DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1919, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUKGAREHXJ. (From Our Own Correspondent). Mr. G. H. Buckeridge addi eased the electors of Pnngarehu at the local public liall on the evening of the 28th November. At the conclusion the candidate! was accorded a vote of thanks. So far there appears to be a welcome absence of personalities on the part of candidates for political honors these times. The audiences are to some extent to be credited for the pleasing state of affairs, as the cry "Give us politics and not personalities" has warned some candidates that mud-throwing is not popular, and naturally at election times would-be members of the Uouse are not likely to offend the delicate sensibilities j of electors. 1 With the summer weather at nanil people are asking how about the local sports meeting. Young people and returned men should surely be able to revive the old meeting of bygone days. It is stated that cigarettes are likely to be advanced in price. In tlic south an increase from Sd to fld and in the same proportion for larger quantities has already been made. Stocks are reported to be low, and the wholesale price, of English cigarettes has a hardening ten-

There appeared to be every prospect a. short time ago of a serious shortage of dried fruits in the form of raisins, currants, prunes, muscatels, etc. but as a < shipment is now due in Wellington at an early date, this, it is anticipated will be sufficient to tide retailers and householders well over the holiday sea- . son Trices, *>f course, are high, but this is hardly likely to deter the average housewife from making preparations for the annual pudding. On Sunday, 7th mst., the Methodist service was conducted in the local church by tho Rev. E. D. M. King. An Anglican service was also conducted in the afternoon by the Rev. C. Addenbrooke. and Mass was conducted at the local Catholic Church by Father Doolaghty As everything points to grass ami clover seeds ruling at high prices next year owing to the big European and American demand, it behoves those who can to save where possible. Our obligin'g stock inspector recently put through inoculation all of Mr. M. Fleming's calves at his farm. _ The dry spell of weather is responsible for some of the by-roads becoming dangerous for anything like fast driving on account of loose stones. _ Local grocers have exhausted their stocks of"certain lines usually much in i demand at this time of the year. Candied peel and sultanas are unobtainable, and iigs are very scarce. Bates and loaf sugar are not procurable. From what one can hear there is likely to bo some of the local residents seen out in some more new cars one of these

dnvs. The. strawberry crop this year is reported to be the beat known for years, tho berries being more plentiful than usual and o{ larger Rize and good flavor. Unfortunately there is a possibility ot a drop in supply and a rise in prioe before Christmas, as the growers report that a continuance ot the present spell of dry ■weather will mean a sudden falling oft in the production of the strawberry bed? and a scarcity of the fruit by ChnstmaE time.

lIURFORD ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent). Although I realise all tlve space in your valuable "paper is taxed to its utmost daring the electioneering, Mr. Editor, 1 have forwarded these few lines, else you may think Hurford road lias entirely disappeared. _ The farmers are experiencing ft- rfitricr poor season so far. The milk artpply short, and the hav paddocks have the poorest growth of hay grown for many a year. The soldier farmers here are all making good progress. Messrs Sim. and Findlay have installed an up-to-date four-cow milking plant, whilst Messrs. Ward and Taylor have acquired a threecow plantMr. Thos. Walsh, another returned man, has ventured into something better, having obtained a wife lately, 'lhc young couple spent a week's honeymoon in Wanganui, and on their return the young fellows around showed their respect by calling on them with a- tin-can band, receiving a warm welcome. We all wish the young couple, every happiness and a long and prosperous life. Th"> ladies of this road gathered at the residence of Mrs. Higgins recently to extend a welcome to Mrs. .T, Walsh, who but lately arrived from England to join her husband. A very pleasant afternoon was spent, and, on behalf ol the ladies of the district, Mrs. Higgins presented the bride with a seagrass eliair, with best wishes for a long and prosperous life in ?Jew Zealand. . Mr. Sim, who is a convincing prohibition advocate, spoke for over an hour 0)1 t.lm Fubject. in the local school lately, and I think, after such a stirring address, pretty well all in this district will vote bone dry. The following week lie gave a lecture on the war. There was a good attendance and Mr. Sim spoke interestingly lor an hour and a half, alter whici a silver coin collection waa taken up resulting in the hall fund being swellec ! by one pound. i lam pleased to state that the cliiel postmaster has decided to reinstate thi ■} mail delivery from New Plymouth, vii . Barrett road as far as the butter fae

tory. The improvements Hint the county is carrying out .it Hare's Hill greatly improves the entrance to our roiid. Itwas a lonpc felt want. The local school has lieen closed since the first of the month owing to the teacher (Miss Taylor) leaving for Sydney for health reasons, she having been granted flick leave by the lioard. In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I wish you and your stall a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year (a kind wish the editor and staff Warmly reciprocate.—Ed.).