DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNIHO. '(From Our Own Correspondent)' A very enjoyable evening was spent In the IWho schoolroom on Wednesday, July 2nd, when the residents of Punlho and a large number of visitors gathered to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs A. ,T. Knight and family, also Sir .T. Eraser. Mr and Mrs who have resided in the district for many yean, were made the recipients of a Doulton rose bowl, Miss Knißht, an antimony trinket box, Mr J. Knight, junr., a silver-mounted tobacco pouch, whllo Mr Eraser received a very pretty afternoon tea set for himself and wife. , Mr W. Blnnie, lu making the presentation, spoke' of the manner In which the guest 3 had always helped with everything for the welfare of the district, and said he felt sure all present would be very sorry to loso them. On behalf of the residents of the district be wished them good luck In their new sphere, the guests responding heartily. The weatlier was very rough, but nevertheless a good crowd gathered. Dancing, intermixed with songs, was the programme of the evening. An excellent supper was provided, after which dancing was resumed until one o'clock, when all joined In wishing the guests a hearty farewell. Mr Hoffman made an excellent MC, and good music was provided by Mrs Mundoll. / WAI-TOI-TOI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) That there is a large number of returned men In this district who are eagerly waiting for : the cutting up of tho Wai-tdl-toi Estate is evidenced by the numerous enquiries that are lining made as to what is being done In the natter. As the authorities seem to prefer that the men apply to them for assistance, and canI not advance more than a certain sum for each Applicant, I hear that, a fairly large syndicate Is being formed to try and acquire the property ; on this basis. • A meeting is to be held in Urenul shortly, when, no doubt, some steps will be taken to put the matter on a working footing. Possibly a little inconvenience might be experienced at the start, but where the men aro willing and anxious to improve themselves these matters will easily be adjusted. I understand Mr. Corcoran, tho owner of the property, ti.".s expressed his willingness to meet the parties In any manner possible,- arid no douht the directorate of the lo'-al factory will only be too glad to render .-.: assistance in thefr power in a matter which ..ill further the Interests of the district, the factory and last, but not least, the men who have done their bit for the country. Mr. R. B. Sutton, whose farm has been acquired by Messrs. Johnston Bros, (three rearmed soldiers). Is holding a clearing sale on Thursday next, at the homestead. No doubt there will be keen competition for the dairy cows, which are chiefly Holstelns, and have a good record for both quantity and butter-fat test. I understand Mr. Sutton has taken a house In Urenui, and will reside there for some little time.

Mr. John Soronsen, who has been dairying In this district for several years past, has re- ' moved to Waitara, and his farm has been taken i over by Mr. C. Grainger, who Intends supplying | the local cheese factory the ensuing • season. Amongst tho latest arrivals who have come ;' back from the war is Mr. Don Smith, eldest son ! of Mr. A. Smith, of Thorndakv It Is understood there will be no special ' peace celebrations in this district, tho genera! opinion being that there will be bo many attending the Waitara and Now Plymouth functions that anything of tho kind got up in Urenul would bo only partially successful. There was quite a fair number at the dance : hold in the Urenul Hall last week, given by the young men in the district, amongst those ! present being a fair quota of returned soldiers. The music was supplied by Miss A. Terrlll, who acquitted herself most creditably at the piano. Mr. Les. Spurr made ah efficient M.C., and the entering was in the capable hands of Messrs. Dunbar. Extras were kindly contributed by Misses McCracken, M. McCrae and G. Skelton. A most enjoyable evening was spent. At a largely-attended meeting held in Uremil recently it was decided to defer giving a public welcome to the returned lads in this district until September, in order that as many as possible could bo present at once. It was explained by tho chairman of the local committee (Mr. A. H. Halcombe) that any men arriving later would not be neglected, and would receive their welcome also. The manner In which the function will be held Is to be decided at a later meeting, and ample notice will ' be given as to the date of the gathering. It Is understood that the married ladies In | the district are giving a ball In TJrenul in August, and from all accounts great preparations | are being made to ensure it being a success. It is quite evident that our local butcher cannot be stocking enough bacon or pork to meet the requirements of some of the people in the district, as two TJrenul residents have lately had .their brine tubs depleted to tho extont of a "Dennis" each, and the bacon fanciers never oven troubled to leave their address or any acknowledgment whatever. Another farmer, who had left his cart unattended for a short space of time, had a pig net extracted, ard this, also, without a word of thanks.