DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 222, 18 March 1912, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

.maketawa. (From Our Own Correspondent.) J. hat chief anxiety of the farmer—the weather—has been treating us very badly lately, and a glimpse of Old Sol for a day or two would be greatly appreciated by all, nnd more particularly by those who have paddocks of oats lyin« out for nigh on a fortnight. The bush chopped during last winter is not likely to be burnt this season, unless something of a miracle happens! Surely things are a bit topsy-turvy. Cables recently stated that dwellers in Klondyke were jubilant at the mildness of the weather, ami scientists give an explanation that it was probably diie to the diversion of the Japanese current. Cable items are as a rule meagre, and a little more information would be acceptable to many. It is suggested we are having ou r weather picnic through the same cause.

It is hoped a big change will occur for the better by Thursday next and tliat a big current of people will draw themselves to the Maketawa factory picnic and sports, which aro to be held on that day. The programme contains a well-selected number of events, and fun for the nippers is to be supplied by competitions of more or less "sticky" character. I hear there is a probability of a side show in the cinematograph line being on the ground. The management of these sports have hitherto received praise for the excellent manner in which they have been conducted, and there is no reason why they should not excel themselves this time. A special meeting of the Durham Road School Committee is called for Monday evening next. I understand the chief business is consideration of inspectors interim report, firewood tenders, and accounts.

The contractor for supplying boulders tor the continuation of metal on Durham Road West is being handicapped on account of the weather, us also are the SvOiie-nappers. Unless something radical happens it is evident t!'e road will not receive its coat of metal for manv months; and it is a great shame, for it is almost impassable just now. A ladies' committee is a leap year dance, to be held in Durham School on Friday, 2nd inst. From what 1 can gather patrons will be provided with a nice evening's amusement. The milk supply is on the run downwards at a rapid rate, and is unaccountable considering the state of the grass. On all sides I hear of excellent growth, which, no doubt, is "the weather" again' One supplier says the milk is up, ami adds "in the horns," so that he can't get it. The electric tramway scheme suggested ''■! Cr - , D : M( ' A!lln "' the County Council, is being followed with interest even at this end, and those who know the country to be served by the line are agreed that it is a matter that should meet with no adversity from the sett-

lers, who should be unanimous on the question. Those who study the upkeep of roads should welcome any change whereby the wear and tear is minimised, and the benefit of rapid transit on metal rails is worth a bit of a sacrifice at the ' outset. Political matters are extremely quiet just now; probably the followers of the "Erophet of Purity" are saving up for the'"scrateh-a-back" to one of the disciples,* which I understand eventuates on the 28th inst.