DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. "(From Our Own Correspondent.) In the memory of the oldest settler the weather conditions at present existing, and which have continued for the past month, cannot be equalled. The fact that old Eginont is almost bare of snow is quite phenomenal. South-east winds do not carry the same sting, and the frosts, though on the severe side, do not seem to have the effect of those of past years, when grass would turn brown and wither. At the present time-It still lias growth, and carries a deep green appearance. Taking weather conditions on the whole, it is not to be wondered at. that old-time settlers are clean off their reckoning.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cowney celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday, 7th inst., and a large number of friends, together with sons, daughters, and grandchildren, attended to participate in the celebration. The interested parties have been resident in the iloa district since its inception, and have the continued good wishes of a large circle of friends. ■A meeting of the settlers was held in the school on Friday night, when it was decided to arrange a farewell social to Mr. Fred Salisbury, who will return from Trentham shortly on final leave. It is also proposed to make a presentation, and the function will probably be held on Friday, June 23.

The paper lately has had cable news of quite a sensational nature, and settlers, it goes without saying, fully appreciate the delivery method inaugurated foi the winter months. The great naval light and the loss of Lord Kitchener are matters that will provide food for discussion for some time, and the morning paper is eagerly looked for for final details.

I am informed that Mr. .T. Rickard has leased his farm on the Durham Road, and is taking over a property on OUover Road, in the Hawera district. Mr. Riekard has identified himself with school and factory matters since he arrived in this district, nearly eight years ago, and the settlers will miss his services. It may he of interest to settlers on the upper portion of Norfolk Road to know that a squared stringer has been hauled to the site on the Maketawa river bank, and in the near future assistance will be needed to place it in position.

The milk supply to the creamery is hanging out well, and it is almost certain that there will be no stoppage. I understand that certain repairs are to be proceeded with at the main factory, and as the engine is affected, it is proposed to lease an oil engine for the separating and churning business. If such can be done, and the factory kept "oing, it should prevent much inconvenience, besides proving of great benefit to suppliers who still bring a fair quantity of milk.

With all due deference to some of the farmers who participated in the discussion re turnip feeding recently, I make bold to state that the only remedy there is to prevent Xew Zealand's good name for butter-making being absolutely Wasted is to prohibit entirely the use of turnips to milking cows. I see nothing against such food for dry stock, but having tried many methods and many kinds of turnips, I repeat that turnips cannot be fed to cows without tainting' the butter. When men of standing in the industry will boldly advocate "the use of turnips "in moderation," knowing full well that different people have different ideas as to "moderation," it seems that the welfare of the industry, and consequently, the country, is not .the first consideration.