DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 299, 10 May 1913, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

OAOXUI. (Our Own Co-respondent). A large crowd from far and near .assembled at the hall on Wednesday n'ght to bid farewell and "bon voyage" to Mr. Cook, who is to leave on Saturday for the Motherland. The arrangements were first-class. Messrs. Knowles (piano), J. Humphries (cornet) and D. Duncan (violin), were engaged as the dance orchestra, which was all that could be desired. At about midnight, Mr. James Young, on behalf of the local settlers, made a presentation to Mr. Cook, it taking the form of a silver-mounted case of pipes. In making the presentation, Mr.' Young mentioned that Mr. Cook was one of the very first settlers to take up land in Oaonui, since which he has always been one to assist in local affairs. , The singing of "For He is a Jolly Good Fellow," and the giving of three ringing cheers then followed. Mr. Cook, on rising to respond, was cheered. This pleasant occasion was unexpected, he said, butallthesamehe was delighted to meet all his old friends together before leaving for the Old Country. He did not know that he was deserving of a presentation. Nevertheless it conveyed to him the good feeling which existed between them. Mr. Cook said that when he started in New Zealand he had only 2d in his pocket, and had to work for 2s 6d per day. He used to smoke, but he found he had to give it nip, as he couldn't afford it. He used to sometimes have a glass of beer, but he had to give that up too. Then he found that it was a difficult job to meet the tucker bills, so he said to his wife, "You had better go home and see your mother!'' However, she did not do so. "We stuck together through thick and thin, brought up a big family, and to-day we are nice and comfortable, and have nothing to worry about. I am only just giving these instances as advice to the young people to show what can be done from 2d. Gentlemen, when I get "back from the Old Country I hope to meet you all, and' give you a good amount of valuable information. I thank you one and all for this pleasant turn out, and also the nice present you have given me; when ever I am using it I will think of you all." (Cheers). Dancing with the intermission of songs was again resumed, and kept going until a late hour. Mr. A. Taylor and Mr. H. Young made efficient' M.C.'s. and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought the function to a close.

OMATA. The keen cutting winds of the last fortnight are telling their tale on the grass, and consequently the supply of milk has fallen off to such an extent, that both tlie local factories are only running every other day. The suppliers have, however, had a good season right through. At the householders' meeting to elect a school committee there was only sufficient attending to make up the necessary number for a committee, and the following were elected:—Messrs. Baylv, Huse, Neilsen, Ramshottom, Jury. Edwards and Gatton. The latter was elected chairman. It is a great pity that at many meetings of householders in country districts such apathy is displayed in regard to this matter.

Properties are changing hands in the district, Mr. M. Kelly, of Hurford Road, ha vim? sold out to an Auckland buyer, and Mr. A. Crudis, of the same road, having exchanged with Messrs. Walsh Bros., of Tongaporutu. Omata had a day out last Thursday on the occasion of the meet here of the North Taranaki Hunt Club at Mr. Cleniow's There was a large muster of both riders and others on foot, and fairly good sport was obtained, four or five hares being found, affording good runs. General regret is expressed at the accident resulting in the hunter Barney having to be shot. Tn the evening a social was held in the hall, a large number attending. A most enjoyable time was spent, the floor was in' first-class condition, the music was good, as goes without saving when we mention that Mr. Barnett presided at the piano and Mr. Smith plaved the cornet. Miss Hare and Miss Bennett, of New Plymouth, plaved extras. Messrs. H. D. Hooker and E. I'Jeorge were M.f'.'s, and. ably filled the position. The committee all worked hard to ensure success, and their efforts were rewarded, and a good addition made to their funds, which was necessary as they have been to considerable expense in enlarging the hall, which is now one of the best on the coast. This being just a nice distance from town we had a good few visitors from there who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A euchre party and dance was held here on Tuesday evening, at which Miss Maedonald won the ladies' prize and Master Frank Clemow the gentlemen's. The many friends of Mrs. Alfred Mace, of Barrett Road, will regret to hear that, she has had her shoulder dislocated and bone splintered as the result of her foot slipping when mounting her horse. Dissatisfaction is pretty general among those using the road at the alterations on the Omata Hill. The gride has been lowered certainly, but a bend has been left on the hill that does not conduce to safety, considering the huge number of motors running. Tf this bend had been cut off. the spoil could have been deposited on a flat which could not be bettered for making up on. Instead of which they worked to the opposite side of the road and a large quantity of the spoil ran awn v. The same amount of earth taken would have raised the filling several feet on the flat and have straightened the ron/1 considerably. It seems a pity that with such a large expenditure, running into several hundred pounds, a better result could not iave been obtained.