DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1915, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

TATARAIMAKA. (From Our Own Correspondents.) The weather, at present, is only middling, and tliosgi engaged in ploughing, discing, harrowing, etc., never know how many hours they can reckon on to keep fine. Still, in spite of these drawbacks, the crops are being got in by degrees. Fortunately for us the day for the opening of our new factory (Patua) turned out really fine, and although once or twice the sky was overclouded and people (particularly the ladies) looked anxiously towards the clouds, nothing more than a few threatening drops ffell. Mr. Morton's speech was interesting, practical, and short. The chairman (Mr. W. Honeyfield) spoke to the point, and was commendably brief, while Mr. Adlam, in saying a few words, urged unity on the part of all concerned in the factory.

Mrs. W. Honeyfield having cut the ribbon, the visitors streamed through the spacious rooms and had a good look at everything, everyone being greatly pleased to see such a fine factory in place of the "dear deceased." The directors worked with a will to get all arrangements completed before the advent of the visitors, of whom there were a large number, and among those who willingly helped, Mr. Morris senior must not be forgotten. He, although, like some of us, not as young as he used to be, showed that his hartd had not yet lost its cunning, seeing that he cut, in the most approved fashion, six out of the number of loaves required for sandwiches. Mr. Owen Penwarden is to be congratulated on the completition of his good work, for, despite trying weather, difficulties in the way of getting the requisite number of '.rained men, and the increased prices of material, he has perfected an up-to-date, commodious factory, which, I doubt not, will still be sound when we all have "finished our work."

Your Tataraimaka casual correspondent having given you all details concerning the recent school examinations, I shall not say aught on the subject. The dance got up by the young people on the night after the opening of the factory was, I understand, a success, £8 being taken at the door. This sum, with 30s realised from sale of refreshments, and added to by a donation from the Patua suppliers, should leave a tidy sum for our wounded soldiers. This last function makes the third monthly effort in this good cause. I read in your issue of yesterday the pathetic appeal for pennies. It is fine for the kiddies that they, too, may be self-sacrificing and noble like the Belgians. It seems passing strange that a school in Otago should be 1 privileged to plant a tiny seed from which may spring a giant tree, large enough to shelter under its branches all the poor unfortunate Belgian babies. I see in to-day's paper that Mr. Dingle, with that kindliness of spirit which is a trait of the great majority of Taranaki farmers, expressed regret that a little of the money resulting from the proposed Stratford effort could not be spared for the Belgians. Mr. Kirkwood's reply that they wanted'every penny for their own wounded soldiers reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan and the man who passed by on the other side! We shall, i trust, all be spared to make many an effort on behalf of our wounded, but they are not starving, nor are they entirely at the mercy of men who know no mercy, but who are cruel, bestial, and merciless.

KAPONGA. A large crowd gathered at the Post Office last evening and gave 'Private Priestly a most enthusiastic and hearty welcome home, the hand enlivening the proceedings with appropriate tunes. Mr. C. E. Betts, chairman of the Town Board, formally welcomed the returned soldier and congratulated him on having returned safely home. Father Cahill also congratulated Private Priestly on his safe return, and said that there was no doubt we had a lot to learn from our enemies as regards patriotism and unity, showing very forcefully how, through their wonderful organisation and patriotism, they had been able to. achieve so much. He also paid a glowing tribute to our unfortunate Allies, Belgium and Serbia, and urged upon every man who was able the necessity to go. Rev. C. Blair said it gave him great pleasure to welcome Private Priestly, who had served in one of trie most bloody seats of the war He considered it a great privilege for a man to be able to show his fellow men that he was able to play his part in this war, and he trusted that the example shown by the returned soldiers would be the means of inducing those who were aide and had not as yet enlisted. Rev. G. Kirgan also addressed the gathering, and made a strong appeal also for all who were able to answer the call of the Empire.

Private Priestly, in reply, thanked the residents of Kaponga for giving him such a kind welcome, and said he had only done his duty. Mr. Priestly, sen., also thanked the assemblage for the reception to his son. Three cheers were given for the rc : turned soldier and also one for his parents, the proceedings being brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.