DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OMATA. The splendid weather prevailing during the past fortnight has put everyone m a happy mood, and the farmers are feeling the benefit by being able to get well forward witli their work before the bad weather sets in. On May 9th all turned out to a "welcome home'' social to iPte. C. Gatton, who went away with the 9th Reinforceraents and was wound®! and gassed in France. Pte. Gatton is looking well, considering the ordeal he has been through. Mr E. R. Bayly, on behalf of Omata residents, extended a hearty welcome to the returned soldier, who, in a neat little speech, suitably replied. The record of the Gatton family is worthy of mention. Four sons have en* listed, one returned, two in France (both wounded) and one is in camp. There are only the four sons in the family. A son-in-law (Capt. Foley, M.C.), recently returned and has been discharged, and has again offered his services for his country's cause. Mrs Gatton should certainly feel proud of their record. On May loth the Omata school children and parents gathered at the school in the afternoon to bid farewell to their master (Mr Meyenberg) who is leaving for camp on May 22nd. After afternoon tea was handed round and done ample justice to, Master L. Seamark read an address on behalf of the children to Mr Meyenberg, expressing their sorrow for his departure and wishing him God speed and a safe return. They presented him with a wristlet watch, which was fastened on by little Miss Nola Weir. The Chairman also addressed a few remarks to Mr Meyenberg, and referred to the happy relations existing between the Committee and Mr Meyenberg, and expressed the hope of seeing Mr Meyenberg again in their midst.

Mr Meyenberg replied in a length}' speech, and gave some very sound and useful advice to the children, "whom he thanked for their handsome present and very kind remarks. On May 23rd the residents are holding a Fancy Fair in aid of the Hall Funds, which are getting very low. Since the outbreak of war the committee have given the Hall practically free for all patriotic endeavours, and now find tlieir funds getting low, as they have no means of revenue other than entertainments. The response for appeals for donations has been very good, and given a fine day the committee hope to bring their special effort to a successful issue. The Fair commences at 2 p.m., and the committee hope that their city cousins will come out to Omata and join them in disposing of the good things offered. A social and dance is also to be held in the evening. Dame rumour has it that a farmer out here, of fairly long standing, has disposed of his property at the neat sum of £IOO per acre. If this is true I think I can safely Bay that it is a record for this coast. Omata is not all blackberry and gorse. The Omata Dairy Company, whose factory was destroyed in March by fire, have their new factory well on the way, and are building wholly in reinforced concrete. LEPPERTON. (From Our Own Correspondent). The local factory has commenced running on alternate days, but, considering the time of year, the milk supply is being well maintained. Now that the rush of the milking season is over people are beginning to seek a little relaxation. A Saturday evening club has been formed among the men folks, and the library, as usual in winter, is a very popular institution. About twenty new books were recently added, and several more are to be placed on the shelves shortly. The better lighting of the local hall, which I mentioned a few weeks back, as a proposed improvement to the building, is now an accomplished fact. The Wizard Light has been recently installed, and will be in readiness for our patriotic concert, to be held on Friday evening next, Empire Day. The ar-, rangement of the programme is in capable hands, and patrons may Tely on a good evening's entertainment. The proceeds arc to bo devoted to the general funds of the N.T.P.L., to meet emergency eases. A movement is on foot amongst th& young ladies of the district to organise a concert in aid of the Blind Soldiers' Fnnd.