DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1916, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

OPUSAKE. '(From Our Own Correspondent)'. ; Messrs Fleming (Patea), McPhillipa (llanaia) and Dunn (Auroa) wore piesent at the meeting of the Egmont Patriotic Association on Friday night as delegates from the Taranaki War Belief Association. Mr. Fleming explained the working of the Association, and hoped that Egmont would join the Association and send a delegate to the meeting of delegates at Stratford. The delegates were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. It was resolved that the Egmont Association join the Taranaki War Relief Association, and the Rev. R, B. Tinsley was appointed delegate. A lad named Arthur Birkett,. about 12 years of age, was severely burned 011 the head and hands through the unexpected flare of a spirit lamp, which became ignited by the lad's mechanical inqrisitiveness. Dr. Barron dressed his wounds, and the lad is much wiser sinee the lamp flared! The Loan and Mercantile Co. had a full yarding of stock at the cattle fair in the Opunake yards on Mondav. Bidding was brisk for all lines, and a few hundred head quitted the yards for outside buyers. A line of 'three-vear-old bullocks bred by Mr. Slater, of Te Kiri, brought £.14 5s per head. Forward cows made up to £9. It will probably be the largest stock sale until next spring.

Tlie horse fair on Saturday was well attended, bui prices showed a decline on previous sales. "Buyers are not keen, and will not speculate to carry horses over the winter months.

The taxi-cab propiretors from Mawera held a picnic 011 the Opunake beach on Sunday. Twelve motors brought the family party • through. An enjoyable time was spent.

The-'Opunake Harbor Board arc, considering a proposal to raise money for harbor construction ljy the aid of debentues. Like tiio National "Oovernmcnt on voluntaryism, the Board is of opinion that every means should be tried before going to the ratepayers for the necessary permit to raise the money with an increase in interest.

The Patriotic League intend holding a gala day on Raster Monday. The extra motorcars running from Eltham and Hawera to Opunake after the arrival of the mail train has now ceased. Although it was convenient for Opunake residents, the extra service was hardly needed.

The Qpunake Presbyterian congregation passed a vote of thanks anil wished the Rev. 11. and Mrs. Howes Godspeed. Mr. Howes, who has received a call to Kangiora, has been several times moderator for this district, and came into close touch with the Opunake people. The Rev. J. ftusscll, 8.A., has been appointed to supply Opunake in the meantime.

The debit balance of the Opunake Harbor Board is £7l. The revenue is derived from endowment lands. The Board has not yet got a harbor or a wharf. Their attention at present is taken up with keeping their lands clear of gorse and seeing that no one carts away any shingle 01 sand from the fi.reshore without paying royalty. On Wednesday evening the' Town Hall was crowded on .the occasion of the farewell to Trooper Donald Trotter. The farewell was promoted by the 1.0.0. F. Mr. L. McCormish, on nolialf of the committee. presented Trooner Trotter with a wristlet watch with illuminated dial. Trooper Trotter suitably replied. Dancing. to music provided by Mr. K. Connell, was continued until a late hour,