DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 150, 1 December 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

I DURHAM ROAD. (From our Own Correspondent). Mr Hine addressed tlie electors in the school on the evening of Thursday last, j between sixteen and eighteen being pre- ! sent. The rough weather, no doubt, presented many from attending, including "yours truly." ' The weather during the past few days has been very boisterous and wet/ A considerable amount of sickness is prevalent in the surrounding districts, "flu," etc., playing the deuce with not a few.

Election matters are proceeding slow- | ly. The absence of the vim of the preceding election is accounted for in some instances by the war, and in others by the one-time Reform supporters being disgusted with the hum-bug they have been asked to swallow.

Grass paddocks and oat crops are responding to the liberal supply of damp weather. Those who have planted largely of potatoes are giving an occasional "liaka" at the non-appearance of Mr Blight, and the crops are looking exceedingly promising. The heavy gale of Friday will, I have no doubt, occasion loss among the fruit trees. Mr J. H. Bridgeman, chairman of the school committee, in his opening remarks at the children's entertainment, in announcing that the teacher had entered the matrimonial state, and drew attention to the many bachelors on the road that they were getting behind the times; in fact, if they did not soon "shake a leg," tliey would not get a place at all. They should not take the instance mentioned as an evidence of "hope in the end," as all were not born under a ' lucky star! There's no doubt but that something is wrong," as the number of ■ ranches that are without the- "best half" cannot, I really believe, be equalled in any other part of the district —province, I should say.

j RAHOTU. The farewell concert and dance tendered to Mr and Mrs ICelly proved a great success, the hall being packed with friends of the above and their son Norman, some coming from as far north as Okato, and from as far south as Pihama. The concert opened with a pianforte solo from Miss Hughson. Mr Morning sang "Mother Machgee," and as an encore, "Wee. Doch and Doris' Mr T. Hughson, "Ye Sweet Wild Birds"; Mr Illingsworth, "Nancy Lee," and as an encore, "Warriors Bold"; Master R. Hughson recited "Britons Beyond the Sea"; Mr Manning, recitation, "That Dutch Baby of Mine"; Mr Illingsworth, song, "Sergeant of the Lino," and an encore.

Mr Wright, the chairman, them in a neat little speech, spoke of Mr and Mrs Kelly as always being ready to help to assist the district, and tliey and their family would he greatly missed. Mr Wright presented Mrs Kelly and family with a purse of sovereigns, and "For They are Jolly Good 'Fellows" was sung. Mr Kelly suitably responded. Supper was handed round, and much appreciated. The hall was then cleared for dancing. I Mr Newport's little daughter fell on a sharp axe and experienced a ga9h in her groin, which had to he stitched. She is now doing well. •Mr t'. Ward's youngest son was ill and taken to theNe'w Plymouth hospital, when it was found necessary to perform an operation. He is now doing as well as can be cxpcetcd. Mrs Hughson is also away with her youngest daughter m a convalescent home in New Plymouth. It has been decided to liold_ the_ concert, gift auction and dance, in aid of the Belgians on Tuesday, December 1, after Mr Newton King's sale. It is to be hoped that a crowded house will b; the result. The local factory hands have decided to subscribe a proportion of their wages weekly to the Belgian Relief Fund, as long as the war lasts. Nice rains fell here again on Friday.