DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 10, 12 June 1913, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent*). TARIKI. '"' * I ' The evening of the sth inst., on which an entertainment was to have been held, was a regular "snorter" as regards weather, and our local amateurs, who were to have staged a couple of farce*, decided to postpone the affair till the 12**. However, considering the-very rough, wet weather conditions, a very fair number rolled up, and a most' enjoyable dance was held. Mr. Reed, of the Croydon road, had been engaged to play, bus owing to the flooded condition of the Manganui, which he has to ford to get to Tariki, he was unable to put in as appearance. Mrs. D. Mr. Adlam, however, _ gallantly ulled the broach, providing first-class dancing music,'for which they were accordei three hearty cheers at the conclusion 01 the evening. Mr. Crossman acted a» M.C. ' Early in the evening an ominous g»». was observed towards the top of tho Surrey road. This transpired to be the burning of Mr. Frank Ranford's residence, which was completely destroyed. Mr. and Mrs. Ranford were, whe» th* fire broke out, at Mr. T. Ranford's house, some distance away, and the Are had a strong hold before the alarm, was give* Willing neighbors were soon on the Bf»t and endeavored-to salvage some of tho furniture. Mr. C. Taylor managed tf secure a clock and was again about t» enter the blazing edifice when Mr. Ranford prevented him, as he did net con* sider it safe. Much sympathy is feW for Mr. and Mrs. Ranford, who, besides furniture and wearing apparel, have, tost a number of valuable trophies and wed» ding presents. The cause of the fire is unknown, and can only be attributed to a defect in the kitchen chimney. ,

URUTI. The following additional subscriptions have been lately received towards tin local Nursing Cottage Fund:—Per Mr. JV 8. Wells: Messrs D. Rea, W. Murray, D." Fraser, F. Aroa, £1 each, F. O'Sulliva* and T. Bellshaw 10s each, R. O'Donneß ss. Per Mr. Cannell: Blanchara Bros. (Okau),£l. The Nursing Committee would be very glad of further help. The ward foi urgent cases, which is being attached t« the cottage, though probably of mors importance than the cottage" itself, is a heavy additional expense. The smallest donation will be thankfully received by. either Mr. W. Old (chairman) .fir Mrs." H. Larsen (secretary), Uruti.

By the way, our poor mailman has had bad times'lately. Last mail day, June I, he had to walk eight mile in, as the road had given way. Several days afterwards, some distance back,' the road having ben repaired, he tried t# pack over the road. One horse stuck in what was apparently a little slip. The mnn released the packs and took the saddle off, but, despite all efforts, the poor animal sank further 'in and was finally buried in the soft mud, not a trace of him being left behind. This is the second horse Messrs Mallett and Co. have lost this last month on the same track, the Uruti-Tarigitu road. Ther other horso slipped off a bridge and was drowned.

PUKEHO AND TARATA. Winter ha 9 arrived with a vengeance. We have had several heavy downpours of rain, and also some verj T hard frosts. Mr. A. Litchwark has held his clearing sale and has left for the Taihape district. Mr. T; Waite has also disposed of his farm, and is going to try his luck in the Kaponga district. The Pukeho School Committee have started off well, and have held a euchre party and dance. It was a very successful gathering, and everything went off splendidly. The prizes were won by Mrs. Drake and Mr. T. Paynter. and I may mention that Mr. Hanover kindly donated the prizes to the committee. A very enjoyable dance followed the euchre, and music was supplied by Mr. T. Waite and Mr. Smith. The Tarata Hall Committee have alo held a very successful euchre party and dance. I have not procured the names of the winners, etc., hut from reports everyone had an enjoyable time. Miss Russell, from Kaim.-.ta, supplied the music for the dance. Wo have also had a visit of Mr. Frewin's pictures, under engagement *• the Hall Committee. The venture was hardly a success. The time for the arrival of H.M.S. New Zealand is drawing near. Given fine weather, there will be a good contingent going in from those districts. Factory matters are going on quietly, and, I hear an oil engine is to be installed for the coming season. The Tarata bachelors are holding theif ball on the 28th inst. This promises t« be th 6 ball of the season, and the top- ' mittee have got everything well in hand. Oive'n a fine night, there ought to be s record attendance. Mrs. George's of chestra. of well-known fame, has bee* engaged to supply the music.