DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) MAKETAWA. " "'» Tin boys of the Durham School .have made a very creditable attempt in the agriculture course, their vegetable plots showing great attention. The variety or plants all show remarkable growth, and the pity i s that a late start was made this season. It is hoped parents will jive, a little assistance next year m the initial work of breaking up' the ground. The youngsters certainly deserve encouragement', and parents' will never regret a little time given for their assistance. The flower plots, eared for by the girls, present a gay appearance this year, and the attention shown in keeping the plots in neat order also reflects great credit on the teachers (Misses Meyer and MacCormack). A movement is afoot to publicly welcome Private Anton Dodunski, who has been invalided home from Egypt, »nd I understand that Durham road residents are contemplating presenting the soldier with a suitable and lasting memento of their esteem. Private Dodunski was a member of the main body' and took part in the memorable landing at Gallipoli. being amongst those wounded. After a term in hospital he returned to the firing line, and was again put out wounded. Then he contracted the fever, which made residence in 'hospital needful and his consequent return home.

The splendid weather is being taken full advantage of in burning logs, etc., in swampy ground that has not been so dry for many years. The heavv dews are keeping paddocks in good fettle, and dairy cattle, though slowly "going off," are holding the milk supply up fairly well. The old people draw'comparisons and quite similar conditions in such-and-such a year, and "Do you von mind, we always burned the felled bvisli in March" is quite common to hear. As the weather wizard, Mr. Wragge, has predicted a continuance of favorable conditions up to 1320 this district should show marked alteration if such is fulfilled. The ''shake'' experienced between fi and 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning last caused a good deal of' consterna" tion in many milking sheds. A complaint, affecting the feet of dairy stock, which, causes severe swelling of the foot and lameness, and which pulls the cattle down to an extraordinary degree, has been preva'ent in several herds this season. A remedy which seems to give relief, and which will probably effect a cure, is to thoroughly clean all dirt from between the toes', soak a piece of stout cloth in Stockholm tar, sprinkle, powdered blupstone over rag liberally, and insert betuee-.: trio 'claw.'' In several instances two applications have done the trick, wliile in others it was found necessary fo eon tinue the application. How about that scrap hook, farmers? The action of the Agricultural-De-partment in lessening (lie sunr-rvision of weed erpdication "because of (lie shortage of labor on account of the war," is causing a great deal of comment, end the opinion is freely expressed tlint those responsible for relaxation of vigilance cannot have any practical experience of the worry caused through flie spread of such curses as blackberry and ragwort. It i* also suggested that the proviso made, though favorable no donlit to the big man. is a decided drawback to the smaller settlers, who will suffer for years through the laxity allowed.

Notwithstanding the spell of dry weather, the Durham road west is in splendid order. The occasional blinding done by the road foreman seems to lie the very thing needed. It is noticeable that the repaired portions treated by the roller some months ago do not show a loose stone vet. "

The botfly seems tn have infested our district in largely increased numbers this year. Many devices are used by farmers to lessen tlio worry, lint the best means seems to bo that of providing n shady place. Jt is very instructing to see bow tlio dnmb animal will take advantage of a tree to get. rid of tbe fly, and tlie farmer who will leave a green "whitcwood" stump or two in a paddock when stumping same will not regret so doing, OKOKE. The Okoke-Piko Patriotic Committee held a most enjoyable euchre party and dance in the Piko school on Friday night, 17th inst. In spite of the rain there was a good attendance, and a very successful entertainment resulted, over £S being taken for the Belgian Fund. The euchre.prizes were won by the following:—Ladies: Miss B. Whitaker 1, Mrs. Ekdahl 2; gentlemen: Mr. Howard 1, Mr. E. Ekdahl 2. After the cards the floor was cleared for dancing, which v.-as indulged in till the small hours of the morning. The music was supplied by Miss Gaustad, Messrs Eoss, Jones, and Cook, and Mr. J. Eoss acted as M.C. During the evening numerous guessing competitions were held, which considerably swelled the funds, and Mr. Howard gave several recitations whicli caused a shower of coins to fall, and resulted in over £2 being gathered in to further help the fund. The committee wish to thank all those who donated articles for the guessing, and also the ladies who provided a most sumptuous supper.