DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

HURFORD EOAB. (From Our Own Correspondent). The recent dry lias had its effect on the milk supply, as is evident by the diminishing of the output of our two factories. butter factory is now down to 14 boxes daily, as against 23 at its highest, while the cheese factory is down to three cheeses daily, as five at the height of the season. TJie falling off of the milk supply so arly means, the loss of, say, January' 'cheque, as well as getting less bacoiiers away. Through the river running low during the dry spell the water wheel at the butter factory struck the "go-slow" style; consequently the manager (Mr McCormiek) experienced difficulties in getting the cream down to the right temporature. But through working long hours ft'itl) the use of ice brought daily from the freezing works, lie managed to come out on top, as the grading notes to hand bliow, all being above ninety. During the present season this factory has installed a new Topliss churn and cream scales, and the directors are now erecting a new water wheel, the factory meanwhile being run by motor. Much ill luck seems to have come Mr F.. Walsh's way lately, as some little time back one of his children suffered severely through falling on a broken bottle, which necessitated its removal to the hospital; some few months afterwards another child had the four finger of its right hand severed, through getti them caught in a chaff cutter, and now most of the family are down with whooping cough. Misfortune also sec-ins to have come Mr Riordan's way, for one night his bull declared war on his horses and gored no less than four, which caused their own. or no little inconvenience. The beast soon afterwards found himself well on the way to the meat works. The school picnic was held last Friday In Mr Spencc's *paddooU, ideal weather prevailing. After partaking of a hearty lunch, the children indulged in games and races for the rest of the afternoon, wluch was ended by a lollie scramble, /after which the presentations were given out byvthe chairman, Mr W. Adlain, every child receiving a book. Several pupils' received good attendance certifi»ates- After doing full justice to the jjood things that- were set out for tea, all wended their ways homeward, greatly pleased with the day's outing. The dance which was ty?ld in the schoolroom at night proved very enjoyable. During the evening Miss V. Loveridge delighted the audience with a Bong, other contributors being Mr Eva, Carrington road, and Mr. Williams. The latter also rendered a recitation. Mr J. Revell supplied the dance music in fine style, while Mr Smith acted as M.u Private X. Wood is home on final leave, end is looking fit and well. DURHAM ROAD. From Our Own Correspondent). There has been nothing of importance to chronicle for some considerable time now, with the, exception, perhaps, that hard graft is predominant. The fine spell of weather in .January enabled a large area of ground to be prepared for turnips, but at the same time caused some anxiety as to "strike," for in several instances many acres had to be resown, but so far there has been no fur- ■ tlier complaint. Stacks of hay and oats give evidence that dry fodder for winter use has been successfully saved, and the whole represents a period of "go" not understandable to the city man—the efforts of the farmers in co-operative - effort at such times results in quick' work being done, and it is a puzzle to me why the method is not adopted in other branches of farm work, such as stumping, fencing, draining, etc.

The manufacture of casein at the.Durham creamery has been in progress since the- 15th inst', while at the main factor.y the start was made at the beginning ol Die month. As the milk supply is still fair in quantity, the turnout of casein is looked upon as satisfactory for this time of the year. A new building has been erected at the factory, while at the creamery a lean-to addition to the previous building makes quite an im posing alteration. Farmers generally du not mention an opinion as to the method to be adopted when ealf-rearing time comes round again, but in many cases pessimism is shown in regard to pig rearing; no doubt time will show an alteration in that tespect as the lessened production of pigs for bacon must be looked upon as retrograde, and considering the interest the farmers have in the Jnglewood co-operative concern it will, or should, cause them to seriously reconsider the matter of increasing rather than decreasing the supply. The Durham settlers on the upper part of- the road have been busy obtaining a supply of boulders to keep the Eoad Board machinery active in repairs, and I understand that so far in one heap there are about 200 yards, w :, h more to follow. Some weeks ago t on the lower end obtained a supply for that part of the road, and the work of machinery under capable direction wa3 particularly evident over the old system, and farmers in other portions of the district would do well to imitate the system of so-called "free labor," which was first introduced on the advent of the Board's machinery by the settlers on the Dudley Eoad—more power to theria. What is wanted, of course, is method and an ungrudging assistance to tiie road engineer and his staif, and the result is bound to be a first-class road at little expense. While Messrs McEwen Bros., with another in fheir gig, were proceeding to Inglewood on Saturday evenipg a dog flew out from one of the residences and so startled the horse that it swerved bo badly as to capsize the gig. Mr Arch McEwen was so badly shaken that a ivas necessary for him to receive medical attention, and at time of writing there is little improvement in his condition. It seems strange that persons, knowing certain dogs' proclivities for rushing out at passers-by, whether in gig or cycle, do not take steps to stop the business. I suppose when some serious accident does result, and a claim for damages ensues, then such people will think themselves hardly done by. Quite recently those using the road have had much inconvenience on ae eount of a number of horses turned out to graze, and it seems the members of the Koad Board d 9 not trouble themselves regarding the practice. When brood mares with foals and young horses ire allowed on roads on which young children have to travel on their way to school it a lack of attention by our public men, and a kind of heartlcssness on the part of the owners of the Animals that needs drastic action. One of the silliest arguments I have heard In excuse of the system is that grazing the road keeps fern and other nuisances under control. I would point out- that- ' Durham Road {notwithstanding cows,

horses, calves, and every other variety of farm stock have for years run on the road) is just a "pretty picture" in regard to fern and other rubbish, not excepting in many places blackberry bushes of fair size in full bearing.