DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 25, 30 June 1913, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Krom Our Own Correspondents). MAKETAWA. The upper parts of the roads have received a little drizzle, but, taken right through, one could say we have had grand weather. Sullicient milk is being taken to the Durham creamery to warrant running twice weekly, and as several farmers have fresh cows in and others close up the quantity should increase quickly. Very little sympathy was shown the stono-nappers by the Moa Road Board (per report ill the News). It is a pity that some of the members arc not faced in some, way to have a "go at it." They woilhl then appreciate the request for a rise in pay. Many farmers are making a start at feeding off turnip paddocks a little earlier than in former years. Grass feed is noticeably short all over the district. School' committeemen are not likely to forget "Dreadnought Day." No doubt the town committee of supervision did all possible to deal with the matter as systematically as lay in their power, but there seems to have been a screw loose whieh enabled so many adults to use the steamers while children stood in line on the beach to the west of the wall. The number of savage, disappointed school committeemen and teachers would surprise those responsible. In hunting for information as to the proposed new creamery on Norfolk road it is impossible to get much "forrarder" when one has to contend with "human oysters," for that seems to be the position taken up by those directly interested. That the disappointed suppliers to the Maketawa Company will find they are making a huge mistake in seceding cannot help but come home, like the ch/ckens, and it will be wise, to my idea, if they will take hold of the sore points in a 'different method. No doubt a creamery adjacent to certain people's land is conducive to a bettor figure being obtained, but those who are legitimate farmers and desire to hold their sections need not place themselves in a false position just to benefit one or two whose ultimate object is to clear out. My note regarding the Dairy Association method of dealing with cow covers was in some way mutilated so that the sense of the proposal advocated is lost, and by inserting the following I shall be much obliged: What I think should be done, in fairness to the district tradesmen, is for the Association to "import in large bulk" the material necessary to give the labor of the district in which the order is given a chance to have a "cut in." That's plain enough, surely.

A very successful dance was held in the Norfolk School on Friday evening, 20th inst. The fine moonlight night enticed n good number to the entertainment, and all mention having had a real good time. At a meeting of the committee appointed at the Maketawa suppliers' annual meeting to bring forward suggestions re altering article of association, it was decided "that in view of the possible developments as foreshadowed by the threatened secession of Norfolk suppliers, the matter be left in abeyance for a while."

Notwithstanding the moonlight night, the beams of the searchlight from the Dreadnought at New Plymouth were plainly visible in the sky by residents of the "district.

Mr. Buckeridge, the organiser of tho big farmers' organisation, was in Inglewood on Saturday, and states that the printed prospectus, etc., will be available for issue in about ten days' time. From enquiries by farmers all round the district the advent of the big society is eagerly awaited, and augurs success to the concern.

Mr. W.George, who takes Mr. J. Flintoff's place as share milker on Hastlett's farm on Durham road arrived with his family on Monday last. Mr. Flintoff, who has resided on the road for over four years, made many friends, and being rather an expert among cattle has rendered useful service to many neighbors when in difficulty with their stock. He will be greatly missed, and we all wish him success in his venture "on his own," he having purchased a farm in the Tarata district, and to which he shifted on Saturday last.

It is a noticeable fact that when farmers got together in meeting one of the subjects is bound to be the high price of land—how one is going to live with it so high, etc. The legitimate farmer cares very little, and one hears no complaint except as regards the high prices he has to pay for material to improve his section, which he wants to hold for all time. The real growl comes from those who want to "make a pot" (the buyer and seller in one jump), and does not, care how the other poor beggar is going to make a "do" of it. The same kind of roar exists against leasehold in favor of freehold. Tliev arc bitter antagonists to the land nationalisation and advise, per their farmers' unions, a stiff crusade against such (and also the Socialistic idea), yet I'm willing to wager that the ordinary, real lover of tho land, when land nationalisation is thoroughly explained to him, will wonder why he has been at the beck and call of a certain class. Judging by a little extract in the News regarding a remark by Mr. Hine, M.P., as to abolishing Customs duties, etc., one can well imagine that gentleman has been making a study of what is a real solution of the land trouble, and for which New Zealand offers a grand opportunity of putting into practice before too many i years roll by. The "spider" class of land holder has had a good time, no dougt. and the pity of it is that there have been and still are too many willing "flies" to be netted. It's all very well to preach to "go on to the land," but a poor man has Mulligan's chance nowadays with the spiders sitting on their 400, 1)00 or 000 acre blocks, close to all facilities, for a fancy price, and contributing very little to the production of cheese or butter, and whose land is enhanced in value by the smaller men's action in erecting creameries and putting down good roads. TARATA. Mr. T. Waite, who is leaving the district "for pastures new," was given a social evening in the Tarata Hall last week. A large number of friends were present. Mr. E. Death made a presentation on behalf of the settlers. Dame Rumor has it that boring for oil in this district will shortly commence. May they strike a gusher! ■ The bachelors are holding their annual ball on Thursday night, and, given fine weather, a record crowd is anticipated. At last the Education Board has decided to enlarge the Pukeho School, which for some years has been considerably overcrowded. They are also sorely in neeii of a residence, but that will probably l)e one of their wants for all time. More of our settlers have sold out. This time it is Messrs Vile Bros., on the Autawa road. KG MONT VILLAGE. The euchre party and dance held here on Tuesday last wis well attended. The prizes were won as follows:—Ladies, Mrs ,T. 11. Magee I and Mrs. D. Price 2; men's, Messrs L. .lames I and E. Gvde "2. The dance which followed was also well attended and w:is kept going until 2.30 a.m. Mr. R. <i. Marsh and Miss MaryMarsh supplied the music, extras being played by Miss Wilson. A dance is being held here on Tuesday,

July 8, on which occasion ladies are requested to provide a plate of refreshments. The annual meeting of the Debating Society was neld last week. There was a poor attendance. The president (Mr. A. Morton) stated that there was a balance in hand from 1911 of 255, and 15a had been received last year from members. Owing to the lack of support accorded to the Society it was decided not to continue. Therefore the balance in hand (255) was granted to the Public Hall, whilst the remaining 15s, being members' subscriptions, is to be refunded. Mr. and Mrs. E. Davis and family returned last week from a holiday, spent mostly in the South Island. On Wednesday last Miss Jessie Price, of this district, was married to Mr. 0. Stafford. The ceremony, which took place in St. Andrew's Church, Inglewood, was performed by Rev. Kempthorne. The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. R. Price, whilst the bridesmaids wnro Misses Vera and Flossie Yeates. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are residing in. New Plymouth. Mr. Sam. Carter has returned from his annual leave, and has commenced work again. Mr. George Marsh has been indisposed during the last few weeks, but he is now on the road to recovery.