DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 262, 27 March 1911, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) TATARAIMAKA. On March 17 Mr. and .Mrs. J. Gyds gave ail evening party to celebrate their silver wedding. About forty friends accepted the invitation, some coming from Oakura and New Plymouth. Games, amusements and dancing were indulged in until twelve o'clock, when an adjourninen was nuuie for supper, after which | the fun started afresil until about halfpast two, when Mr. Hint, on behalf of the company, thanked their host and hostess for the pleasant evening all had spent, and expressed the hope that they would live to celebrate their golden wedding. "Auld Lang Syne" and "They .are jolly good fellows" were then sung, after which three ringing cheers were given. MAICETAWA, The continued fine weather is being taken full advantage of by farmers. Stumping and ploughing for green feed is this year in excess of all previous years, and as the dow9' are keeping "their end" up in regards to milk and tests, the smiles of the "cocky" arcwell, pleasurable. There is no mistake about it, tile weather is most exceptional. A slight shower, light warm winds, overcast at times, and every morning a very heavy dew. Consequentgrass is still on the gro,w, and every; tiling looks green and fresh. A much-needed cart shed with harness room and loose box has been built by i Mr. J. Hart for the Durham road creamery. A meeting of the Maketawa factory picnic committee was held on Thursday evening last to complete arrangements for the picnic, which will be heid on April Oth in Mr. Marshall's paddonk—a few chains past the factory. County Council representatives tbi» end can be justly proud of their fore inan, as the manner in which ha lias kept 'the main road. Many hremarked about the splendid it is in considering the vefy dry feather we have had this season. A meeting of residents of Durham road west was held in the school on Thursday evening-last to foisider the question of forming a Farmers' Club, the upshot being that-a club with president, vice-president, secretary and a committee of eight elected after considerable discussion. The opinion was expressed that the principle of the proposal was excellent, and hopes given of full success. The objects of the club, briefly, are: To meet once a month for the discussion of all subjects pertaining to 1 farm work, whether newspaper article or prepared by a member or other approved person: tile discussion' of any subject that may be decided on by a vote of mojnbef-s, the reading of extracts from books, periodicals, etc., that may prove of educational or material interest; &nd the discussion of all or any political subject of interest to the community. Evenings are to be a*-' ranged other than the monthly one for games such as chess, crib, etc., and the ladies are not going to be overlooked. A couple of rules were adopted by the initial meeting relating to the use of liquor, which, together with personal- , itics, are rightly barred, the objiect being to have the meetings entertaining ana instructive to young and old. Such are, briefly, the objects of the club, which, if copied by other small communities,' must - result in winter evenings being passed in a pleasurable manner,,and I do not think one can be found who will gainsay the benefit to all if the pvoper spirit is put into the working. An interchange of visits from such small clubs for mutual advancement would prove interesting. Rules for conduct ot meetings are being drafted, and, though not intended for a debating club, no doubt rules of debate will be largely utilised. I commend' the idea to fellow settlers in small communities. I omitted to uientio.n that among the. objects was the better opportunity of, as a combination, getting in touch with the Agricultural Department officers on subjects of interest, and obtaining literature relating to farm work, diseases of stock, experiments, etc. TARATA. Another one of Tavata's old identities has sold out. This time it is Mr. R. Baxter, on the Otoroa road. He took up hi 9 land from the Government some twenty years ago, when there were neither roads nor bridges to his land, and food had to be "swagged" several miles through bush tracks, which were none too good. He, like the rest of the pioneers, has earned a well-deserved retirement. The Taranaki County Council has at last made a start in blinding the loose metal on the Tarata zig-zag, which has been in a very had state during the dry weather. , The Dog Trial Club anticipate a record meeting this rear, great interest being taken both bv 'I lie local and outside publie, they having already sold eighty members' tickets. A most convenient ground has been procured'on Mr. Guilford's farm, and owners of dogs can depend on having good runs for their entrance fees. Still another change of school feathers, this making the sixth Within two years. Is it anv wonder that the parents complain about their children not getting on? T understand that - Mr. Tempter, of Midhirst, has been appointed. Miss Fimierty, teacher at Pukeho School, is giving up her duties about the second week in April. The Hall Committee have decided to Imild a gentlemen's dressing and cardroom, tile need of which has been barfly felt of late. Turnip crops this year are doing remarkably well in this district. Indian corn is also good and this has been considerably grpwn for autumn feed for cows. Mr. Tongere showed me some plants that were' fully eleven feet high.