DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent). The Rev. Tinsiey was farewelled in the Methodist Church Inst Wednesday, and the Rev. Gosnoll was welcomed and introduced to the congregation present. Rilhotu people have decided to hold a combined public service in the Hall at 2.31) in the afternoon of Anzac Day (Tuesday), when it is expected the Rev. Papakura will sing appropriate hymns in the Maori tongue. A patriotic meeting 'is-to be held in the evening. Trooper Arthur Kitchenman, returned from the front, has quite recovered from his sickness, and is about to proceed to camp. He will be farewelled by ths Kahili Road residents on April 28. The yearly meeting of the Anglican church will be held on Thursday 27,

Mr. and Mrs. Nightingale have gone for a six weeks' tour of the North Island.

Mr. and Mrs. G. Tylee are proceeding to Wellington for two weeks' change. Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Sen., of Ngariki Road, are away for the Easter holidays.

•Mr. C. Jeffries is away in Wellington attending the funeral of a relation. The following were elected a committee for Rahotu school at the annual meeting:—Messrs A. F. Chapman, F. Ward, D. Anglesea, J. Williamson and McLean. "'- ' * OMATA. (From Our Own Correspondent)'. A well-attended meeting of the residents of this district was held in the 0mata Hal! on tlhe evening of the 20th; for tile purpose of considering the question of raising money for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. Mr E. R. Bayly was voted to the chair, and after apologising for the absence of Mr Wilson (chairman of the New Plymouth Patriotic Committee) read a letter from the executive of that body outlining a scheme for the purpose of raising money throughout New. Plymouth and surrounding districts, and asking the co-operation of the Qwata people. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to fall in with the scheme, and to that end a strong committee was appointed representing tlhe whole "of the Omata district, and it was decided to thoroughly canvass the district for cash or other gifts of stock, etc.—in fact anything from the proverbial "needle to an anchor." It was further decided by the ladies present to set up a committee who will undertake to canvass for sue* articles as related to their sphere of operations, and that a jumble sale be held in the Omata Hall on or about May 20. Mr Bayly was appointed chairman of the general committee, with Messrs Meyenberg and Hooker as secretary and treasurer respectively. A further meeting was fixed for May 10, when it is hx-ped all canvassers' lists will be completed and ihanded in. Judging by the large attendance at this meeting, and the enthusiasm displayed, .this effort to raise money for so worthy a cause will meet with every success. While many are of opinion that these monies should be pooled as a national fund, all are agreed that it is a privilege to do something to ensure the future wellbeing of the splendid young fellows who are giving of their best—perhaps their all—at the front, that- we. may continue to enjoy the freedom which, as Britishers, we regard as our rightful heritage. What has proved to have been a very strenuous season for the farmers in t'hese parts is now drawing to a close. In fipite of the shortage of labour on nearly every farm work has been kept well forward, and signs of extensive improvements on all sides are not lacking. Unfortunately the blight has made sad havoc /among the turnip crops. It is the exception rather than the rule to see a decent field of swedes, and a shortage of roots for winter feed is inevitable. To counteract this shortage, as much as possible, a considerable quantity of oats and rye is being sown for early spring feed. In spite of the many drawbacks the results of the past season's operations is likely to constitute a record, both as regards quantity of produce and prices obtained. As'the reward is said to sweeten labor, farmers are not grumbling—very much.