DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 40, 9 August 1911, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Fr<m Our Own Correspondents). TONGAPORUTU. During the past three weeks we lmve had beautiful weather. Lambs could be heard bleating in the various paddocks. The fruit trees are beginning to blossom. The tunnel intended to carry olf the storm water at the wash-out has not been proceeded with, as the papa rock proved too seamy, and would not hold up. Large concrete pipes are to be put in, and the s.s. Pitoitoi is expected here with them on Wednesday next. The oil launch Te Kawau has not visited us since July 25 last, but I hear that the fishing excursions out of Waitara have been very successful, schnapper being very plentiful in deep water. Whitebait has made its appearance here, and so has the measles. Our school has been closed for three weeks, and will re-open on the 28th inst. I hear that some misunderstanding has occurred re our football contests; the second round, from what I can gather, will not take place. It is a pity that a good management committee was not formed at the beginning; then, no doubt, the present hitch would have been avoided. Mr. A. Thompson has arrived home after hia sojourn in the New Plymouth Hospital, and is not looking too well.

MIDHIRST. The exodus of settlers from this district still continues, and has assumed alarming proportions during the past winter, no fewer than fifteen having emigrated to pastures new. On July 28 a large number of settlers from all over the district assembled in the Stanley Road schoolroom for the purpose of saving farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Griff Jones and family, who are about to leave this district for Mahoc. Mr. P. H. Wellington occupied the chair. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs. L.- Tichbon, Rogers and Brownhill, Misses Neilsen and Knox. Musical items were also given by Mr. Brownhill, Miss G. Booker; Mr. and Misses Rodgers, and Miss Millie Colson contributed a recitation. All the items .were much enjoyed. Speeches were delivered by Messrs. Guppy, Jago, Friday, Johnson and Wheeler, all of whom spoke in most glowing terms of the many good qualities and pleasing characteristics possessed by the departing guests. Mr. Wheller, at the conclusion of his speech, on behalf of the settlers and friends, presented Mr. and Mrs. Jones with a solid ' silver tea and coffee service, mounted on a handsome oak tray, as a mark of their esteem. Mr. Jones suitably responded, and in his remarks referred to the rapid strides the district had mads during the twenty years he: had been'living there. At the conclusion of the concert the ladies supplied a bountiful and delicious supper, which, need-' less to say, was done ample justice to by everyone. Afterwards those who I love the giddy mazes of the light fantastic indulged in that pastime until the "wee sma' hoors." Messrs. Rodgers and Brownhill kindly supplied the music, which was pronounced perfect. Mr., A. Lineham acted as M.C.

Last Friday night Mr, and Mrs. i A;> Brown gave a party to the young people' of this town. Games, etc., were indulged in, and eyeryone had a royal time. On Sunday last the Salisbury Road Church held their anniversary. The Rev. B. Metson preached the afternoon service, and. Mr. C. Downey, of Stratford, the evening service. On Friday night next there will be a tea and concert in the schoolroom. EC MO XT VILLAGE. A working bee is to be held in connection with the improvement of the school grounds 911 Thursday next, commencing at 9 a.m. Measles, which appear to be very prevalent in many other districts, Ims not affected' the attendance at the local school to any extent, only one case being reported so far. Mr. Yaile, of the Mangorei factory staff, met with an accident last week. He got his hand caught in the cogs of a churn and ; so badly crushed that two fingers were amputated. He is progressing favorably. i Mr. P.i Murphy, accompanied by Mr. W. Ofr; escaped a'serious accident when driving down'the Mangorei hill. The horse (a young one.) was frightened by a dog rushing out at it, and carried the tra'p up the bank, where it capsized. Both occupants were thrown clear of the trap. Mr. Murphy was stunned by his fall, and received a severe shaking. Mr. Orr escaped unhurt. Interest is being evinced in the ball on Thursday, the 18th inst. The Village Club team will meet Inglewood on Monday night, and Kent Road on Tuesday. So far this season they have not been beaten. The open night of the Mutual Improvement Society was held on Thursday, and the hall was filled. Mr. A. Morton, president, was in the chair. The first part of the programme consisted of the following items: Overture, Mr. Goo. Marsh's orchestra; song, Mr. R. G. Marsh; recitation, Mr. A. Morton: violin solo, Mr. F. Dewhirst; recitation, Mr. 11. W. Baxter; pianoforte solo, Miss A. Smith; song, Mr. G. P. Dewhirst; mandolin solo,, Mr. G. 11. Marsh; reading, Mr. A. .Morton; selection, Mr. Geo. Marsh's orchestra. The two questions drawn were, ''Should married men be exempt from military training?" and ''Will England eventually become, the universal language of the world?" On a vote of the meeting the former question was answered in the negative, and the latter in the affirmative, in each case by a substantial majority. The members who spoke on 'the question were Messrs. Geo. Marsh, M. J. Marsh R G Marsh. V. George, 11. W. Baxter,' G. f! Dewlnrst, F. Dewhirst, and E. Dewhirst. Atter the concert there was a. dance Mr E. Dewhirst acting as M.C. During the evening the guests were entertained at supper by the society. . Some of the early ealvers are already in, and the milk supply at the local creamery will soon increase.