DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 95, 12 October 1911, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Fr<m Our Own Correspondents). RAHOTU. Last week the residents of Rahotu entertained Mr. J. T. Campbell, who has just, retired on superannuation from the position of headmaster of the local school, which he has held during the last_ ten years', at a valedictory social. Mr. 1). Anglesea, chairman of the schoo>l committee, presided, and there was a very good attendance. A capital programme was rendered, including several I songs- bv the school children, a duet by Miss Myrtle and Master Fred Phillips; song. "Good-bye. Summer," Mrs. Wright; song."Anchored,"Mr. Kelly; reading. Mr T. Hughson,jun; song,"Our Ain Folk," senior pupils; song, Mrs. Wright; recitation, Miss- Mabel Hughson. The ac--companimcnts were played by Miss Alice Hughson. Mr. T. P. Hughson. in a eulogistic speech, referred to the good work done by Mr. Campbell, particularly in the fifth and sixth standards. Mr. Anglesea also made a speech, and presented Mr. Campbell, on behalf of the residents of Raliotu and district, with a purse of sovereigns. The recipient, in responding. stated that lie'had been teaching ever since he was 12'/L> years wf age, nearly 54 years ago. He gave au interesting resume of his career, and stated that he very much regretted leaving Rahotu, where he had resided for ten years.

A very interesting ceremony then took place, when- four of the senior children, viz., Mabel Hughson, Mabel Phillips,-Fred Chapman and. .Tames Morrow, .stepp.ed forward, and, oil behalf of the scholars, presented Mr. Campbell with an address and a silver-mounted inkstand, suitably inscribed. Mr. Campbell again responded, stating that when writing he would certainly make use of the gifts. He would not be able to write to all, but hoped to write to one of them as representative of thu whole. Supper, provided liy the ladies, was then dispensed, after which a short dance was held, Mr. A. D. Fielder acting as M.C.. whilst the necessary music was provided by Miss Willco.y, and Messrs E. Barrett and R. Kahui.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and family left later in- the week for New Plymouth, where they are to reside in future. They will Ik much missed locally, as Mrs. Campbell was always willing and ready to assist in anything that tended to the advancement of the district. The Hall Committee have decided to hold a bazaar in aid of the hall funds. A meeting of those interested is to be held, and a strong working committee will be appointed, so that the success of the bazaar should be assured. The, hall itself is a standing example of the success attached to the last bazaar, held nearly three years ago, when the whole district worked as one towards the consummation of the desired end, viz., a new hall for Rahotu. Tt is also understood that the Methodists intend holding a bazaar next month. Mrs. Lowry, postmistress, is at present off duty, her health necessitating a month's leave of absence. We all hope that she will return in her usual good health. During her absence Mr. P. Old. from the Opunake office, is temporarily in charge. We are pleased to see that Mr. A. Baker, who has been confined to the New Plymouth Hospital for the past few weeks, has returned home again, and should soon be quite himself again. Mis'* Martelli is temporarily in charge of the Itahotu school, until November 1, when Jliss Stephen will take charge. The local School Committee has resigned as a protest against the action of the Education Board in ignoring the sommittee's recommendation re the appointment of a teacher. The committee wanted a male teacher, and wrote to the Board to this effect, and the Board, it is alleged, made the appointment without even forwarding a letter of explanation to the committee. The resignation of the committee, has not disturbed the routine of the school work, which goes on as usual. If the Board accepts the resignations at next meeting, it will lie necessary to appoint commissioners 1.0 complete the. term. There is some talk locally of making the question of enlarged powers to school committees a plank of the forthcoming electoral campaign.

Talking of #he election, we will soon he in the thi«i< of tehv fray. -There promises to be a keen contest between the two candidates for Egmont. The news tfiat the Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister for Agriculture, had decided ko stand for Epmoirt was received locally by Government supporters and by many of the Opposition with great joy. MK

I Mackenzie is admitted on nil sides to be the man for the district, but, unfortunately to some, he is on the wrong side ■of the House. The contest promises to be a very keen one. Rahotu lias always been against the Government, and last election the Opposition candidate had a big majority. This time, however, it is confidently expected that the majority will not bo so great, as a number who last election voted against the Government for various reasons are this year supporting Mr. Mackenzie's candidature. Mr. Mackenzie was on a short visit to the district a week or so ago and created a favorable impression. Mr. Dive was also round early this week. The addresses by the candidates are being eagerly looked forward to, and it is also rumored' that we are to have a visit from Mr. Massey. Very little interest is being taken in the licensing question locally, and an address given by Mr. Fee a few weeks ago drew a very small audience. The Wilson - Picture Company opened on .Saturday evening in the Public ITall to a very fair audience.

The. prospects for the coming season nre considerably marred by the extreme dryness, which is preventing the grass coming away, and is consequently influencing the milk supply. Rain is urgently needed, if the nvilk supply is to increase as it should, and give settlers the benefit of the good .prices ruling this year. The roads are also feeling the dry spell and are breaking up considerably. The programme for the sports on New Year's Day was adopted at a meeting of the committee on Saturday night. This year a new departure has been made. The name of the gathering is to be called the "Raliotu-West Coast Axemen's Carnival,'" and the programwm consists chiefly of chopping, sawing and cycling events, for which good prizes are to be given. All the running events, with the exception of a boys' race, have been struck out. A special feature this year will be the children's races, and a special committee has been appointed to look after the littLe ones. The committee altogether are showing a very progressive spirit, and thoroughly deserve support.

TARATA. A euchre party was held in the Taratn. Ha IT on Thursday evening last in aid oi the school funds. There was not a very large attendance, about ten tables being occupied. Messrs. M. Standish, H. Waite, and T. Waite had charge of the euchre tournament. The count up resulted in the prizes, a silver stud box and a silver thimble, going to Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Smith. After supper had been .partaken of, the hall was cleared and dancing indulged in for an hour or two to excellent music provided by Mrs. Waite (piano) and Mr. Waite (violin). Mr. Chapman made an efficient M.C. During the evening songs were rendered by Miss Litchwark (2) and Mr. Templer, The very dry weather is having a serious effect on the milk supply, and rain is urgently ne'eded. The cows are milking very badly, and, as a result, the'output at the factory, is very low. Indeed, unless there is -a vast improvement soon, some difficulty will be experienced by tho directors in delivering the quantity of butter which they have sold, and which was, of course, based on last season's output.

LINCOLN ROAD. The opening of the new Lincoln road .creamery was celebrated on Friday night [last in the school, when Mr. and Mrs. .T. Piaulger, who have resided in the district for the -past 30 years, were also farewelled. Mr. P». D. Barford, a director of the Moa Dairy Co., was in the chair. The following items were rendered: — Pianoforte duet, Mrs. P. Hoby and "Miss Nancy Yen tea: sontr. Mrs. Gla.ssford; vocal duet, Mr. IH. W. and Miss James; song. Mr. L. Henwood; song, Mr. A. ' Starring; recitation, Mr. Meston; song, I Mr. James; pianoforte solo, Miss Dni=v j Glassford; smwr. Mr. Meston : song, Mrs. Glassford; recitation; Misses Daisv and Mary Glassford; song, Mr. H. Quickfall. Phonograph selections were also given by Mr. C. Miles. During the concert. ; Mrs. Glassford, in a nice and appropriate ! speech, presented Mr. and "Mrs. Paulger with two nice armchairs. Mr. and Mrs. Paulger feelingly responded. Mr. and Mrs.. Glassford generously donated a beautiful two-decker cake, for the, opening ceremony. The chairman then proposed "The creamery and the prosperity of its suppliers," a. toast which was duly honored, and the room was then cleared for dancing.