DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 222, 7 February 1913, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents)

MAKKTAWA.

A nice run of fine \vi;iliier was broken ] by a thunderstorm on the 27th, -which seemed to be generally felt all over the province. The heavy fall of snow on the mountain was rather an eye-opener. The cold rain and wind (and at times it did blow!) had a bad effect on the sup- ( ply of milk which, notwithstanding the splendid weather at present, is steadily on the clown track. For variety of I quick changes Taranaki weather surely i has no equal, but, withal, it "takes the j bun" for dairying capabilities. A resident of the Inglewood district, recently retired from farming, has just returned from about a three months' trip up north, and as he has seen the mueh-boomed northern dairying laud at its best, and, further, as he is one who has devoted over 30 years to dairying in this district, his opinion is worth just, a little more than the average wanderer. He says that lie has seen nothing so good as is around the Inglewood district, and advises all and sundry to stick to where they are. as for dairying purposes we have got "plums" compared In (he northerners'. There was very little business to transact at the meeting of the Durham School Committee on Monday night, but a good number of settlers attended at the school to hear the prospectus of the proposed agricultural organisation society read. Seemingly, the concern is going to get well supported this way. and I have no doubt, when farmers study the advantages to be derived from such an association, which is nothing else but true co-operation taken to its finality, it will he hard to find one that hasn't a share in it. The organiser, Mr. G. Buckeridge, who will address a meeting in Inglewood on Saturday, the Bth inst., has full particulars of similar organisations in different parts of the world which are all successfully worked and are of immense benefit, and there is no reason why the farmers of Taranaki should not follow. Certain it is that the movement is one of progress. and that it is on the right lines and will be fully appreciated will be amply demonstrated in the very near future. I notice that country correspondents are making a practice of noting in their contributions the doings of "Her Ladyship" per test cards. Ido not want to be behindhand, recognising that farmers in different parts can in a measure gauge how the other chap is getting t along, etc. The card at the Durham creamery shows a variation from 3.6 to 4.4, but I am unable this time to show the average of the main factory. The following may be of interest as showing the "difference" between the dairy farmer and the sheep runner. Two school girls (secondary school scholars) had met for the first time, and of course in conversation the question cropped up: "What does your father do?" "Oh, he's

a dairy farmer?" "Mine is a farmer, too," and, with a very scornful expression, added, '"hut he's not a 'dirt}'' farmer!" How's that, umpire? A good deal of interest is shown regarding the proposal that the track up the mountain should he "wired." and there is not the slightest doubt that something of the sort should he done.

A wire set in iron standards drilled into the rock similiar to what was on Parifrutu some years ago. even without a telephone, should prove suitahle for a

start, and should not be an expensive undertaking. The children of the Xorfolk School will take a trip to the seaside on the 14th inst. It is hard to understand the motives that prevent the residents there or the school committee from joining in with the School Committess' Association's amalgamated picnic, which, I am told, will take place on March <5. Last year the big picnic was an unqualified success, old and young thoroughly enjoying themselves, and there is no earthly reason why "ditto" is not said this year. I have heard all sorts of whys and wherefores, hut must say none are satisfying as to the refusal to join the big affair. IIRUTI. The locul school teachers have taken up their duties again after the Christmas vacation, opening their respective schools on Monday. The playgrounds ore again the scenes of happy faces, the children appearing to appreciate being hi ought together once more to step into line and start work for the ensuing •ven r.

Lamb shearing is ju*t about over again for another season, some of-the rli|K being exceptionally good. There have been some really fine flocks reared here, and as,prices are good, the settlers should be well paid for the careful attention they have given to their flocks. T noticed a fine line going out on Friday, which came off Mr. W. Old's MOO-acre block, Mold road, and thoy were certainly a credit, to the district. I believe we are to have a district nurse's home here. The committee have ■been working hard, and T understand they have raised sufficient capital to Jcall for tenders immediately. Mrs. Stuart-Larsen, as secretary, is deserving of every praise for her untiring work and perseverance in her successful attempt to place in the district a much'needed convenience.

The secretary of the Uruti Sports Committee is receiving splendid nominations for all events, particularly in the chopping. T hear there are two wellknown Tasmanian choppers likely to compete, which will make things somewhat exciting and should be a big attraction on February 27. A fine day is all that will be needed to assure a splendid day's sport. The weather is good, although at times rather changeable. Had a very cold snap last week, one or two evenings being quite cold enough to sit round a 'fire.

The cows are keeping up with their milk returns, and some very nice cheques are being paid out. There is every indication that the butter output from the local factory will be a record one this season.