DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 59, 27 July 1912, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents). MAKETAWA. In common with the rest of the Dominion (taking account of the Press news), we have experienced most wretched weather for about three weeks. For several days a warm drizzling rain, was experienced, grass was beginning to show signs of growing, and farmers were congratulating themselves on the prospect of early spring feed—a thing we have not had for several years now. But the wind got to the south, and for several days a cold, miserable rain kept up with a steadiness that grew monotonous. Mud was everywhere, and the ground was covered with water; the oldest resident this way cannot remember having seen so much slush, etc., and the fine weather just at present is greatly appreciated. Washing day with the housewives has been delayed, as it was simply impossible to do anything in that line,' and the break-up of the wet meant a busy time. As to flood's, loss 'of cattle, serious • damage to roads, etc., as elsewhere, we are happily immune, and that is where Taranaki "takes one of the buns." Mr. Alf. Laurence's residence on the main road, close to the factory, had anarrow escape of being burnt to ,the ground on Friday last. It appears that' a large fire was being used for the purpose of drying clothes, and the chimney caught fire. This was noticed by Messrs Johnston and Arnold, of the factory, who promptly attended to the matter and left things apparently safe. An hour or so after the Messrs Marshall, while passing, noticed smoke coming out from under the roofing iron and gave the alarm. Investigation showed that the- rafters and purlines of the roof were on fire, and it seems a miracle that a serious blaze did not eventuate.

The fino weather on Friday evening last helped the attendance at the fortnightly dance hild in Durham school! A large number of lovers of the amusement ir.om adjacent roads rolled up and expressed themselves as being well pleased with the entertainment .provided.

The new residence erected by the Messrs McEwen on their section (formerly Mr. T. Grant's) 'is rapidly approaching completion, and is a conspicuous landmark. I shall, on a future occasion, make further reference to the building, •which gives promise' of being an ornament to tlie district. Mr. Ernest Bridgeman, third son of Mr. J. A. Bridgeman, of Durham road, was on Wednesday last initiated into the ranks of the Benedicts by the Rev. Mr. Griffin. The other party to the interi esting ceremony was Miss Ethel Hodges, third daughter of Mr. James Hodges-, of Dudley joaA. A large number of relai tives and friends were present at the J wedding breakfast. The happy couple, I who have the good wishes of all,-will | take up their residence in the Okato dis- \ trict, where the bridegroom has purchased a farm. { "Old man Mumps" is still perambulat - - | ing the district and several residents ) have had a severe time of it, wliile 1 others are still confined indoors. • The bad' weather was enough to give one the "jim-jams," without being tackled: or disabled with the'mumps! Mr. Tom Cheevers, junr., of Durham .road, has, I understand, purchased a farm in the Kgaere district, and will, in a few days, take up his residence' there. May all jsorts of good luck attend him! MIDHIRST. • ' The Midhirst Co-op. Dairy Co. held their annual meeting this week. Mr. Frank Keightley was the only old member re-elected, and Messrs Petersen and Wright were the new blood elected. Miss M. Latham, of Tuna, is at present an inmate of the Stratford -Hospital. Her many friends will be pleased to'learn • that she is progressing favorably.'

The -many friends of Mrs. Sehofield mil be so.rry to hear that she is in the Stratford Hospital. She had been unwell for a couple of weeks, but was taken worse on Friday night. Miss M.'Brown,- of Mt. Eden, Auckland, is at present on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Brown, of this township.

Mr. and Mrs. Turner, now of Petone, but formerly of 'this township, are at present On a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Mail. Mr. Frank Laeey is a Way on a holiday to Rotorua for the benefit of his health.