DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 231, 28 March 1912, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS

MAKETAWA. {Fr( m Our Own Correspondents), The leap-year dance held in the Durham school on Friday evening last was a great success in every way, and the committee of ladies who arranged and carried out the function, are to be com- ' plimented for the smoothness with which everything went. The music, which was provided by Miss G. Simpson (piano) and Mr. A, McEwcn (violin) was everything that cfuld be desired, and the assistance given by the Messrs Arnold was much appreciated. I hear there is a probability of th :aen giving a return dance. Our factory picnic struck fine weather and those who attended admit having had an enjoyable time. This is the third ! picnic held, and I feel, certain that the I social aspect of the affair will become j more marked in future. There is no doubt that a better spot than Mr. Marshall's ground cannot be obtained in the district, being handy, and, in fact, the very thing for such amusement. The excellent account furnished by the News' man has caused favorable comment on the way it provides news items for readers—big and little are all treated alike. The dance held in Xprfolk school in the evening after the picnic was largely attended, the music being provided by the Cottier family. j Liberals in this part express satisfaction that the Hon. T. Mackenzie has been selected ns leader of the party, and I have no doubt that he, although credited by Opposition folk as "not knowing one end of a cow from the J other," will show them that he knows a ] great deal too much for them. As j little things leak out now it is surprisi ing to find such a number who hold the I opinion that certain people went "just a little too far" in the process of tearing | Sir J. G. Ward to pieces just to hood- ) wink the electors and work the points to get their man on top. Why sensible people will let themselves be humbugged in such a way is a big query. The County Council staff are busy at the rivers on the main road . The concrete 'bridge over the Ngatoro-iti is completed and that over the Ngatoro is \ being steadily pushed on With. Th?, road is in tip-top order and the foreman (Mr. M. Jones) deserves great credit for the manner in which it is kept. ! The wretched weather a while back 1 caused those having bush to burn much ;' anxiety and many had given, up all hope of a burn this season. Judging by the fires started on Monday last, the unexpected has happened, the dry westerly winds evidently inducing the anxious ■ ones to apply the match. On Xorfolk road west a terrific fire was showin« good progress on Officer and Co.'s section, while Mr. Perrett's section seemed Jto be having a good time of it. On Durham road Crean Bros, evidently - thought it best to light up and at night time the volume of flame and smoke should augur well. On Dudley road, , Hodges' section looked a regular picture and the crashing of huge trees at all j hours during the night and the glow o» j the fire leads one to believe that, after . all, good clearing burns will result. I I hope to be able to report'it so later on and present conditions as to weather seem favorable—but one never knows; Taranaki (at any rate, this portion of it) has this year kept up to its reputation for having a variable climate! MIDHIRST.

Midhirst is about the last place on earth, that a concert company would dream of visiting, but last Monday night a company appeared entitled the "Empire Variety Company." The last item on the programme was a farce entitled "The Professor," in which Professor Riehardi took the leading part. It was a farce. The audience had to clamor for them to close, and this was done to the spasmodic singing of "God Save the King" by the minstrels. After the concert a dance was held, and was attended by a fair number of ladies and gentlemen." Mr. Foote, of this town, is at present seriously ill in the New Plymouth Hospital. His many friends wish him a speedy recovery.

BELL BLOCK. There is nothing very startling to report from thfs part of the district \ mumber of fanners had their grainsaving operations held up on account of the weather, but in the end managed to race the weather (fine weather, I mean) and saved their oats the first fine day, which proved to be the first of a week's' fine weather. The attendance at the local school still keeps up well, The roll number is now 89, with an average of 84. The Inspector visited the school la»t week, and, I presume, found things in their usual good order. The Rev. Kempthorne has been given permission to conduct a half-hour's religious instruction once a fortnight at the school. The Territorials hold their drill every week in the hall, and from all accounts promise to make good soldiers The local Hall Committee,'l understand, have decided to hold monthly socials again this season, the first of which takes place on Tuesday next, April 2 The committee have engaged Mrs. George and an assistant to supply the music for tlie season, which should be an inducement to numbers to attend. The ladies oi the district are providing the supper. Ine committee also propose holding progressive euchre parties monthly durin" the season midway between the socials" Ihe president and vice-president have oflered to give an aggregate prize to tlie most successful lady and gentleman plovers lor the series. The committee are endeavoring to arrange for a 'bus to run to the socials from town The .Hell Block Card Club held their annua meeting on Thursday last and elected officials and committee for the ensuing year. They hold their first practice about April 8.