DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

P'JNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent) Of lute years owing to the war, the yearly ball at Pungarelm, in aid ot' hall funds, had fallen into abeyance. Last Monday evening it. was revived with tho eustomary accompaniments and success of by-gone years, iuid may fairly lie called the ball of the season. It is estimated that there wore nearly J r>() present, the stage being packed with men dancers, and .seldom, If over, has a ball of this kind attracted aucH a largo attendance here. That outsido visitors attended in large numbers may be gathered from tho number of motor cars lined up in tho street opposite tho hall, besides horses and gigs A willing band of workers had during the afternoon decorated tlw ball-room with Hags, and in the evening the many handsome dresses worn by tho ladies were shown off to full advantage, tho manner in which the hall w ,i s decorated tending to enhance tho effect. The music was supplied by Mrs E. Pope (piano) and 'Mr P. Norris (violin), and their pfliying left nothing to be desired. Kxtras wero pleasingly contributed by Messrs J. Orbell .and E. liarrett. Messrs T. Barrett and Mr 'Fleming were indefatigable as M.'sC. During the evening a most bountiful supper was provided, and 111 spite of tho unusual large attendance, there was plenty and to spare. Thanks are duo to those ladies who prepared the dainty supper, and to the energetic chairman (Mr F. J. Campbell), who was ably''supported by the committee. The proceeds are to bo used in renovating the,hall, which has been somewhat neglected during the late time of stress, when all funds were required for patriotic purposes. To further supplement the fund an active canvass will be made throughout the district shortly to. enable various works to bo undertaken immediately. The Capo Egmont Dairy Company contemplate ereoting large premises for the general store department on the site at present occupied by tho old blacksmith's shop, the steady growth i 1 the business having mado greater space and better appointments absolutely necessary. The frontage will bo in I line with the Main South road, and when finished should greatly add to tho business aspect of Ibis thriving district. Mr .1. Guild was presented with a handsome leather travelling bag by the local factory staff on thd eve of his departure for New Plymouth, where ho takes up a position in tho Lands and Deeds Office. • A pleasant hour was spent with his many friends. The directors of the local dairy factory held tho ordinary monthly meeting on Friday, the 19th. Mr M. Fleming (chairman) presided. Business of a routine nature was transacted. Mr Billiard, Commissioner of Crown Lands, visited this district on Thursday last for tho purposo of inspecting the Parihaka Block, which lias recently been talien over by the Government for soldier settlement. I understand he found everything satisfactory. There was a good attendance of scholars at the Pungarelm School 011 Wednesday last, tho number being 45, tho occasion being an inspection by Inspector Dcnipsey. With a view to defraying part of tho cost of tho local school ground improvements, it was decided at tho last committee meeting to request tho children to collect and deliver all kinds of empty bottles at a place arranged later by the teacher. The bottles will bo afterwards sold for wiiat they are worth. Prlres will be awarded to those children making the largest collection. It is tc. bo hoped the parents will assist tho children and the committee in this undertaking. Mr J. Walford, who has been staying wlib hl3 sister, Mrs £ Pope, for the past few months, left for his home on Saturday last. Miss Herron has returned from a visit to Opunake, and is the guest of Mr and Mrs Raynor.

Mr W. Crenfell, a returned soldier, Is at present on a visit to I'ungarehu. Mr Crenfell saw a good deal of fighting In France with tho N.Z. Engineers. His homo is in Christchurch.

Tho spirit of unrest is still abroad and more firms ate changing hands, for better or worse, 9S circumstances will determine. One old farmer here prophesies that the vendors of land sold will have a difficulty In buying for tie same money, and, curiously, enough, all those who have sold have bought land again at greatly enhanced prices. The latest to report Is that of Mr Bonefaee, who has sold his property to Mr Bell, of Lopperton, whilst Mr Campbell has disposed of his property to Mr Matthews, of Omata. Mr Matthews will tako up his residence amongst us on the first ni the month.

Miss Manning, of New Plymouth, is on a visit to Pungarehu and staying with her sister, Mrs W. McKenna.

Amongst the latest arrivals of Taranakl sol dlors aro Private J. Alyward and G. Noble Their many friends will be glad to hear tha they arc both looking well.

Miss Lizzie Fleming, from Opunake, has been spending tho usual school holidays with her iiother, Mrs M. Fleming.

A delightful social evening was held at Pungarehu on the evening of the 24th by a party of select frleuds, numbering twenty. In

addition to cards, the enjoyment of tho evening was enhanced by musical and vocal items. A dainty sui-per was served.

{everything suggests that the forthcoming general election and licensing poll will bo one of the most interesting we have had for a very long while. It is five years slnco the country has been able to express Its political sentiments at tho ballot box, and in the meantime political ldefts have received such a shoking up that a man would require the temerity of a weather prophet to oven sketch in the list of namo3 whose owners will have the right of entry to Bellamy's nest winter. It Is such a simple matter to make sure that one's name is on the list of those who aro entitled to have a voice in the matter of chooslug the Parliamentary representatives for the next three years that there should really be no reason whatever for that frequent election cry. Why was my name struck off Uie roll? In addition to the Parliamentary election there , will also be the licensing poll with three issues this time: continuance, prohibition and Slate control.