DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent!.) MAKETAWA. Notwithstanding the threatening appearance of the weather there was a good attendance of farmers at the Durham School on Tuesday evening, November 30, when Mr. Sergei, the agricultural instructor, delivered an address on forage crops. The lecturer was followed with keen interest by those present, and, judging by the expressions one hears, the man to man "talks" anent farming improvements and various methods must result in an expansion of thought which will be of ultimate benefit to the farmer. A simple experiment by the lecturer to show the lack of lime in the soil rather astonished those pres-' ent. Seeing is believing and saves a lot of tongue wagging! The Durham school children are putting in extra time preparing for their annual entertainment, which is booked for Wednesday evening, 15th inst. From information received I believe the affair will be something above the average, and as the school funds this year are to provide school prizes, it is 'hoped there will be a good muster of residents, more especially as the kiddies' last year's entertainment was devoted to licigian relief.

A few residents of this district who attended the big carnival at New 'Plymouth on Thursday are loud in their praise as to the excellence of the amusement provided. No special train arrangements, I find, prevented a fair number getting to New Plymouth, and perhaps on future occasions this can be easily remedied. The few days' fine weather so far experienced is being taken full advantage 01, and ground that has lain ploughed for two months or so is now being disced and harrowed. Several areas are already in turnips of the soft variety, and I understand that farmers intend sowing mixed sorts this season. Given a reasonable spell of -fine weather, notwithstanding the paucity of casual Mnor, some big areas will he got under the plough this year. '

Shearing operations were very much hindered through the recent bad weather, hut lately shear workers have been going "eyes out" to get through the (locks, in case of another turn of bad weather. It may seem strange mentioning about sheep when this is essentially a dairying country; but in several instances small flocks are kept, while we have a few who take to wool-growing on a larger scale. In the best interests of the community land in a dairying district should De producing milk, leaving wool to land unsuitable for milk production.

The south-east blizzard must have contained a large quantity of salt, judging by the appearance of the barberry hedges all over the district. The plants appear as if a fire had scorcned them on one side. In some cases the hedges appear to have suffered more than others, and in consequence present a peculiar appearance. Laurel hedges and kinds that have hitherto stood what we call the "salt spray" have this year been affected in a more or less severe fashion.

Dame Rumor is credited with many queer remarks at times. We have it now on first-class authority that a very interesting ceremony in which the heads of two well-known and respected families will link fortunes at Hymen's altar is to be consummated in the near future. It is hoped that an infection of the kind will visit this district. There are too many just now who prefer to "live alone!"

TARATA. Our district i 9 looking particularly well at present, and wo have at last been blessed with a, weoKS fine weather. Shearing operations are finished, and the carters are very busy carting the wool to Tnglewood to be" lonvarded to the various sales. The farmers arc exceptionally busy ploughing and preparing their land for turnips, etc. Mr. Sergei, the Education Board's Agriculture Instructor, paid us a visit, but owing to the farmers being very busy no lecture was given. 51 r. Sergei visited some farms in the district, ana in this way he is gving valuable Information and advice.

Rumors of opposition blacksmiths are in vain, but Mr. M. King has come to the rescue, and is building an up-to-date and roomy shop. I guess there will be a stampede for the shop when the horses hear the welcome ring of the anvil. Our local store and post office iias changed hands, and is now under the management of Mr. Robert Patevson, senior.

The Dairy Factory has just about reached the flush of the season, and everything points to its having a record season.

A rounder match between the Pukelio and Tarata Schools has been played, and it proved a very interesting game. The Tarata team won, and the Pukeho (earn took their beating like true sports, A very enjoyable afternoon was spent.

The Tarata School concert and dance is billed for Friday, December 17, and I hear a first-rate programme is to be submitted. All the funds go towards the wounded soldiers, and the pupils have also cheerfully decided to give their prize, money to this very deserving fund. The picnic and brcaking-up ceremony will take place the .same day. I trust that one and all will help to make it a success.

CARDIFF. We are now experiencing a spell of fine weather—only one or two days so far, but very welcome after the unsettled weather of late. It is hoped it keeps fine for Thursday next, when a patriotic concert and dance takes place. The proceeds, which will be paid into the Stratford Patriotic Fund, are in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. On that account it is not altogether a local matter, and should receive support from all localities within reach. Cars will run from Stratford between 7 and S, returning after the concert. Mr. Foley, of Stratford, is sure to be the means of drawing an audience. It is, without doubt, an excellent entertainment. ''The more you look, the more you- see." An excellent programme is arranged, and no effort is being spared to make the* concert a success. A dunce will follow, and the committee have arranged for excellent music and a tiptop floor. The annual school picnic will be held on Friday, December 17, and a pleasant day's outing may be expected. KAPONOA. The monthly meeting of the Kaponga school committee was held on Monday evening. Present: Messrs. Death (Chairman), (iuy, Ward, Signal, Mills, Hill and Bennie( Secretary). A letter was received from the Wanganui Education Board intimating that they would increase the grant to £lO to install electric light in the head teacher's residence. The headmaster's monthly report was