DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1919, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

I; TABIKL r (From A Correspondent), I The inhabitants of the Tarlki district hare Justly earned a prominent place amongst the outlying centres of population for the high spirit of loyalty, as veil as for the thoroughness of the practical patriotism they hare displayed throughout the war. On a rough calculation at least 100 men have gone thence to the front, of whom, it Is known fifteen at least will never return, and from the start to the end of the war the capable, energet'c committee, evolved from the general body of settlers, almost as It were spontaneously, as soon as the awful seriousness of the conflict was realised, has spared no effort to ensure, as far as possible, the well being and comfort of those sons of New Zealand who were away to fight for the freedom, liberty and security of the land they loved so well. Now that peace has been declared and our soldiers have come home again, the good folk of Tarild, in order to ahow their appreciation of the sacrifices offered and services rendered by them, have resolved to give a gala day In their honor, and In this connection It Is well to observe that the word "give" is used advisedly, for the day's programme, a full one, Including sports and afternoon tea, with the New Plymouth Citizens'. Band In attendance followed by a concert and dance at night. Is absolutely free to all returned soldiers, come they whence they may, from Cape Belnga tP the Bluff, as well as to all other visitors, save only so far as the concert and dance are concerned, payment for admission to which civilians only will be .di«rge»l To cawy such a programme out successfully needs no small expenditure either of money or manual labor, and it should be borne in mind that It has been undertaken by the residents of that small portion' of Taranald lying between the Croydon road on the south and the Wai-ite-puke stream on tho north and reaching from the Bgmont forest reserve to Bataplko, but they are out on their own, and those who know them say they will not he found wanting. The committee has been very fortunate to Bpcura the attendance of the New Plymouth Citizens' Band, itself a strong attraction, and In charge of the practical, energetic Tarlki Patriotic Committee, of which Mr. A. E. Laurence has proved so efficient a chairman, the only element of doubt for the day's success seems to be the temper of the elements, and that success of a very high grade may crown their efforts will surely W the hope of all who are, as all should be, well wishers of our boys who have come home. PUNGAREHU. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) Oct. 22. A very pleasant gathering was held at Pungarehu on Tuesday evening last, when a welcome social was tendered to Private G. I/. Noble, I. Alyward, C. Pllm, P. Parrott, and Mrs. Parrott. The function proved a very popular one. As each of the returned soldiers were well-known and highly respected, it came as no surprise to find the hall filled with a very representative gathering, despite the fact that socials were being held In surrounding districts from which Pungarehu usually draw* freely. During the evening, Mr. F. J. Campbell addressed the men on behalf of the residents, saying how glad they were to have the men hack again In their midst. It had been customary for the people of Pungarehu to give each man on departing for the front i a wristlet watch In token of their goodwill. ' This had not been done in the case of Private George Noble, whom he had mu<s pleasure In presenting with a travelling bag In I place of the watch, the Bag being more appropriate as Private Noble intends returning to England. The chairman, then called upon three separate young ladies to pin the medal on the breasts of Private C. Pllm, Private Noble suitably responded on behaK of ,rott was unable to be present, and his medal will be forwarded to his home. Private Noble suitably responden on behalf of the > returned men, they then being accorded musical honors and cheers. Dancing was of ' course the main amusement, excellent music ' being provided by Mrs. E. Pope (piano), and Mr. P. Norris (violin), Messrs. J. Orbell ' and E. Barrett assisting with extras, Mr. T. ■ Barrett acting as M.C. An'excellent supper was handed round and done full Justice to, after which dancing was resumed and continued until the early hours, when a most enjoyable function was brought to a close. The committee responsible for the gathering are" to be congratulated on the complete arrangements, a special mead of praise being . due to the secretary, Miss I. Mackay. In view of the number of motor cycle accidents which are taking place. It Is suggested that the different councils might with advantage bring In a by-law prohibiting the practice of carrying a passenger on' the back of the machine, and thus' fall Into line with some of the other places in New Zealand. The added weight of a passenger on the back makes it a matter of extreme difficulty for the driver of the machine to recover his equilibrium \<- the case of a sudden swerve or skid. A point too, Is the fact that not only the lives of the rider and his passenger are endangered, , but also Jthose of the public. Those who v are competent to know state that many of the accidents could have been avoided had there only been one person on the machine. I hear that Mr. P. J. Campbell, who recently disposed of his farm in this district to Mr. Matthews, has purchased a farm In Okoke and Intends lo continue dairying. Mr Campbell's many friends in Pungarehu and . elsewhere will wish him every success in his new venture. The local garden crops appear to be coming on well, although they occasionally receive a set back as a result of cold wet spasms. There Is not even the nutrlmefil In the grass there should be. Plough teams are very busy Just now and paddocks which have been lyins Idle for several years are now being brought Into the producing stage again. The local school will be closed from Wednesday till Tuesday morning to allow the I teachers to proceed to Okato to Tecolve Instruction in a course of physical drill under the supervision of , the Taranakl Education Board's representative.