DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TARIKI. (From Our Own Correspondent). Though we are wonted to consider ourselves well out of the danger zone here, still it is generally understood (here is one "possie" in the township Ik'j is not too safe, especially after six • ' ■•!-'. it being in a sense under the "N.'iiiy's observation. That this is a :-l'ern reality was rather 100 forcibly demonstrated one evening during the early part of last week, when, without the slightest warning, the enemy scored a direct hit. showing plainly thev had lb" range to a tick. The explosive lobbed in the back door and burst with a deafening crash in the billiard room. Considering the suddenness of the attack our casualties must be counted slight.

The mere fact of this locality having the reputation of being dangerous seems to attract many of our more venturesome ones. Luckily, however, on this occasion there were only three there, two from outside and one a well known local resident. lam glad to hear none were severely wounded, only "walking cases," but they will probably have to appear on sick parade shortly to satisfy the authorities they are not requiring hospital treatment.

There appears to be a diversity of opinion as to the exact calibre of the missile that did U\c damage. All appear to agree that it came from Tnglewood direction; somo say It was a genuine H.E., but a returned soldier who was just outside (his luck was in that time| says, and he ought to know, it was merely the ordinary or garden "whiz bang.'' However it matters little what it was, but doubtless many besides ''your own" have .registered their oaths to keep well away in future. Danger may have its attractions, but there are no points in taking too many risks these timos, and the advice tendered by a returned warrior, "when you hear anything whizzing take cover at once if not sooner," strikes me as being very sound. The annual Church of England social is fixed for next Thursday, and the Patriotic Committee are getting up a "welcome home" social for several returned men the following Thursday. Sportsmen report that game' is scarce, and poor bags are the rule. I have been asked recently, whether woodhens are "protected'' birds. Opinions seem divided on the question.

WAREA. (From Onr Own Correspondent). A meeting of ladies was held in the Warea Hall on Friday, May 3rd, to consider ways »nd means of helping the patriotic funds. Mrs Parker presided, and Mrs Barak consented to act as secretary. In the course of her remarks, Mr. Parker mentioned that it had been suggested that Puniho. Warea and Pungaiejiu should combine and take ft day in town at tho lied Cross Mart. After due consideration it was thought tlat the cost of the cartage of the proOice and the toll fees would greatly diminish the profits. The majority were in favor of holding some function i) the district and to share (he procjds between the Women's Patriotic Society and the Red Cross Society. : The lalies are entering most enthusiastioP'y into the various schemes for raisiA money, and with the combined hel' of the men-folk a very successful aW should be the result. It was deci/d to hold a meeting of ladles and genf. men on Wednesday, Bth May. J Jim Mess, Mayoress of New Ply-

uiuiitli, has kindly plumbed lo bo present to give valuable advice.