DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent). The Moa Road Board's repairing staff is making splendid progress with the work of repairs on Durham road, and the appearance of the finished sections gives pleasure to all who have driven over them. The eo-cpcration of the settlers 011 various roads (as first initiated by the Dudley road settlers in providing extra boulders), together with the fact that the crushing machinery is peculiarly suitable for side-road work, provides an object lesson to various road districts of the province, as well as the Dominion, and opens an avenue for our politicians to review the iiO-vear-old conditions imposed upon the ratepayers of the Dominion by the hidehound Counties Act. which has been periodically amended but can never he considered satisfactory until provision is made for meeting climatic and other conditions affecting the various provinces.

A very successful social evening was held in the Durham school on Friday evening last, when, notwithstanding the threatening appearance of the weather, n large number of parents and others attended. The pupils rendered five or six action songs in a pleasing manner; Mr. Maxwell gave a violin solo, and Miss E. Laurence a selection on the pianoforte, after which the presentation of prizes was proceeded with. In the agricultural section the judge found great difficulty in picking the winner', and consequently prizes of equal value were distributed. Prizes'for good conduct, industry, sewing, etc., were awarded, ami it goes without saying that the recipients showed much pleasure in obtaining same. Refreshments provided by the ladies of the district were then handed round, after which, notwithstanding the warmth of the evening, wincing was in dulged in until 1.30 a.m.

A wash-house owned by Mr. A. Dodunski, of Durham road, was destroyed by fire during the night of Wednesday last. Mr. Doilunski cannot understand how the fire originated, as he had been in the building at i late hour the previous evening. As the building contained much material necessary for farm machinery, as well as other tools in general use, besides being a store-room for bulk goods for household purposes, tiie loss occasion Mr. Codunskj is rather severe.

A splendid run of fine weather is responsible for good work being done in paddock clearing and ploughing. Just at present a warm drizzling rain, with a light breeze, is prevailing, and 110 doubt will prove of great benefit. A start has been made with building operations at the Durham creamery in connection with the installation of the necessary requirements for casein production. lam informed that, given favorable conditions, the middle of February should see the plant in working ordpr.