DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1920, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI. (Prom Our Own Correspondent). When you see Mt. Egmont wearing a winter mantle In the middle of January It Is a safe bet that things are not exactly as they should be in regard to climatic conditions, and the bitter weather of last week knocked the bottom out of the milk supply, most of the herds falllns off most appreciably. However, we may possibly yet a mild autumn, and, as most of the farmers hare a fair amount of artificial feed, the cows may hang on for sorao time yet. It is quito like old times to see Urenui's name figuring amongst the cricket futures, and, though they can scarcely expect to win ever}' match, no doubt they will give a good account of themselves. Things have changed since some sixteen years ago, when an eleven, captained and driven in a five-horse brake ty that old Taranalrt sport, "Kerry" Sangster, went in to try conclusions with the New Plymouth Club on the old Tukapa ground. They were cer-' tainly defeated, the genial president of the Cricket Association (Mr. E. Whittle) knocking up over half a century, but they had a real good time. The. only unfortunate part of the trip was that, after spending a few hours intown, when the team was harnessed up for the return journey, one of the heaviest thunder-' storms experienced for years forced (he visitors to turn back and take shelter In West's stables for the night. However, they reached Waitar* In time for breakfast-next morning, and TJrenur in time for Church. It is only fair to add that a week or two later they scored a wirt over the New Plymouth boys on the Urenui ground. \ "Keep to your right, and that will take you to Mt. Messenger; then go on til! you get stuck," was the reply given the other day by a) Native to an enquiry from a stranger as td whether he was on the right road to Mokau) Evidently the Maori had experienced some HUM difficulty In travelling the road on a previous! occasion.

The combined schools picnic was such a success last year that it Is to, be hoped It will: become an annual gathering. If such an inten* Hon were notified early it would probabljlbe the means of drawing in the majority oS schools, as they would not trouble with lndU vldual picnics with a larger ono lu view. It> would also be a good Idea if a regular pro* gramme of sports events were drnwn up, and a championship race included for a cup or some; other trophy, which could be held by thd winning school from year to year. This would give the youngsters something to train fori and look forward to.

Now that harvesting and haymaking are! practically finished, farmers and their families will have some spare time to go about a littlfl and enjoy themselves. In these days of cars! and motor buses It Is not a very difficult mat* ter to get to New Plymouth, or even further, for a day's outing, and to those who have tho opportunity and inclination there Is a varied itinerary to select from during the next few weeks. Two days' racing and one of trotting) in New Plymouth, two days In Hawera, thd Urenui sports, New' Plymouth Agricultural §ho\v, tho Wal-tol-toi Beach Races, and thel Ofmnake meeting, should provide amusement! for all classes.

There was a large attendance at the meeting held In Urenui on Saturday evening to consider the matter of holding athletic sports this year, Mr. h Kattenbury presiding. The sum of £23 was handed over from the 1916 sports, and It was agreed that this amount should form! a basis for holding a meeting this year, whiclj was arranged to be held on February 26. Mr. Win. Jennings, M.P., was elected patron, and Mr. A. H. Halcombo president.. A number of vice-presidents wcro appointed, together with a strong working committee with power to adit to lis number The handicapping i« In be in the hands of Messrs, Wm. Fullor and C. Hum-' ball, Mr. L. Rattenbury being starter, Mr. Geo. Fuller secretary, and Mr. De Forges treasurer. The programme (which will be published shortly) was considered, the prize money in tho 100 yards race being Increased to £5, whilst] three chopping events, Hie first money in each being £j, were also included. It was dclded to hold a ball In the evening In aid of the funds, and an orchestra Is lo be engaged to provide suitable music. Taken altogether, the meeting was most enthusiastic, and there is every reason to believe the sports wilt be equally as successful as those held in formei! years.