DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI. (From our Ova Correspondent). It Is reported that the Government have decided to purchase Mr. It. B. Sutton's farm, comprising nearly 200 acres, for settlement of returned soldiers. The farm Is one of the best in the district, and, as is usual with farms on the sea coast. Ideal milking country, and whoever is lucky enough to securo it cannot fall to do well. Mr. Sutton, should he decide to leave the district, will be greatly missed, as, besides being on the directorate of the local dairy company and a member of tlio school committee, he Is at all times willing to promote any movement for the advancement of the community. Last week the Government Valuer, Mr. R. H. Pigott, was out Inspecting the Wal-toi-tol Estate, and though nothing definite has yet transpired. It is rumored that there Is a strong probability of the land being acquired for close settlement Should this be so it Is to be hoped that the "speeding up" policy will be followed, as there is no time to be lost If the allotments are to be made in order to supply the factory for the ensuing season. As Mr. John Sorensen, who lately disposed of his dairy farm to Mr. C. Grainger, has sold his herd privately there will be no clearing sale as previously notified, which Is rather a pity, as he has a splendid line of miR-iny cows—too good to leave the district. The New Plymouth Winter Show attracted a large number of visitors from this locality last week, and one and all agree that it was the best the Society has yet held, which must be very gratifying to the promoters, who deserve every encouragement from the outside public on their efforts to make the show as up-to-date as possible. ' On all Bides can be heard expressions of disapprobation of the Taranakl County Council's proposed new wheel tax, and amongst a number of schemes that are being suggested to dodge it I hear of one enterprising gentleman who talks of forming a syndicate to establish an air service to connect with New Plymouth and other centres.

The schoolroom was well filled on Friday evening last, when Mr. Perkins gave his customary fortnightly address to both parents and children, and it must be encourqging to the reverend gentleman to see the Interest evinced in his lectures. During the evening several hymns wre Bung, Mr. Perkins accompanying on the organ.

On the 18th of every month, the Maoris hold a meeting at the Urenul pah to discuss matters In general, and on Wednesday the pah was quite en fete, advantage being taken of the occasion to give a welcome to a number of returned Native soldiers. A Urge marquee had been erected, and there seemed to be an Inexhaustible supply of "kal" of every description. The Waitara Native Drum and rife Band was In attendance, and played in a most spirited manner, whilst several dances were gone through successfully. The proceedings were witnessed by quite a number of Europeans, Including a fair sprinkling of school children, and all seemed to quite enjoy the proceedings.

PUNGAREHU.

(From Our Own Correspondent). On the evening of hte 17th a welcome home was tendered to Trooper H. S. Taylor, Privates M. Kelly and A. Kirkpatrlck, the hall being profusely and effectively deeorated with flags for the occasion. The welcome home, which took the form of a social and dance, proved a most enjoyable affair. Although the attendance was hardly up to expectations those present were given the time of the lives. During an Interval Mr. M. Fleming, on behalf of the residents of Pungarehu, expressed the general pleasure everybody felt at seeing thorn again among us. For himself he took It as a great honor to be present and to offer for the settlors a welcome home to the soldier guests who had returned from the greatest war with credit and honor. He also referred to the manly way in which the soldiers responded to the national call, and within a week of their return were again found to be helping to carry on farming and other work for New Zealand's benefit. On presenting the gold medals, he concluded by trusting that both men would enjoy the best of health.

Private Kirkpatrlck being unavoidably absent his medal will be posted to his home. Trooper Taylor briefly responded for the soldiers, both present and absent, and stated that they all appreciated very keenly what had been done fdr them whilst away. Whilst on sdrvlcs they had had the benefits of travel and of seeing the world, but they all came back convinced that God's own country was the best of all. In a spirit of humor when referring to Gods own country he remarked that some of the places ho had the misfortune to be In appeared to him as If they belonged to the "other follow."

This was followed by loud cheers for the puests and the singing of 'Tor They Are Jolly Good Fellows" and "Auld Lang Syne." A sumptuous supper was provided, the arrangements being in the hands of the lady members of the Social Committee, this department being carried out fonhe best possible mlnner, the supper being greatly enjoyed by all. A great deal of pralße Is duo the committee, for the arrangements wero splendid and the dance, under the capable management of. Mr. Barrett, went with a swing from start to finish. The floor was In perfect order, and the music, supplied by Mr. Parker, left nothing to be desired. Taken altogether the dancers had a most enjoyable tljie, dancing being Indulged in until the early hours of the morning. Another welcome homo function Is Impending, lis several well-known Pungarehu boys are expected home shortly. At the New Plymouth Winter Show the local dairy factory was a successful exhibitor. Much praise Is due the manager (Mr. W. T. Guild) and his staff for the quality of the article turned out, which has Invariably been of the very best, and It goes without saying that the suppliers also are grateful with tha results. Mr. T. Harvey, lower Parahaka road, who sold out recently, and was reported as leaving the district to take up a house In town, has 1 I understand, not yet decided where he will i reside. I have also been asked to state that Mr W H. Keasberry's house on the Warea road has hot been sold, as reported. The number of land transactions In this district alone has been considerable and some first-class farms have found new owners With other sales impending. That the land on this part of the coast Is becoming more sought after by outside buyers every year J 8 evidenced by the large number of prospective buyers who are constantly visiting this locality, and who express thomselves as highly pleased with the quality of the land and the climate. Mrs. E. Pope, the postmistress of the local post office, is at present away on a holldky trip to the capital city. Miss H. Wright is filling the T&cancy temporarily. ». Mr '..l n . < L Mrs :> Ea ? nor now arrived In the district and taken over the management ! T - P >: Hue llßollß general store, recently vacated by Mr. S. Sefton. It is needless to add that the residents all extend them a heartv welcome to old Pungarehu. Much la heard concerning the housing moblem In the cities and It appears as If the Bame housing trouble Is as serious throughout the towns and coastal districts as it Is in the cities.. Pungarehu being no exception, house-hunters are busy throughout the district and vicinity. Investors would do well to Put some of their capital into properties for which there is an urgent and persistent demand at the present time, but this is unlikely owing to the high coat of building material. We hope as soon as the prices of iron etc., drop to something like the old level' that the building trade will move a little mora briskly. .

. *£?,• \ Q °. 0 ? n , fllld famlly ' wb *> l""e resided In this district for many ye*rs, have finally decided to move and take \i P house la town. B >' Mrs. Goodin s the local school will receive a big drop in numbers, as her family have materially benefited the aehoti'by their attendance. Her late husband, Mr. H. Goodin, was also an active member of the school committee for a .number of years. Mrs. Goodin fn d fo®ily will, like all others, carry with them the warmest wishes of the residents for their happiness and prosperity in the new home.

An unfortunate accident occurred between a trap and a horse on Tuesday evening last in the vicinity of the Hall. While proceeding to Pungarehu from Rahotu a young man named H, Causey; the Hdcr of the horse, had occasion, to piss tno trap winn nearlng the hall. On drawing level with the trap the horse . .seemed to take charge of the rendering the rifler fhsoiutely helpless as far as sruldUg the naiaw.l was ctncerneth- Causey wan see&: at this point to be maktttg'Strenuous effortsto keep the horse possible was done by the driver of the trap to aj4id'him, the... horse crashed into the vehicle, the .rider wing thrown heavily to the ground sustaining serious injury. T. Corrick, who was accompanying Causey, wag fortunate enough to guide his hotse • 6)eajv the occupants of the * r £L a ,?, scaping without injury. Mr. 1). ODriscoll Wndly assisted the sufferer by utilising his knowledge of "first aid. Causey was removed, with the assistance of Mr. W. T. Guild and Mr, E. Taylor per motor car, to the Now Plymouth hospital. Here his injuries were seen to be more serious than at first expected, the examination disclosing a compound fracture of the left arm above the elbow, along with other minor bruises.