DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TATARAIMAKA. t '(From Our Own Correspondent.) Farmers are proverbial growlers, bv!' really lliey hove a genuine grievance against the weather at present. , Some people tell you "it is good for the grass," but certainly it was anything but good for the cows during last week as every one went down in its milksupply, and going down in November doesn't seem quite the thing. 1 here has been nothing to report here socially, as the seriousness and dreadfulncss of the war has overshadowed aught else. The entire district was deeply moved by the sad death of Charlie Smith, one of our neighbor's eldest son. He, too, died a hero's death, although he was not destined to reach the front. He made the supreme sacrifice. "For greater love hath no man than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friend." His death leaves a sad gap in our all too small community. That three farthings was a. beggar. Had the Government said "we want all your cheese and butter to help our men to win the war," I don't believe there is a single farmer churlish enough to either refuse or grudge H, but it seems rather a mean and peculiar way of treating the dairy farmers—the backbone of the country—and I can assure you that getting up in the dark these terribly wet mornings and wading after the cows over submerged paddocks and ploughing through mud in the yards does not tend to sweeten the outlook or sugar-coat the pill. Not many farmers wish to make money out of the war, but farmers must pay their way, and with the enormously increased prices for seeds, manure.;, and all that the farmer requires It is a pretty expensive "way." The roads are fairly good and it is to be hoped that before we have all "shuffled oil this mortal coil" the danger corners between Tarata. and New Plymouth will have been shaved oil, and the insane ditches filled in. When two large vehicles pass, or attempt to pass each other at certain of the worst places there it is a positive miracle that one or both'don't fall into the death trap. We are all sorry the accident which befel Mr. Gyde. He is such a careful driver, always going at a steady pace, taking no risks, and always sc-aur-ions for his patron's comfort. It is to be hoped he and his daughter will soon recover from their injuries. Another victim to this terrible war is Mr. Tunniclift'e, whom dejith claimed ere he realised his desires.

I understand Fred Dougherty is going to the front, also William Simpson, of Okato. Last month two of otir Tatara. girls left us to go in douoie harness. Miss Kathleen Dougherty, who. with her parents. had resided in Tataraimaka for five years, has gone to live in Kainmta, where her husband, Mr. Tom Carey, is engaged in farming. Kie will be missed by the young people at socials, etc.. where she was always in request for songs. She was the first to sing "Tiperary" locally. Jj'iss Ruby Laeey, who was married in the Anglican church here by the Rev. Addenbroke, has gone to reside on the Carrington road. Her husband, Mr. Crozier, owns a farm in that locality. Our state school children and our Sunday school children have alike been very generous towards the various deserving causes, notably the Belgians. It is wondeiful how their pennies mount up,