DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KORU. (From Our Own Correspondents). The Koru school picnic was held on the 14th in Mr. Hinkley's paddock, beautifully fine weather prevailing. There was a large gathering, in fact a record gathering, of happy families, and the outing proved very enjoyable. Racing was indulged in for botii old and young. Mrs Looney won the married ladies' race and Mrs Hinckley second. Miss Raill was first in single ladies' race, a,n Miss Watson second (prize donate! by Mr Inglefield). Mr Looney won the married men's race and Mr tily second. Mr Ticlibon won the bachelor's race, and Mr. Des Eaill second. The other races, too numerous to mention, were rim for the children—sack, potato, wheelbarrow, and egg and spoon races, which pleased the little ones immensely.

At 3 o'clock the settlers took the opportunity to welcome Pte. Willie Bishop, who has been invalided home from the Western front, and presented him with a handsome watch and guard, suitably inscribed. The presentation was made by Mr Morton.! Private Bishop was the first man to volunteer from Koru. Hearty cheers rang out as our young friend stood up to respond. Tea was then handed round by the ladies. The school prizes were then given out by Mr Adlam, of Oakura. Then our iollie man (Master H. Watson) was let loose, and the boys had a fine time, snatching and pulling at the bags; so also did the wee girls when Miss Alice Bishop shot off in her fancy costume, with bags dangling merrily. A, few more races and games, then those that had cows to milk hurried off, to return to a sit-down tea in the hall later. The hall was then made ready for the concert and dance, and it was very gratifying to see such a gathering, every family in Koru being represented, and many outsiders. Those that took part in the programme were as follows:—Song, "The British Lion," Mr. Meredith; song, "Ora Pro Nobis" (encored), Mr. TMibon; song, Mr Adlam (encored); quartette, "Somebody's Sweetheart" (encored), Mrs Barber, Miss Julian, Mrs Morris, and Mr Tichbon; comic song, Mr. Chesln're; recitation, Mr Inglefield (encored); Maori Haka, Mr. Ticlibon; song, "The Cows are in the Clover," Mrs Barber (encored) ; duet, "Whispering Hope," Mrs Barber and Mr Pearson. Three cheers were for Mr Pearson, who very kindly supplied the music gratis in his usual good style, Miss Watson and Mr Mace playing the extras. Mr. Tichbon, as M.C., kept things going merrily. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Watson, our chairman's wife, Mrs Morton and other helpers, not forgetting our loeai schoolmaster and his wife.

During the dance a little child, which had been put to sleep in the ladies' room, came crawling into the hall on all fours, causing much merriment among the dancers.

We all hope this little social gathering will be the forerunner of many moit during the coming winter months, as little Koru appears to have its share of talent and a good hall to boot.

DURHAM BOAD. The settlers on the upper portion of Durham road west struck favorable weather for t'lie "free labor" job of metalling their share of th« road, and, needless to say, it was taken full advantage of. I understand something like 340 yards of metal were put through the machine ami sipread on the road, while a considerable portion was scarified and re-rolled. Though t'lie finishing touch is vet to be applied, and a couple of days should see it done, it can easily be seen that a splendid job has been accomplished. The second batch of settlers are busily engaged obtaining their quota of stone, and, given a continuance of fine weather, no doubt will put out a large quantity. All round the countryside settlers have been taking advantage of the dry weather to burn off timber and rubbish patches in the clearings, as is evidenced by the clouds of smoke in every quarter. I understand a very great deal of good has been done. Many ugly patches resulting from previous bad burns have this year been 'cleared up. At night time the scene is rather .picturesque "liy the flaming trees being kept on the SO by the light southerly breeze, Notwithstanding the dryness t)'' turcs have a green appearand ""t ? as ' orable comparison is ma' 1 " , 1' part and the much-vo' , -? this Manv neonle r." • Jnted H «wera land. that the to-;, toward. a^l 1 W1 * 11 l,«n»o+iv ' toward the mountain is L bea?at>, it, m j s cats.

but Durham road must he an .exception,' and though, perhaps, at times we nw.v have a wet or rough turn, taken rfaht through there's many a worse spot. However, I have seen go off the road lately fattened cows tbat would hold their own with the best off the richer (or supposed t<> he richer) pastures, while the milk yield of the land, as evidenced by the supply to the creamery, bears testimony in another respect, considering a large area is still in its rough state, and also somo still in bustt, a few years will show the mistakpft idea held by a large number of farmers. Ihe pity is that the energetic settlers are greatly handicapped by 'bavin" to devote considerable time each vear in fighting blackberry and cflier weeds, the seed of which is brought in their district from adjacent rijads where l(ir°c areas are allowed to rim riot with (he above-mentioned weeds.

On Thursday evening a large number of settlers of the district, and also many from the adjacent portions, attended a, social at the Durham sichool. The function was arranged as a send-off to Private Fred Mischefsbi, second son of Mr. J oo Mischefski, of Durham road, who wa» home on final leave, and who returned to camp on the following day. The chairman of the School Committee, on behalf of residents, presented the soldier with a wristlet watch, and said they all hoped he would return safe and sound. Dancing, etc., was entered into with vigor, and a very enjoyable evening was spent by all.

At the Durham School Committee meetmg on Monday night the teacher (Miss K. fcmith) complained about the inconvenience she had to contend -with, in regard to the cottage, and wished -t'he coiimittea to lay before the authorities the_ need for some alteration. Miss Smith _ was informed that at various times it had been shown the Board that urgent repairs or alterations were necessary, but the Department would not i sanction expenditure. It is certain]*not fair to ask any lady to tise as a r p. sidenco such an inconvenient bui'.Jin'r and as the teacher's salary is 'affected by the sum of £2O because there is a res'dence it seems only fr', r that either ortk? shoul < l be : na(le convenient ~ , ""vjl )a => e °» * r.e sum of money is la ° ' i • j at Durham road has complained in the samo way> M(1 ci tmif t |C comm ;ttee has drawn the was 'attention to the matter, so we Slia ". see what we shall see!