DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (Prom Our Own Correspondent). The future of the whole of Taranaki Is more or less dependent, upon the success of the New Plymouth harbor works. That the Harbor Board's operations have so far been a success no one need doubt, and the success of the past gives every reason for confidence In the future. Owing to tho close censorship that was exercised over all shipping reports ourlng the war, the New Plymouth harbor did not obtain that publicity that it would otherwise have obtained. During the war period many large vessels quietly arrived at tho New Plymouth breakwater and as quietly took their departure Thousands of people In Taranaki did not know that such vessels had arrived. Now that times are becoming normal again their presence In the harbor Is being ojyfully heralded. In war time their presence was kept as secret as possible. During the past week or two, under the direction of Miss A. I. Mackay (head teacher) 'ho children In the higher standards of the local school have been remodelling and planting shruba, flowers, etc, In parts of iho school grounds. The children, armed with rakes, noes, spades, etc., are taking a keen Interest In the work, and the steady growth of the plants will no doubt be watched by them with special delight. Shearing is now In full swing throughout Taroflftkl. and some good clips are reported, although tho bad weather coming at aitrerent periods is not relished by sheep'owners At n gathering of the school children and teachers, Mr. F. J. Campbell was presented wilh a handsome pocket book in recognition of his services to the school in this locality The Campbell family leave for 'heir new home (Okoke) on the 25th. Mr. J. W. Connell, the Education Board's agricultural instructor, paid a visit to Punftarehu lately. He visited the local school, and considered the improvements made bo far to tho grounds very satisfactory. Education, prohibition, equality of the sexes —all are important Each reform has earnest thoughtful advocates who suggest that their peculiar reform Is the one essential before real progress can bo made. The highest of education is that which trains the mind to think on all questions. Educationists are keen on well-trained minds, contending that, until tho mind of the race is set on tlio right course, no real advance is possible. The prohibitionists say that you cannot train a mind that is clouded with liquor. Others sav thai, until the principle of sex equality is undep Jtood then no reform. can really bear gooci fruit. When thought out, one can only conelude that education js the vital thin" A well-trained mind brought to bear on any problem will get all the facts, and analyse the past history of each section of the problem and the verdict will bo well in accord with Justice and must obviously advance the race The Labor Party Is keen on education—education on all matters. It knows that until the public thoroughly understands the complex question of production and distribution there Is no real hope of sound reform. Mr. Syd Smith, the member for Taranaki met the electors here on Thursdav evening last Although the busy season" is now on there was an attendance of between 60 and iO ladles and gentlemen Mr. Smith who spoke at length, touched upon all the most Important political questions of tho day being accorded a very sympa'hclle hearing, his remarks at times being punctuated with applause A number of questions were asked and answered satisfactorily. Mr. M. Fleming moved: That this meeting heartily thanks Mr Smith for his interesting nnd instructive address, and expresses Its continued confidence In him as its representative. Mrs. A. Goodwin seconded <he resolution, which was carried with acclamation A vote' of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting. Electors who desire to exercise the franchise In connection yjith the forthcoming poll fixed for December 17th next, should see that their names are on the electoral roll, a copy of which can be seen at tho local post office I am pleased to learn that Stanley Durbrldge of the local factory staff, has .made very satisfactory progress, and has overcome his illness so far as to be able to leave the hospital Miss M Chambers, of Opusata, js spending a few weeks at Pungarehu. On Thursday evnlng last Mr. and Mrs Smith rare given an evening by a few personal friends and were the recipients of a presentation prior to their departure for Auckland, whero they! will, In future, reside.