DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DOUGLAS. (I'l'om Our Own Correspondent). the milking season around Douglas district gives pruniiso of being better than previous seasons, an increased supply of milk is being received at the lucal "leamevy, necessitatins an additional separator being installed. There is abundance of feed, and the herds are in good condition. The one anxiety of the farmers is whether the companies will be able to pay out the monthly cheques. Sheep farmers report sheep in excellent condition, and the ''clippings" up to expectation. Their main difficulties are labor and railway trucks to get the wool away fjuickly. Users of the East railway have been greatly inconvenienced by the unsuitable time table. This is especially so on Tuesdays and Saturdays, sale and market days.

The residents, at their annual meeting in the public 'hall, elected the following committee: Messrs Alf. Ncedham (chairman), C. Aker (secretary and treasurer), I. Reader, J. Richie, and E. Harding. It was decided, by generous gifts of material and free labor to repair the fences.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Main and family have loft Douglas to take up farming in the Huiroa district. Mr. Main, who proved a splendid resident and member of the Hall and School Committees, was tendered a smnke concert by the gentlemen of the district, at which all voiced regret at hia departure and best wishes for success in bis new undertaking. He was tlie recipient of a ease of pipes, as a token of appreciation. Mrs. Main was given a social by the ladies, and was.presented by them with a silver tea, pot. All recognised the splendid help rendered by Mrs. Main in patriotic efforts, sickness and need. A pleasant, evening wa e spent, all present wishing Mrs. Main and her husband even- success. The residents recentI.}' 1 .}' gathered in the public hall to bid fotvowell to Private C. Smith, son of Mr. .lolm Smith, farmer, Douglas, the function taking the form of a concert and dance. An excellent programme was rendered by Mcsdamcs Thomas and Martin, Messrs Copland, TSTeedham, and Copland. Messrs Reader, Cole. Hancox and AVoW). Mr. Walter presided and on behalf of tlio residents, presented Private Smith with an illuminated wristlet watch, which Miss Kcedham fastened on his wrist, tlie recipient being accorded musical honois. An enjoyable dance followed. Private Young was also present. Private E. Bredow is now here on final leave, heaiii with his parents at Rapau Part. KAPUNr. (From Our Own Correspondent). On Friday evening, a good number assembled at the Knpnni Hail to bid farewell and to wish Godspeed to Privates Barr and Davidson who are leaving to help defend King and country. Mr. Leslie, as chairman of the Patriotic Committee. and Mr. R. Hughes eaeli delivered patriotic addresses which were well received, enumerating the (rood qualities of their guests and wishing them God ?peed and a safe return. Each soldier was presented with a wristlet watch by Mr. Leslie 011 behalf of tlie settlers. Private Davidson suitably replied, thanking one and all for their gifts and kind wishes. As usual excellent dance music was supplied by Mis.; Gardiner, while extras were kindly played by Misses C'ately, Kliason, Mrs. CftMe;\ and Messrs G. Lovell and AV. Hackett. A first, class supper was provided by tlie ladies of Kapuni, whilst Messrs C. Patterson and Eliason capably carried out the duties of M.s C. There is an abundance of feed on tlie farms here and the district clearly shows its .excellent dairy ng qualities, cows being in the pink of condition. Kapuni, is becoming an important centre, being so handy to five good sale yards beside, having a railway station and a branch railway to Mnnai well on the way to completion.