reasonable one, and will favorably report on it to the authorities.

The contractors for the additions and renovation of the liahotu Hotel have the work well in hand, Mr. Hood, our popular bonil'nee. evidently'intends that his hostelry shall be the leading one on the Coast.

I llursday wa- Maori pay day. There was a large number of natives about, anil some big cheques were received. Everything, however, passed off' very quietly. The Maori, like h.is white brother, is commencing to take his pleasures .sadly. In this warm weather our beach continues very popular, and moonlight picnics are the order of the day, or. rather, night. On Thursday evening a very Successful one was held. Like the rest of the district, the dry weather is having a visible effect on the pastures, and a likewise visible effect on the milk supply.

Bush (ires have been much in evidence during the past week or two, and there has been plenty of smoke about. So far 1 have not heard of any serious damage. The Hsi hot 11 Rille Club's trophy competition is now over. It lias lasted a long time and created considerable interest. The success of the veteran, Mr. A. Baker, has been most, popular, as he has always been willing to assist the club and give voting -hots the benefit of his experience. Another competition will soon be arranged.