DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 56, 24 July 1912, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents). TOKO. What a time we've had! Three farewell socials, a concert and dance, in aid of the school grounds, and last Friday evening saw a record crowd of farmers and settlers from far and near assembled' in the Coronation Hall, the occasion being the annual social of the Farmers' Union. What a night! The 9pacious floor was packed with dancers, while cloak-rooms and stage were crowded with onlookers, who passed away a pleasant evening chatting and playing cards. Altogether everyone spent an enjoyable time. Mrs. Bianchi, of Stratford, displayed her usual excellent talent at the piano, Mr. Walsh assisting with the violin. During the evening Mr. R. Dingle, of Stratford, presented the following prizes:

For best three acres swedes (first prize, Mr. C. Bayley's silver Cup), Mr. W. 'II. Wore (45 tons per acre), first; Mr. C. Bayley (41 y 2 tons per acre), second; Mr. E 'Marfell (30 tons per acre), third. Best half-acre mangolds (Mr. Newton King's first prize, a silver rose howl), Mr. E. Marfell (45 tons per acre), first; Mr. W. H. Were (37 tons), second. Highest average test at Toko creamery for last season—Mr. M. Gernhoefer (4.11), first; Mr. E. .Jones (4.0), second. The following contributed songs during the evening:—Miss Fieldes, Messrs R. Morrison. J. Luccna and X. Day. Messrs M. Gernhoefer and W. Pearce kept the ball rolling as M.C.'s, and attended to their duties in a capable manner. Three o'clock in the morning saw pleasant but jveary dancers wending their way homewards.

Still another social. Our Sports Committee are running an art union in aid of the Domain track. The drawing of the prizes is to take place at a social to be held on the 31st inst. 'The committee have already granted about £ls this year for the benefit of the ground, and, given fine weather, they should raise a substantival sum out of the present effort. The Committee have been working hard for the past three "v 'hs selling tickets and Juive met wuli good success. In the near future we hope to have one of the finest country running tracks in Taranaki.

Carpenters are busily engaged repairing the creamery. A new totara floor is being put in and several other improvements effected. In a short time we shall hear the rattle of the milk carts again to and from the creameries. I understand that .most of the creameries around here are to be re-opened early in August. Quite a number of changes have taken plaee in our little town. Miss Frasei has sold ilier millinery business to' Miss Cudby, of Wellington; Mr. Stanford, of Iluiroa, has bought Mr. W. Cartwright's bakery business; and Messrs. J. Griffiths and C. Beloc have-started a partnership business as wheelwrights and" Hlacksmiths,'having bought a quarter-acre section and blacksmith's shop from Mr. W. Cartwright and are erecting a shop ad-joining.-'Nothing lik« plenty of competition !

EGMONT VILLAGE. There was a, poor attendance at the euchre party and dance on Thursday night, the proceeds being in aid of.the hall fund. No doubt the boisterous weather kept numbers away. The prizes were won as follows:—Gents'., Mr. L. James 1, Mr. W. 11. Baxter 2. Ladies', Mrs. King 1, Mrs. Magee 2. After euchre supper was handed round, and the floor cleared for dancing, which was rather a farce, only four ladies being present, and after a few dances the company dispersed. Let us hope the management will meet with more success on Tuesday, July 30, when another euchre party and dance will be held.

Our local creamery manager has.just completed the painting of the., waggon. Judging by the finishing touches he has put on, he is not, a .newchum at the game. A motor cyclist had an exciting exper?' once the other morning whilst endeavoring to turn the Village corner from Inglewooi!. Coming'at a good rate, he failed to slow down quick enough to turn, with the result that he was landed up on the bank. Luckily.no damage was (lone, but I have no doubt he will be more careful next. time. .

Mumps are going the rounds in this district, and by all accounts those people affected are having a bad tirce. Mr. Tom Murphy has been appointed caretaker of the Egmont Village Hall, at an advanced salary, vice .Mr. G. F. Dewhirst, who has left the district.