DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 220, 24 February 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From our own Correspondent.) The social held in the school on Friday night last was largely attended, and a very enjoyable evening eventuated j Visitors from adjoining roads took advantage of the fine night to be present, and I believe everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It is to be hoped the advent of winter will bring about more frequent social evenings of a like description. The Maketawa factory suppliers' animal picnic is to be held on Thursday, 18th March. An attractive programme has been issued, and as the proceeds are, to be devoted to the Poor in Belgium Fund it is hoped a record will be put up as regards gate receipts. Mr W. Marshall, the secretary, will be pleased answer all enquiries as to entry, etc.,' for the various items. Maketawa has always ''did" the thing properly in the past, and I can guarantee that given favorable weather, the present fixture will in no way be behind its predecessors. The milk supply is coming down with a run notwithstanding there is a plethora of feed. Cattle all over the place are in splendid condition, and as the root crops are showing marvellous growth farmers view the coming winter with equanimity. The automatic separator lias evidently upened possibilities of increased production, and it seems the directors of Maketawa were not slow to grasp the fact, for I understand a resolution in favor of accepting home separated cream was recently carried. There's no mistake that improvements in the dairy business come more rapidly now-a-days. and the pity of it is that old ideas will not shift in accordance. I understand that butter factories are feeling the- pinch as regards shippin-; accommodation for their produce, and it must be evident to dairy farmers that a month's delay in shipping may result : n a serious matter as to price obtained. Under normal conditions it could be looked upon as a certainty, but the war business may make a difference.

An interesting event took place on Tlurliam road on Tuesday, IGth inst., v.dieii 'Miss Ada. Bridgcman, fourth daughter of Mr .T. A. Bridgcman, entered the bonds of matrimony with Mr K. Johnston. The ceremony, which was of

si, quiet description. was performed bv Hie liev Veatherston :;t tlio bride's father's Tosidence. in tlip presence of tile family mid intimate friends. Tlie hapnv couple left liv tlie afternoon train for Aramoho, whore tliey intend to reside. Tn tlie evening mane p'siili'iits of i'• road attended at tlie residence, where tliey were hospitably entertained by Wr liridgoman. The usual "tin-can brigade" that must attend country weddings just about excelled itself during tlie evening. Considerable dissatisfaction is being expressed beeans,. of farm lads being required to attend military business, and T understand representations are to be made to tile authorities as to .the inconvenience caused to farmery It is a great pity that some special arrangement is not made whereby the dairy industry can be allowed to run smooth, it being altogether dilVcrent to other avocations. Fanners are hard pressed as it is regarding labor without having to suffer loss through the Defence Department. lIUIRAXCT.

(From Our Own Correspondent). A meeting was held in the hall on Monday evening to decide on the annual picnic. It was generally agre-.! to join the L;|ipei'ten and Sentry Kill people, if possible. ;md make a united eliort to assist the Poor ill Creaf- T>ritain and Helium Helief Fimd, by a large united gathering. Messrs F. V. and Andrews and Miss Jlead V.'appointed ! ■ waif on the Leppcrton people for information and 10 reeort to a farther meeting eai Frjdav 'eight next.

At th" : 'or" )!]. :■ e;-. was drawn to tlie way the district sup-1-orted the nost office, and the '.losiage of more outward mail was urged so as to improve the prospects of tho office.