DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. •■•'!! J '(From Our Own Correspondent .1 There have been no startling developments hereabouts of late. Notwithstanding wo have In keeping with the times our full share of incidents of the great war's afterglow. On the evening of July the 7th a welcome homo was tendered to Driver E. J. Barrett, Privates G. A. Nash and J. Baxter. The welcome home, whicli took the form of a social and dance was, as predicted, a most successful function, the general opinion voting it the best social of its kind held In Pungarehu since the beginning of the war. "Tho hall had been hung with flags for the occasion, and with the bright dresses worn by the ladies, presented a very gay appearance. The residents, 1 am pleased to. say, again showed their approval of these events by turning out In large numbers, the danclnc floor being well fllled by an enthusiastic gathering from far and noar. Tha one thing above all which shows the popularity of these socials held hero is the number of ' visitors from surrounding districts, which seem to bo greater at each succeeding social. Ofl course, this is not surprising, as Pungarehu Is noted as a, delightful place for gay festivities. A feature of the ovening was tho number of returned soldiers present, all receiving a cordial welcome. Just before supper Mr. W. T. Guild, who was called upon at the eleventh hour, to make the presentation, brought the assemblage to attention, and, on behalf of the residents, bade tho returned men a hearty welcome on their safe return from a duty nobly done. He considered the evening very significant, as far as the guests were concerned, the fact of them being the first arrivals home to receive a welcome since the signing of the peace treaty. On making the presentation of very handsome gold medals, he paid a tribute to the many excellent qualities possessed by the guests, and expressed the hope that tho medal would remind them and their children in after years of. the great war from which they had recently returned. He concluded by trusting that all would enjoy the best of health and prosperity. Misses Nellie Fleming, Dorothy Grenfell. and Molly Barrett were selected to pin the medals on Private Baxter, Private Nash and Driver Barrett respectively. Private Baxter briefly responded for himself and comrades, and stated that they were all pleased to be home once again, and thanked the residents for their very handsome presents This was' followed by loud cheers for the guests, and tho singing of "For They Are Jolly Good. Pellows," "Auld Lang Syno" and "God Save the King." A sumptuous supper was then handed round, the arrangements being In ■ the hands of Mesdames Layman, Grenfell, Cameron and Miss Mackay. Many thanks are due these Indies, who worked very hard In preparing the dainty supper, which was greatly en.')yed by ail. Dancing was again resumed, which usually takes up the greater part of the evening, the floor being altogether too small for the big crowd of enthusiastic dancers. A great deal of praise Is due the committee for the arrangements were splendid, and the dancS went with a swing from start to finish. The floor was In perfect order, and the music by Mrs. Popo was excellent, while Miss R. Smith (a visitor) played an extra. The duties of M.C. were In the capable hands of Mr. T. Barrett, who is getting quite a postmaster at the art. A tribute is due to Mr. P. J. Campbell for his excellent supervision, which was In a large measure responsible for the success of the evening. The night was clear and brightly moonlit, being moat suitable for dancing, and, taken altogether, the dancers had a most enjoyable time, and It Is quite safe to add that any further dances controlled in a like manner will meet with a generous response from tho residents. Another striking instance of the serious risks to which motor cyclists aro subjected by straying cattle has just come to hand, although fortunately in this case nothing serious resulted. It appears that a young man from Oaonui, when on his way to the welcome-home social and dance held hero on Monday evening last, per motor-cycle, collided with a cow on nearlng Rahotu: The Impact unseated him, throwing him clean over the back of the cow, he being lucky enough to escape serious Injury. Mr. It. Murray, of the local dairy factory staff, who, wityi his wife, has been spending an extended holiday south, has returned home. Mr. Murray has, I understand, tendered his resignation as a member of tho factory staff, and will be leaving this locality within the next few days. General regret will be felt at their departure, .- id they will carry with them the warmest wishes of the residents for their happiness and success In their new home. The many friends of Mr. Hlnch will be glad to hear that'ho Is now about again, looking as well as ever, having been confined to his room (or over a week with a bad attack of gastritus. Mr. Hlnch, who sojd his farm some little time hack, has, since the above advice was received, re his recovery, also loft the district, having soucht out fresh fields more suitable to his health. We wish them all the best of luck, The latest reports regarding the local cases it present in the New Plymouth Hospital are most favorable, all Being on the road towards recovery. Tills Is pleasant news Indeed. Mr. A. Smith, chef at the Hotel Cecil, who left Pungarehu a few days ago to meet his wife at New Plymouth, will not return here for at least a fortnight. Mr. and Mrs. Smith will leave Now Plymouth for Wanganul, where thby will spend their annual holiday. Mr. and Mrs. P. \V. Grenfell, of the Cape Egmont lighthouse, entertained a number of friends last Wednesday evening, and this proved a delightful and jolly little affair. The commltteo appointed some time ago in connection with the Pungarehu Public Hall will probably be called together at an early date. It Is understood that several members of the committee strongly favor extensive improvements being made to the hall, Wo hope to hear of something being definitely done In the near future, as the hall in its present condltlo/i is an absolute disgrace to the district. No solution, aB far as I understand, hag yet been arrived at regarding the housing problem so acute at present in New Plymouth.' A fsw residents from this district, who are desirous of taking up house in town, are unahlp to have their wish gratified, owing to the scarcity of suitable dwellings. It Is to be hoped that proposals will eventuate at an early date from the responsible bodies, by which the people will bo helped to a solution of this vexed question. At present there Is a sort of general post in Pungarehu, with a few removals taking place. This Is due to the scarcity of houses. There Is a keen demand for houses that cannot be satisfied, with the result thta one family, employed here have to journey backwards and forwards almost to a neighboring district. On Sunday last a special peace thanksgiving service was held In connection with the Church ot England, the Rev. Addenbrooke's sermon being suitable to the occasion. There was a very fair attendance. The weather here, with the exception of the past week, has been, typical of the winter season, high winds bringing In their train heavy rain, at times of a torrential nature, and making the conditions in the coastal districts most unpleasant. The general state of the weather for tho past few days has been very mild, and though there is not much strength in the grass pastures look to be all right, while ,tjie better weather conditions are giving the cattle a better'.chance of getting safely through the winter.,

Every, year at this season there is. consider-. atle movement among the farming commuiiityJ mtmy of whom sell out and look for pastures new, whilst sharemllkers also.-.add to tho ex-, odus, some of them moving to engage-In farm-' Ing operations on their own account, whilst otilers ar« changing positions in the hope of : effecting some Improvement. Thin year, probably due to the increased jirlces--offering for land, the, number of..farms changing hands Is very mucli greater than iisual iii all the country district?,* Pungarehu being no exception. Mr. 'T. Harvey, who lately disposed of jhls daily, farm tp Mr. Ell Taylor, will on the. 13th Instant dispose of his stock, household furniture, etc., as advertised. Tills sale will, no doubt,~attract many "buyers from duU'yins districts, 1 the-,hard . 'being ■ considered one of thebest on fife-coast. ,