DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent). At present all hands are extremely busy taking advantage of the fine spoil of weather in ploughing nnd stumping. The shortage of labor necessary for milking operations is a serious drawback to extension in production, and also retards the kind of work mentioned previously. Talk about tho hard lot of tho farmer under present conditions; those who live in the towns can have no conception of the strenuous time the man, his wife and children are at present having; and the worst has yet to come. Kitchen gardeners report disheartening results from the failure of many kinds of seeds to germinate, without taking into account the depredations of birds or the ravages of'slugs, ete. 111 many cases seed beds have been renewed twice, and anxiety is shown regarding the final results. Though every cloud may have its silver lining, it is not to be wondered at that people will "take on" a bit when they see their efforts nullified, as is the case for reasons shown. On Friday evening last Private A. McEwen was tendered a farewell social in the school by the residents, and notwithstanding that settlers near the main road were interested in a similar function to Privates N. Ound and F. West, in the Norfolk School, a large number rolled up to the Durham affair. Tho music for the dances was provided by Mr. K. Lawson, of Inglewood, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, so much so that it was nearly 3 a.m. before finality was reached. The Soldier received a memento in the shape of a wristlet watch, at the hands of the school committee chairman, on behalf of the residents, and duly returned thanks for same.