DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 243, 20 February 1911, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

EGMONT VILLAGE. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) ''Smoke" is a very appropriate ejaculation just now. One hardly gets a glimpse of the sun except as a red ball in a cloud of thick haze. Although no real damage has been done by the fires round here except the burning of a few fences, they have been numerous enought to cause a very unpleasant heaviness in the atmosphere, and for the last few days the heat has been oppressive. The heavy dews experienced during the last three or four nights are more than welcome, and are just keeping the grass green. The milk supplies have come down with a run, and the cows are drying off very quickly. Several families in the district are carting water from the Waiwakaiho, and even that river is so low that the water is by no means of the best quality, If rain does not come soon all the winter crops—turnips and mangoldswill be done for, a loss that will be keenly felt amongst the settlers. However, we have to be thankful when we read of the fearful losses of our fellowsettlers that thing 3 are no worse, ana we who have been through the mill our-, selves, cannot help sympathising with our less fortunate fellow settlers along the coast. The blackberry grub is continuing merrily on his way, and is doing a large amount of damage (?) amongst the patches of that persistent weed. Long may be live! •A party of villagers, about 40 strong, went pleasure-bent to the Mountain on Sunday last, but although they managed to have an enjoyable holiday, it was somewhat marred by the boisterous weather. A strong south-east wind was blowing, and as the sun was taking a holiday, the weather was decidedly sharp. Some members attempted to climb, but the wind proved too strong, so Bell's Falls was mooted, only to be tabooed by the heavy wetting mist. Finally, the Waiwakaiho Gorge attracted the attention of the more daring spirits, who, armed with a slasher, set out to blaze their trail into the wilds.

WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The chief topic here for the lust month lias been affairs in connection with the factory and creamery. It has been a common sight to see small parties of two or three men standing about the factory or store discussing the manager's action in dismissing the creamery manager, Sir. Kidil. 80 interested did some of the suppliers at the creamery become that they demanded a meeting of shareholders to he called. This was done, and the meeting took place on Thursday. In opening, Mr. Burgess (chairman) said he was very sorry to think that there was such dissatisfaction existing amongst thesuppliers; Tie assured them all that the directors had all tried their utmost to give satisfaction arid to work for the best interests of the company. He explained that the management of the men was left entirely in 'the hands of the factory manager (Mr. Taylor), and ho considered Mr. Taylor weli able to look after the men. Mr. Kidd (creamery manager) lw.ro began to talk from outside the hall door, and the chairman had occasion to warn him not to interrupt the meeting. Mr. Kidd said be was there to protect himself,' but afterwards took his seat quietly. A supplier asked that Mr. Taylor be I .sent for, so that they might hear both sides of the question. This was a "Teed to. Mr. Taylor, in answer to questions, said the reason he dismissed Mr. Kidd was that he (Kidd), after agreeing to deliver cheese from the creamery to the factory, told him he would rather throw up tlie job than have to cart the cheese, so there was no option but to ask him to resign, and as Kidd would not do that he gave him notice to leave, and considered he had done quite right. Mr. Revell said he considered the management of the men should be left to Mr. Taylor, as agrsed upon. Mr. Kidd asked why he had been given a certificate on leaving, when it appeared :ie had not given satisfaction. Mr. Taylor replied that it was purely out of pity for Kidd's w>fe and family that the reference was given. ■Several other suppliers asked Mr. Taylor questions, to all of which he replied, and the majority of those present appeared to feel more satisfied with affairs. In closing the meeting, the chairman said he hoped there would now be no more ill-t'eeling amongst shareholders, and that they would all try and pull together for their mutual benefit.