DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MAKETAWA. (From Our Own Correspodents.) The weather of late has been decidedly moist, but the warm temperature is helping to bring the pastures along at a great rate. Miss Meyer, the Durham head teacher, who met with a serious accident through being thrown from her horse, and who is at present with her parents at Hastings, is progressing quickly towards recovery. Latest advices indicate that she expects to return to Taranaki at the end of this month. Private William Robert Laurence (eldest son of Mr. Walter Laurence, of Tariki, and who desided on Durham Road some years back), having been wounded at the Dardanelles, has been taken to England and admitted to a hospital in Portsmouth. The young fellow's parents having been notified by the Defence authorities that he was wounded "slightly;" friends are inquiring as to the meaning of the term in the fact of the fact that it was found necessary to transfer him to England. The milk supply at the creamery is gradually on the increase, cows, in some instances, coming to profit rapidly, while others coming along in an intermittent fashion, October should see the majority of the Herds "at the bucket." Indications go to show that the present season will be the record one for milk production. One of the greatest drawbacks to the dairy business is the shortage of labor for stumping operations, it being practically unattainable. The matter is more than one of district or provincial importance. I have always understood that increased production is important from a colonial standpoint. Anything that hinders production must, therefore, be a drawback to the colony's progress. As there is a very large acreage in the Moa district in need of stumping, the introduction "of suitable labor is a matter that should interest farmers to combine and import some if possible, as the effect of the war on what was previously available is bound to be felt for years. Mr. M. Dodunski, of Durham Road, has been notified that his son, Anton, a member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, has been wounded for the second time at the Dardanelles. The Durham School Committee met on Monday night last, all members being present. The question of a log bridge over the Maketawa for the benefit of Norfolk Road West children was discussed, and several members voiced the opinion that the~people interests in the latter road were decidedly slow in helping themselves, the Durham folk having given certain time in felling the tree, coulTnot be expected to do all the necessary trimming. It does seem a shame that parents are unwilling to sacrifice a little time for their children's comfort, and, further, that adults are willing to use the convenience, but are chary as to giving assistance. The school being but a mile across country is easier reached than the Norfolk one, which would necessitate fully a six-mile trains by the children. The Parliamentary authorities having 1 deemed it inexpedient to give effect to | the wish of the Moa residents to form a j new county should cause the Moa Road j Board to consider the propriety of ask i ing the ratepayers' sanction to procure j the necessary road machinery by means l of a special loan. I am convinced the 1 ratepayers recognise the benefit of such machinery, and also that they would authorise the purchase of same. During the discussion ancnt the proposed new countf, it was stated that the nrcsent county machinery and staff (with the addition of one extra piece of machinery) could cope with the work of the Road Board if this end merged with the county, but in the face of the fact that the county machinery wa3 idle (for repairs) for one month, and then had to "get at it" in other parts, it seems rather a tall statement when one considers the mileage under the control of Ihe board, and the possibility of a yearly increase in demands for use of machinery. I fancy by the road board owning its own the greatest benefit would accrue. RAHOTU. The afternoon tea on Tuesday, prepar. Ed by Mesdames Tylee, Hopkins, Tyrrell and Chapman, was very well patronised, and the takings, with the dance in the evening, came to £lO odd. Mesdames Featherstone (second time), Hodson, >L. Billing and Thomas are running the next. A very pleasant evening was held on Friday in the supper-room of the hall to bid farewell and God-speed to Privates Baker and Gordon McGregor, who were home on leave. The songs and recitations given during the evening were very much appreciated. The Rifle Club presented Mr. Baker with a fountain pen as a memento, Mr. Colmer making the presentation, and Mr. Gilmore also presented him with a wristlet watch on behalf of his well-wishers. Mr. G. McGregor was also given a wristlet watch as a memento, Mr. Magnus Hughson making the presentation. The "boys" left on Monday.