DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OMATA. (From A Correspondent). The Sewing Guild.—The above guild has •bean closed down for a few weeks to enable its members to take a well earned rest. 'During the past year a fair amount of work has been accomplished, several lots of garments and Hospital requirements having been forwarded to No. I N.2. Stationary Hospital and to .brockfhihurst (Balmer Lawn Section), also to Egypt and Mesopotamia. A considerable quantity of children's clothing was completed, chielly for the Belgians, but a nice assortment, made and provided mostly by a Burford road lady were sent to a N.Z. Orphanage which shelters a large number of soldiers'children. Parcels of comforts wore posted to each Omata soldier on service. These were contributed by the guild, helped most generously toy the jieopie of Omata. old and young. The guild will continue the sendfhg of parcels during the present year. The sum of £2 has been donated eaeih month towards parcels for general distribution through the yi.V. Women's Patriotic Committee, and several members have lately had replies to their messages enclosed in these parcels. Newspapers have been regularly mailed to N.Z. soldiers and hospitals iii France, Egypt and Mesopotamia, The guild is grateful to Mr. Medley for again auditing accounts free of charge, and to all who have assisted in any way sincere thanks is extended. The regular subscribers have kept us going in material, etc., and by their promptness have made the work of the treasurer an easy task, and she desires heartily to express her appreciation. A special word of praise must be gven to those who set aside their owii affairs to attend the meetings, the members from Ngamotu road and f|urford road being the most rcnilar in attendance. During the winter it was found necessary to remove from the hall work has since been carried on at jMrs. Hughes'. Although thus entailed a longer joiirney on the part of the iHurford road ladies, it did not cause them to neglect their work, and in spite of bad weather, etc., their places have seldom been empty. Those kind friends knitting steadily in the back,ground deserve more than the passing mention we are able to give them. Their work is greatly appreciated by us. The r,guild would be grateful for the use of sewing machines, and any members having hand machines are asked to bring them when possible. All members and friends are invited to attend at Mrs. Hughes' home on the afternoon of January "l«. Work will be resumed on January 23

WJ'RHAM BOAD

(From Our Own Correspondent)

At the school on Saturday evening Inst tlioio was .1 splendid or residcnts, tlie occasion being a social evening and presentation to Privates V. (Tom) Cheevers and Frank Salisbury, who returned to camp after Christmas leave. The premutations consisted of wristlet watches to cadi soldier, and were made by the chairman of the school committee, who wished the recipients, en behalf of residents, a speedy and safe return. Both soldier* suitably reDancing to music supplied by Mr. K. Larason was kept going till midnight. Mr. J. H. Dombroski met with a very painful accident on Friday last and which could easily have been" attended with more serious result*.' It appears he was carting manure across the paddock, and when getting off the cart Hie fell with his leg under the wheel. Medical aid was obtained, and it was found that though no bones were broken the limb receive! sucli severe bruising' that a few weeks' rest will be necessarv.

Harvesting operations are at present in full swinjr, and T understand liay crops arc" well up to the average of past years. Oaten bay will apparently give similar results. Sowing of turnips has in several instances been' resorted to, while in others the first planting has been considered satisfactory. The" 1 very dry condition pf tilie worked paddocks is given liy some as the cause of intermittent, showing of the plants, while others are inclined to the opinion that the seed •uippljed has been kept too long. Certain it is that, there is something radically wrong with many kinds of seed supplied to farmers. Last year it was almost impossible to get a good line out of parsnips, while this year much disappointment has been shown in regard to carrots and mangolds. Ideal weather conditions for dairying still continue, and in' consequence'' tflia milk supply does not show a marked decline, being of what, may be termed a fluctuating nature.

KAPUNI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Thursday evening a large party was held at Mrs. Ricketts' residence to farewell her son, Private L. Ricketts. who is leaving for the front. The evening was very pleasantly spent in dancing and games, 1 the music being supplied by Mr?. Benton and Miss L. "Sharp. Miss Kate Scott, in a good speech, expressed her great pleasure in presenting to Private Ricketts a diary book, with all good wishes. Private Ricketts thanked all for their kind wishes and gift. On Friday night the Kapimi hail was crowded to farewell four recruits—Privates ■!!. Symmons A. (Viivie L Rickets, and S. Pollard. Mr. Leslie acted as chairman, and bis address dwelt on the good spirit and qualities of the departing soldiers, while Mr. J. F. Stevenson presented to each a gold fountain pen and a silver pencil, at the same time wishing them a safe return and all good luck. Private A. Ogilvie replied, thanking all for their srood presents and land wishes. The evening was pleasantly spent in dancing, the music hein<* sup. plied by Miss Taylor, while extras" were played by Misses Spftrs. Catelv, Gardiner Mrs Calder, and Mr. M. Phillips. Messrs C. Paterson and Eliason carried out the duties ot M.C. in a Capable manner. As usual, the Kapimi ladie* supplied a good supper. We regret to report that Private H. Symmons became suddenly ill and had to undergo a serious operation. His many friends wish him an early re- k eovery. '