DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 157, 9 December 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OPUNAKE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr VV. J. Knell, president of the 0.5.1.5., in the course of his annual report to members, says the excellent movement for the general benefit of Opunake and district by the formation of the Society, inaugurated in 1910, has, in many ways, not only afforded pleasure to the numerous visitors who patronise the bay, but it has also been instrumental in effecting improvements of a lasting and useful nature. Extensive improvements have yet to be undertaken, with a view, of still further popularising this important Taranaki seaside resort, and the executive have at the present moment a somewhat costly, though very necessary schema under consideration. The Society, financially, is in a good position. In anticipation of being able to carry out successfully the important work, to which reference has been made, the executive have, during the. past year, exercised care in regard to the expenditure of funds. The balance-sheet shows over £72 in hand. I am pleased to be able to say that the Society enrolled a number of new members during 1914, and I trust that in this respect the position of the Society will be fully maintained. The annual fete, held in January last, was the most successful yet held, and exceeded all anticipations. The next fete will be held early in the New Year, the date to be decided at the annual meeting of members. The Opunake Bay is within five minutes' walk of the town, and pedestrians have the choice of three excellent easy grade tracks leading to the beach, whilst thoru is also a good road for [ nX'toi' eflrj and other vehicles. The Bay is considered by experts to be one'of tno safest in the Dominion for surf bathing, ar.d the Society's assets include most up-to-date buildings, including the Kiosk, | Bathing Sheds, fresh water shower baths, i etc. All the buildings connected with ' the Society are in good repair.

• TATAIUTMAM.- r^" I Our two candidates have paid us a i visit, one to ask us for our support and | the other to give an account of his stewardship, "which he did to the satisfaction of' his supporters—if not to the Liberals present. We shall not now be long m suspense as to whether our political destinies are to be guided for the next three years by the Liberals, or by the present Tory party. Like Mr Astbury's kittens, in that delicious little story lie tells, we have got our eyes open now, as to the ways that are dark, and the tricks that are vain of the present government. While Mr Okey wooes Miss Taranaki in his own staid, sober fashion, there is somewhat of the young Lochinvar style about Mr Hughes, which may eventually capture Miss Taranaki's affections.

Your space is so much crowded up with elections and war, I must cut short my account of our great social effort, the Bazaar. As Mr Okey, our member, found himself, through stress of political work, unable to be present, Mr W. Honeyfield was asked to declare the bazaar open. The sum netted, £SO, was far more than the greatest optimist among lis ever anticipated, and after paying for the achdol piano, we shall be able to hand over a goodly sum to the Belgian Fund. , The committee feels thoroughly satisfied with the success. Besides the money, a' quantity of underclothing from the bazaar will be available for the afflicted Belgians. We desire to thank our Okato-Oakura friends for so very kindly supporting us. When Mr Okey was here, his attention was drawn to the shockingly inadequate accommodation provided in our local school for fifty-five children. He said he did not think there should be any difficulty in getting up a new school, but it appears so very much easier to vote £SOOO for new high schools throughout the country than to provide say, £IOO to prevent children and teachers alike being slowly poisoned in Tataramaika.

One thing I notice in connection with all the relief fund, and that is the amount of time, and consequently money, the musicians have given. I believe Mr Barnitt has given what would amount to £4O.

Mr and Mrs Smith, of Petone road, gave a very enjoyable social evening in tlie local school 011 Friday, in honor of their only daughter's marriage to Mr Fisher. The afternoon and evening turned out wet, but despite this drawback, a large number of their friends (old and new) turned up to pass a very enjoyable evening, (iames and dancing were indulged in by both old and young, and by tiiose who are not in that category. Mrs Hawkins and Miss Jones supplied the music. Songs were rendered .by Mesdanics C. Honeyiield, TV. Linn, Misses Kathleen Dougherty, and Pat. Hawkins, and Mr C. Hart. The Misses Honeyiield played a duet. After a very pleasant evening, the guests wended their way home by the light of the moon. Mr and Mrs Smith are to be congratulated 011 the success of the evening.

and greatly appreciated by the large audience. The musical success reflects great credit on the conductor, Jfiss ,V. Hobinson. Settlers will regret to learn tliat the health of Mr C. Bates, who for many years resided in the district, and who in now living in Wanganui, is causing his family a most anxious time. It is with extreme regret that I record the death of Mrs Hector Mellow, of Mahoe, very suddenly on Saturday, at the age of 23 years, leaving a widower and two young children. Very sincere sympathy is extended to Mr Mellow and family by a wide circle of friends.,