DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

: OMA~TA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) In common with other parts of Taranaki, u large number of farms are changing bands in this district at prices which will require the incomers to be. sound farmers- Under present conditions, intensive farming means heavy expenditure in fertilisers and fencing, whilst money cannot buy suitable labor to undertake progressive work. On the 3rd inst. a farewell social was tendered to .Messrs R. Clemow, D. Penwarden, and C. I. Shrimpton, all of whom are leaving Omata. Much regret is felt at losing these esteemed residents, and a large circle of friends wish them every success under new conditions. It was hard enough to have parted with the last of our young men, without having to part with our old identities- Indeed, with few exceptions, we are comparatively a community of new chums. Mr. N. Millar, of tho Barrett Road, held a successful clearing sale last week, and, I understand, will take up a less strenuous life in town. As a neighbor he proved himself a white man. Rumors of dried milk, and fabulous returns to be obtained by its manufacture, have been circulated here So far, I have not heard of any "get-rich-quick Wallingfords" amongst our farmers. The general opinion seems to be that something less shadowy must bo placed before them before they relinquish a satisfying substance in tho shape of cheese, butter, casein, and, incidentally, bacon, not to mention the rearing of young stock, which was a vital necessity. The atrocious weather we have had for the last month is enough io make one think that tho final milking season has closed. However, as a proof that "iiope springs eternal" in the breasts of our farmers, it is only neeessury to see the line up-to-date butter factory which is being rebuilt in concrete on tho old site, Hurford Road, by the Omata Dairy Company, to replace the old factory winch was destroyed by fire some months agoThe Royal Oak Cheese Factory has been acquired by the suppliers, and is to be run as a co-operative concern. pi the meantime, extensive alterations are. being effected in order to copo with a larger supply of milk, also a wheyskimming plant is to be installed. This factory will start operations Dn the Ist of August. The sneak-thief has made his presence felt in our mid=t, and is fast qualifying for the championship. After a little practice in robbing clothes-lines, etc., he has actually robbed a widow of her bacon while it was yet in tte saltingtub. Next, please. General regret, was expressed when it became known that Mr and Mrs. Ansford had lost their little girl. Words cannot_ help the bereaved parents, yet I would assure them they have the sinceres', sympathy of a large circle of friends. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tho Pungarehu Hall last Tuesday night was the scene of a very successful fancy dress dance organised by a strong local committee to raise funds for the Taranaki Hut. The Hall had been beautifully decorated with flags, ferns and bamboos and a goodly number of people appeared in fancy dress, 'making a very pretty and animated scene. Sweets donated by Misses Miles and Fleming were sold during the evening, and little Jessie Faver, dressed -as a fairy, did good business in buttonholes. The music (Mrs. Pope, piano; Mr Norris, violin; and Mr. Vinson, drum, triangle, etc.) was of the best and was greatly appreciated. Mr. Syd. Goodin, M.M., made a very efficient M.C. and was kept busy during the evening. Visitors were present from Opunako to Okato. During the evening a ballot was taken lo judge the fancy dresses, Miss Maggie Ira Wharelioka (Maori Chieftainess) winning the lady's prize (a photo-frame donated by Mr. B. A. Layard) and Mr. Syd. Goodin, M-M., the gentleman's (a wallet donated by Miss Maekay). A' dainty and ample supper was handed round by the ladies. A guessing competition (for a turkey donated by Mrs. Goodwin), ably conducted 'by Mr. Thomas Barrett, was won by Mr. A. Gilhooly. jun., and a cake donated by Messrs. Durbridgc and Schonbachler and kindly made and iced by Mr. A. Smith, chef at the factory boaTtlinghouse, was won by Mr. TV. Cooper. The following is a list of the fancy dresses: Miss Maggie Ira Wharelioka, Maori Chieftainess; Miss Campbell, Hospital Matron; Miss Knight, Egypti lan; Miss Mackay, Red Cross Nurse; Mrs J. Goodwin, Butterfly; Mrs Grenfell, Kate Greenway; Mrs Powder ind Patches; Miss Pope Court Presentation Dress; Miss Chambers, Becky Sharpe; Miss Miles, Pink Lady; Miss Black, Ivy; Miss Mason, France; Mrs. Morrow, France and England; Mrs Harrop, England and America; Miss Jessie Feaver, Fairy; Miss Ivy Goodin, Italy; Miss Grenfell, Japanese Lady; Mrs Groom, Cape Egmont Cheese; Miss 'Chapman, Grecian Lady; Mr. Syd. Goodin, M.M., Chinaman; Mr. Cameron, nigger; Mr. Timblick, Chinaman; Mr. H. Goodin, Chinaman ;■ Mr. Bennic Morgan, Maori Chief; Sir. B. A. Layard, Grandfather. ; It is expected that after paying expenses, over £2O will be available for , tho fund, a result which is very eredit- , able to the organisers.