DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 44, 14 August 1911, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents). TATARALMAKA. A well attended hockey social was held in the local schoolroom last Saturday evening in perfect weather, and an exceedingly enjoyable evening was spent by the large number that were present. Messrs.. Turner (piano) and Wilson (violin) provided splendid music, whilst Mr. McKay capably attended to the numerous duties pertaining to his onerous position as M.C. Occasion was taken Ihy Mrs. C. Honeyfield (captain), on behalf of the Tataraimaka Hockey Club, to present Mies O'Hara, a member of the ladies' team, on her departure from the district with a pair of silver serviette [rings.

OPUNAKE. The monthly meeting of the Opunake branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union was held in the Foresters' Hall on Saturday, Ist inst. Mr. J. McHardy (president) occupied the chair. The secretary submitted a balance-sheet of the annual concent and dance, showing a. debit of £2 13s Id. A hearty vote of thanks was extended to all nvho assisted with the gathering. Mr. J. McHardy brought up the matter re formation of a winter show committee. After some discussion, the following motion was carried:—"That the feeling of the district be ascertained a* to the desirability of forming an Agricultural and Pastoral Association at Opunake." Mr Lambie referred to tlie matter of the Department of Agriculture's journal. He stated that although this paper was one of the best, and certainly the cheapest farmers' paper in the Dominion, the publication of it would ha-ve to cease unless it was supported better. The annual subscription was only 2s. Cd. It wag published monthly. He often considered that one single copy was worth the whole amount, as it contains so much valuable information. Several gentlemen present supplied their addresses to the secretary, who will in due course hare the copies sent to them. Cow Testing.—The following gentlemen were appointed delegates to wait on the shareholders of the various factories at the annual meetings: Oaonui, Mr. Jas. 'MeFie; Opunake, Messrs. Mcllardy and S. Feaver; Pihama, Messrs. Lambie" and McHardy; Awatuna, Messrs. Leahy and R. Morris.

Co-operative Works.—Mr. Lambie moved: "That this branch of the N.Z.F.U. protests against the wasteful expenditure of money, and consequently Ihe degrading effect it has upon the workers, by the manner in which the public works of the Dominion are being carried- out by the so-called co-operative l»hor system. This branch now respectfully urges the Dominion Executive to bring before the Minister of Public Works the desirability of again reverting to the 'contract system' of labor."

Mr. Stevenson, who seconded the motion, said lie did so under the that he knew what he was t"''<in" about, as he had had personally l;i' ored on the work*. On some occasion when desiring to work overtime, he found it impossible as the other men refused to participate, Air. Forsyth supported the motion. In doing so he stated that under the present system no man must receive more than 8s per day. Every one knew the different specimens ol humanity employed on these works. Under the present system more would have to le paid for the work than necessary so as to enable the incapable men to receive Bs, whilst the good men would receive no encouragement whatever. In fact, the whole process, was one of levelling down instead of building up the character. The motion was carried.

The secretary stated that he had several circulars for distribution containing all particulars of the "Sedgwick immigration scheme." Anyone desiring a copy would receive same on application to him.

MAKETAWA. I am .pkased to report that Mr. Tom Corney, wlio some time back sustained severe injuries by falling from a log bridge on to the stone bed of a river, lias so far recovered to 'be allowed home from the New Plymouth hospital. Inquiries show that he is rapidly regaining his strength, though for several weeks yet things have to be taken quietly. The weather since the south-easterly blow has been something exceptional, and logging, etc., assisted by fires, will result in a good area of ground coming under the plough. In many instances ground for green feed and slack fodder has been already turned up. The grass is showing early signs of coming ahead, and, let alone by frosts, will be more forward this year than for a long time previously. Naturally, the "cookies" are wearing broad smiles at the present bright outlook—,but Taranaki is ever changeable, and there's the rub!

The Ma'ketawa factory presents a very neat appearance, it "having received a thorough renovation at the hands of tie manager (Mr. A. Johnston), assisted by the creamery manager. The white painted walls and red painted roof with the green of the plantations is very pleasing to the eye. A very enjoyable concert and dance took place in the Norfolk rood school on Friday evening, August 11. The affair was arranged by the young mm of the district with Mr.*F. Drown as secretary, and the ifun<)s realised were to go to the school committee. Mr. R. Stevens, as chairman, wislud to thank those who had arranged the entertainment, those who had come from a distance to help, and also mentioned that illness had prevented others from attending. Mr. IT. Cottier and family have the sincere thanks for their help instrumentally, and that the music provided met with the appreciation of the large audience soes without saying. Mrs. McNeill, also, for her assistance with dance music and rowl items, has the appreciation of all khose who attended the concert and [lance. The grand moonlight night no ilonbt contributed to the large attendance, enaMing those at a distanca to roll up in full force, and the entertainment resulted in one of the best vet .put forivard in the Norfolk mad school. The Following was the programme submitted:: Overture, Cottier family (piwio, riloin, piccolo, and cornet); song, Mrs. McNeill; song, Mr. T. Hall: song, Mr. FT. Domibroski; instrumental selection, dottier 'family: song. Mr. IT. Ohon«; song. Miss, fi. Simpson; Highland fling, Todd family; song, Mr. ,T. MacEwen; <onig, 'Mr. YV. Karp; fo ng, Mr. Archer; long, Mr. A. MacEwen; dance (reel), Todd family; duet, Miss Simpson and Vfr. ,T. MacKwen; song, Miss Bunynn; song, Mr. O. Boldt; song, Mrs. McNeill; nstrumentel selection. Cottier family. The concert concluded by singing tho National Anthem. After supper had >een handed round the door was cleared or dancing, at which Mr. J. Burgess uade an efficient M.O. The music was provided iby Mr. H. Cottier and family iml Mrs. Mc.Xeill. On nil sides wasj 'oiccd the expression that the evening vas the most enjoyable yet spent, and i perusal of the programme by those fho did not attend will make it ap»renf> that they have missed a treat.