DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1919, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

MANGOBKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Hiding's recent polling on the subject of County road Improvement was, though apathetic, proportionally strong for the Council's scheme. We cannot get away from two outstanding facts —that the local roads are County Council's possessions; and that reconstructive measures in some form have to be faced. From the parochial outlook all roads lead to New Plymouth; but our arterial'routes have now got bdyond this outlook, and have merged into national highways essential to the busmess and industrial lifo of the Dominion. ■ So let us say "all roads lead to Bmpirelity," j and have become an important branch of tho system for efficient transport dealing with cvery-day requirements; and consequently government recognition Is presumably ou tlicj way, at least assisting]}', as a national concern. Education in Mnngorel requires a fllin on the same national lines. Developments adjacent to our arterial road have caused antiquated schools and old school districts have become effete and inequilable. After many protracted deliberations of previous boards, now that normal times are appearing on the horizon Taranaki's active ai" l virile Education Board is inquiring into 'jed needs, and there floems goodly prosi of district areas being more suitably dcflncui. and schools better placed. Apropos of education matters, tho address of Mr Moyes to the School Committees' Association came with apt appeal, emphasising the bash; purpose of education—to build character and make good citizens, rather than to cram with "points" learning. Such mechanical stuffing only too often produces arrogance and menial buliylsm. One asks: Why loavo character formation to secondary school ? The earlier the start the better tho Influence, whilst material is the more plastic and the impetus better conveyed, so as to produce regard for community of interest, as a check to rife "iVo. 1 Idea" of .life. nereabouls, during the winter a generous-minded coterie as Entertainment Committee has been working to provide Sound and healthful occasional evening recreations; with the financial proceeds given up to school-chilurens' benefit. Here we have in these young fellows the embryo publlcsplrlt that makes for the general good, in preference to self-interest Sometime since a resident near the .TunctionMangorel cross roads erected a covered stand for accommodating milk cans of factory suppliers. Now, whilst whilom extreme ruffianism has been quelled thereabouts, there are yet lingering phases that break out betimes. One of the latest is appropriation of a cream can from the stand. • Previously newspaper "pinching" prcvailod; now there is apparently r. tnsto for iron ware goods. Pastor? lists will be interested in knowing that Lt.-Col. Weston is establishing on ills "MeonBtoko" farm a pedigree dairy herd, and has secured for the sire-half the yearling bull "Royalty of Puketapu," bred by Mr. W. II Booth, of Carterton, such being his choice for Palmerston and Carterton Shows On this properly, the Acclimatisation Society intends liberating six brace of pheasants. Tills Introduction of animated nature to the beautiful patches of scenic and clioico native bush contiguous to the Walwakalho Elver Is an excellent accompaniment to its bespangled delights of flnny-tribe denizens.