DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (Prom Our Own Correspondent). I This part of the district does not seem to, be affected by drought conditions as are evident in travelling on the train. On the hilly land out east 1 understand much anxiety is shown with regard to shortage of toed, and a repetition of severe conditions of the past winter will mean a serious brow to productio 1 in every way. The school on Friday night last was crowded with an assemblage at a welcome home to Sergt. F. Salisbury, who lately returned from (lie front. Corporal Fred Salisbury, who had been back but a couple or dajts, was also present, and received the congratulations of t*urj bis crowd on his safe return. The chairman of the School Committee stated It was the intention of the residents to give a similar function to nil the boys who bad received a seud off, and that when all returned it was proposed to present each with a suitable lueouuto as a recognition of his services. Miss Eileen Corney provided the music, being assisted at intervals, and satisfaction was evident at the young lady's first attempt at dance music. A long-felt want has been supplied if Miss Corney will continue with her lioip at further social functions. I understand that Mr. Ales. Marshall, at present leasing Mr. E. Crean's farm, has purchased the farm of Mr. Joe Mischefski on this road. The price paid Is stated to be £24 per acre. Mr. Mischefski, who is tiring dairying a spell, has resided on Durham Road over 25 years, and his family of 14 have materially benefited the school by their attendance. I must not forget that he also was a member of the School Committee for about 20 years. The splendid weather has enabled a consider* able amount of wood splitting to be proceeded with, and the increase in price made by the factory directors has caused the wood to be deposited at the creamery instead of railway station and Inglewood. In consequence a huge stack of wood Is making its appearance, and there should not be <t recurrence of past trouble re shortage and also green wood. The question of hydro-electric power for dairying factories is not receiving the attention it deserves, and' It is bard to understand tbo apathy shown in regard to works for our own district. Instead of being dependant upon outside supply in area which would include Stratford district could be arranged whereby those '.islng the power would own it, and tt seems to me necessary that a meeting of the directors of the various companies and also farmers who need power for milking machines should be called to discuss the matter from the point mentioned. I am given to understand that the ilanganui river would provide sufficient power for a suitable area to enable it to bo produced cheaply, and if the matter is closely examined it will be made palpable that we should get to work. Mrs. J. O'Brien, of Napier, sister to Mrs. J. Curd, of this road, is at present on a visit to the district. Mrs. O'Brien, who is the widow of the late Mr. J. O'Brien (well known In New Plymouth, where he was stationed for some time), leaves during the week for Mastcrton to spend a few days with her daughter before proceeding home. In connection with the spread of blackberry it is pleasing to note that the Railway Department has caused the vgjed growth along the line from Inglewood southwards to receive close attention, and the gang engaged deserve commendation for the manner in which the work was done.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent). The concert held in the hall on Wednesday 7th, headed by Rev. Papakakura and Miss To Au, brought forth a crowded house. The su:ii of iJ23 odd was taken at the door. Messrs T. I*. Hughson, junr., and XI. Hughson, Mrs. King, Mr. Willis, who had to respond many times for his comic singing, and a young returned Maori soldier visiting Ihe district was in great demand for his recitations. All these assisted with the coneen, Miss and Mrs. Hughson playing ail accompaniments. The duet given by Rev. Papnk,i!tura and .Miss Te Au was a great treat, and it was a pity tiiey could not favor the audience with another. The hall dance was a success, the waltzing competition being a draw. Suveral couples entered for the competition, and the prize was awarded to Miss Martin (a visitor from Woodville) and her partner, Mr. Morgan Coffey, Miss and Mr. Fred Chapman coming second, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Billing third. Severn I soldiers are to bo welcomed home shortly and presented with medals. They include LauceCorporal Hopkins and Privates Ward, Dawson, Surgenor and L. Baker. The Sports Club are patiently waiting for final peace so as to run their sports before they miss this lovely weather we are now having. At a meeting called for last iVednesday in connection with the peace celebrations, no one turned up. The annual meeting of the parishioners of the Anglican Church vras held Monday week. The statement of accounts showed a credit balance of £59. It was decided to help in doing up the Okato parsonage, which is in rather a bad state. Archdeacon Evans and Mrs. Evans havo been In the district, the Archdeacon taking the service on Sunday morning In the church. Mr. F. Bothery has sold his farm to Mr. Tylee and Mr. Collins has sold his residence to Mr. L. Billing. Mr. Ell Taylor has also sold.

MANGOREI. (From Our Own Correspondent). Last Friday evening, at Upper Mangorei school, came an occasion to be remembered by Mangorei and neighboring residents. The local event, under the co-operative auspices of Lower Mangorei and Upper Mangorei, wa3 exceptional In extending a welcome home to it group of our khaki boys; it was also unfque with impressive thoroughness, whilst marked by the simple joys that come from fraternal and family affections. Nine returned soldiers (six others invited were unable to he present) attended to receive the good cheer of welcome. The function embraced a concert, a formal welcome home, and a dance preceded by a banquet. Special provision for the latter had been admirably and amply made by ambitious committee-men. supplemented by a most capable executive of ladies, whose strenuous and skilful work deserves the fullest praise. A spi vrus inaruueo the full lenglh of the school, wr.s urucicd, its walls being empannelled with ill!) ;>nd fern decorations, picked out with w pri'<mm blooms. Seen by the varl-colored lights of Chinese lanterns the long side tables of tbi.i iinpr »v'fed supper-room disclosed a choice and bounteous setting of delicacies, whilst the end table gtoaved under a load of assorted viands. This display spoke in bulky volume of zeal' and solicitous thought, and must have re-assured the guests that they were well and far away from trench fare. Mr. D. Pearce, chairman of committee, presided, and set the programme going with brief and appropriate remarks. All past anxiety and sadness wore now turned to joy at the return of the "boys" whom, with kindred present, the committee intended should be well cared for that evening. Mr. S. G. Smith, member for Taranakl, would, later on, speak a wolcomc on behalf of the settlers. Mr. Poaree then called for the Natloual Anthem, which headed the following concert programme: Violin duet, Mrs. Flay and Miss F. Worn; song, Miss Hannah (encored); recitation, two primer scholars Pearce (much appreciated) ; song, Mr. l'earce (encored); recitation, "The Jtaorilander's Return," Master Abraham. (This Item was specially compossd by Mrs. G. Mitchell, was well rendered, and much applauded); song, Miss Blewman (oncored); violin solo, Mrs. Flay; patriotic recitation, scholars Girlie Abraham and Sonnie Jackson; song, Miss Francis, with an encore song with much pathos; recitation, Master Abraham (encored); song, Mr. H. Bartlett (encored). The accompaniments were mostly taken by Mrs. Worn and Miss Hannah. The chairman then called on Sergeant Leslie Brown to "form up" his men, who dined up as follows:—Sergt. L. Brown, Lnnce»Corporal W. M. Pearce, Corporal C. Balsom, Privates H. H. Brown, H. H. Wood, A. Salisbury, Norman Wells, Victor Hannah, W. Worn.

Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., then favored with an address of welcome. Those associated with the school were first complimented upon the show of energetic work. It was evident that a new school was needed, and no stone would go unturned until such was obtained. It was an honor to be present and to offer for the settlers a welcome home to the soldier guests, who had returned from the greatest war with credit and honor. They had dono their duty and should be proud to have fought for their great Empire, and to he members of it. In days to come this would be realised more and more, and for tills duty done the country must do its duty in return. At present there were complaints that justice was not being meted out. Better opportunities must be provided in fuller recognition of the service rendered. A tribute was then paid to the women's work during the great time of trial. Mr Smith frequently enlivened his address with humorous anedote, and concluded with the assurance that the committee were anxious to conduct the guests to the supper tables. Sergeant Brown responded for the soldiers, both present and absent, for he felt that the latter wero with thera In spirit. They all appreciated very keenly what had been done for them whilst away, especially that of noble women workers, whose comforting dispatches were looked for more anxiously than pay days. Gratitude was also felt for all the kindnesses extendod by neighbors to those left at home in helping to carry on farming ami other work. A word was said, in a spirit of subdued humor, in extenuation of the comrades who were bringing home wives from overseas, and It was thought, considering human nature, lhat such was "almost excusable." Whilst on service they had had the educational benefits of travel,. and of seeing the world, but they all came hack convinced that their own Maori homeland was the.very best In the wogld. Mr. Smith then called for three cheers, which were emphasised by the popular "They are Jolly good fellows," Guests were then regalod at lupiur, and needi weie ministered w

lightly and brightly by n charming galaxy of eager, happy {air ones. Too much praise cannot be given to the many enthusiasts who had i arranged so perfect a social function. Under [the M.C's-ship of Messrs. Flay and Herbert, dancing followed, and extended pleasures well on Into morning hours. A prepared roll or | honor carrying iLScription of 34 names of the district's manhood rendering war service will be made the .subject of a future special gathering, when the ceremony et uavallint will U uadMMfcea,