DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 153, 4 December 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. The test card at the creamery shows a range from 3.2 to 4.4. We have now eighteen suppliers, the majority of which supply under 10001b., though there are several with considerably over that amount. There are three machines operating in the creamery area. After a considerable delay, the Durham School Committee have succeeded in J making much needed improvements to the drainage of the, school. . The old system had suddenly refused duty, and investigation showed that it was imperative to effect improvement, but the difficulty of obtaining the necessary labor caused the delay. Some time back the 'Durham school children decided that the funds received from the entertainment, which was originally fixed for school prizes, should be donated to the Belgian Relief Fund. The entertainment, which consisted of the cantata "Dame Durden's School" and i other items, took place on Friday pight > and struck execrable weather. Notwith-> standing, a fairly large audience greeted j tlie 3'oungsters, who acted their parts splendidly in every instance. In the part of the lazy boys and girls who had a marked distaste (and showed it) for work, and in the "sobbing" chorus the acting would do credit to children double the age, and the audience were not slow in allowing their appreciation. Master Leo Dodunski and Miss Nora Kelly deserve much credit for the manner in which they carried out their respective part as leaders of the lazy ones. Miss Gladys Richard was given the difficult part of Dame Burden, and carried it out faultlessly. The other leading parts were taken by Miss Eileen Corncy as "Fairy Content," and Master Francis Dodunski as "Fiptita," and the manner in which they carried out their share showed a keenness of attention to the: training of the teacher, and also, I should say, a little more than average ability in children of the age. In fact, that remark would apply equally to all the children engaged. Certainly the teacher (Miss F. I. Meyer) is to be congratulated on the manner in which she has trained the youngsters, who, continuing as they have begun, cannot help but be heard of in later years. Miss X Laurence, were: Flag song, kWlduring the evening, aiid received a very hearty vote of thanks from the audience. * The other items gives by the children, including a piano solo Say Miss E. Laurencefi were: Flag song, schoolchildren; recitation, Miss Nora Kelly; dance steps, by seven girls; recitation, Master A. Knowles; song, scholars; recitation, Master Joe Mischewski. The dance step item by the girlies was a bit of an eye-opener, and the performers had to respond twice to the call of the audience. The chairman (Mr J, A. Bridgeinan) made several complimentary remarks aa to the care taken by the teacher, expressing the opinion that Durham Road folk should consider themselves lucky to have as a teacher one who showed such market! ability m training the voung. The audience fully concurred. lie also drew attention to 1 the fact that both the committee secretary, and his wife were unable to he present on account of illness, and felt sure he would be doijjg right ill forwarding an expression of sympathy on behalf of the residents. !At the close of the entertainment, supper, which had been provided by ue ladies on the road, was partaken'of, after which tile Hear was cleared for dancing. The sum of £3 | was netted, and had weather conditions I been more favourable, I'm sure double I that amount would have heen received. | However, . "Every rnickle make a [ muckle!"

One of the most pressing requirements we of the rountry need is a telephone service wicrebv residents can save time, and perhaps a life, in obtaining quick ; communication with a doctor. I can ■ quite sympathise with settlers 20 or 30} miles a'.vav from a centre (we are only j six), an:! think a method should be coo-1 jointly evolved to show tlie need to the \ authorities. There's no doubt a certain amount of assistance should be given bv ? the individual in a case like ours, but i the individuals (who would feel the bene- i fit of the service perhaps when least' expected) are almost too slow. I