DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGABEHU. (From Our Own Correspondent, j The event of the week is undoubtedly the break in the weather. It is safe to say that never before has rain been so welcome. Apparently it is well understood what recent conditions mean, as not a single person has been heard to express anything but delight at the adverse change in tho weather that came in last Sunday, after one of the finest and most pleasant autumns on record. It is thought tliat it is not,too late to ensure n good growth of grass, provided that tho present high temperature continues, so that cattle and sheep may do fairly well during the wniter months after nil. Without a .doubt, drought puts up the price of food and brings down cattle. Rain does tite very opposite, and brings prosperity with It. The rain embraces the whole of the country pretty well, and the outlook as far .as the farming community is concerned has greatly improved. While the great war was being waged on the Western front, Pungarehu hoys were noted to tie always In tile thick of the fighting, and In recognising these services for King and country the settlehs of the district, at socials organised in their honor have presented those already returned with handsome gbid medals as a reminder In the years to come of the part they played in the greatest war tho world has ever witnessed. The Pungarehu Social Committee which is mainly responsible for the getting uy of these socials, had another meeting in the hall on Monday evening last, Mr. I\ J. Campbell presiding. Arrangements were made for a welcome-home social to be tendered returned soldiers S. Taylor, M. Kelly and A. Kllpatrlck on June 17, particulars as to prices, etc., to be duly advertised. The question of having a distric* roll of honor was brought before the meeting, the committee deciding .to,leave the matter on the table for the present. It was also resolved, at a later date, to present the parents of tho boys who liavo made the supreme sacrifice with a framed enlargement, as a small token of the esteem in which tho boys were held by the residents. No fewer than Bve have been killed or died of wounds.

The dairying season la now rapidly petering out. The local factory and also those in Ihc surrounding districts, are now running on Alternate days, and most of them will probably suspend operations for the winter at the end of this month or early in June. The Pungarehu Hall Committee is. organising a social aud dance, to take place on June 3, In aid of the hall funds. The proceeds being for ft good cause, it is to be hoped the local resiidents will roll up in force to support the committee in this undertaking. Pungarehu, I think, is turning a complete somersault in the buying and selling business. Properties are changing hands almost every week and there is a decided boom In land. The 'land market is more active than has been the case for 'qulth a number of years. Mr. Eli Taylor has 3old out to Mr. S. Hamlin, of Warea Road, although it is pleasing to report that he lloes not intend leaving the district, having bought out Mr. T. Harvey, Parilmka Road, who has taken a house In town, where ho intends, along with Mrs. Harvey, to live a qulot and relire* life. Mr. and Mrs. England, along with Mr. J. Dennis, who have' been occupying the position of sharerallkers on the farm of Mr. J. Fleming, Cape Road, for the last three or four years, ifiavo also decided to seek pastures new. Rahotu will probably be their new home for the 'time being, where they intend to again engago tn farming. Mr. and Mrs, Obeli and family, from the dlsirict of Waitara, by all accounts, will succeed them at Cape Road. I have the unpleasant task this week of reporting the death, in the New Plymouth Hospital, of Mlss< Carra Kupl, eldest daughter of 'Mr. Wl Kupi',. of this district. The deceased, who-was 20 years of age, has, I understand, been in failing health for some considerable jtime, consumption being the ultimate cause of ideath. She was well known all over this district, and was greatly esteemed by all who lltnew her. The body was removed from the {hospital last Friday to ParJhaka, the burial [taking place there on the Monday following. to the Maori custom, a tangl was lield, aomo of the natives travelling long distances to take part in the native fashion of showing their sorrow at the loss of the departed one. RAHOTU. (From Our Owu Correspondent). A welcome home, in the form of pictures and •a dance, was held on Tuesday evening, and beilng so awfully cold, not as many as could be •wished were able to attend. Medals were preBeuted to the following: Sergeant H. Kasper M.M., Lance-Corporal Hopkins, Privates S. >Baker and Dudley. Privates Copestake, Surgenor and Ward not being present, their medals were accepted on their behalf by Messrs. M. Hill and W. C. Green. Sergeant Kaspor, M.M., suitably responded on behalf of his comrades. Quite a large number stayed for the dance, the ladies providing supper. Mr. L. Billing was M.C., and Mr. Parker presided at the piano. IJklr. Eli Taylor has puuehasod Mr. T. Harvey's jfarm, so we will not lose him from the district. The Welcoming Home Committee are holding, a meeting on Saturday night, the object being; to decide on what kind o£ entertainment la to be held in future. i The Football Club is now ua established fact,, fand will be holding a practice match, ca the recreation ground on Saturday, when they hope -to pick a. team to represent the club for the season. Misses H. Wright and Mason are giving an evening to their friendß in Mrs. Dew's barn. iSeveral evenings and ear ties have baen held there this winter.