DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1920, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent). A notable retirement from the active work ot the Methodist Ministry is the Rev E l> 31. Kins, who preached his farewell 'sermon on Sunday, the 21st, at the local Methodist Church. Mr. King has conducted services here for so?ne considerable time past. He is the true type of country person—tolerant eiinrilablo and loveable, and he will carry with him into retirement the good wishes or a wide circle of friends. Mr. King will still reside at. Okato. The ordinary monthly meeting of the local Dairy Factory Directors took place on Friday the 19th Inst., when tho matter of the factory employees' demands for higher wages was discussed at some length. The proposal was favorably considered, tho directors agreeing that all employees should receive an additional increase of five shillings per week Ideal weather«prevai!ed at Warea on Wednesday last for the school children's annual picnic held in tho Domain. The teachers looked well after the Interests of the children, who had a great day, numerous races being provided which attracted large fields and keen competition. A social and dance for tho adults in the evening was largely attended. ■ The local factory picnic and sports, which was to be held at the Recreation Grounds on Wednesday, the 31st, has, owing to various reasons, been further postponed, and will now be held on April the 14th. The company's general store department hes now been removed to their new and commodious premises on the Main South road, which was opened for business for the first time on Wednesday last. The fine weathor brought a large number of residents out, who kept the manager, Mr. McKenna, and his assistant (Mr. Thomson) very busy all the day The cost of living has increased faster than the rise in wages. This Is a commonplace to us all. But what is the remedy! At 'he risk of uttering a thread-worn platitude, it Is said the eternal chasing of upward prices by Increases In wages does not solve the problem because wages are always a length or two behind In tho race. The remedy is that capita will have to be content with a less rate per cent. than, has been hitherto demanded and got, and tho bringing about of this can only be done by legislative action. Alternatively the ideal to strive for then will be production for use and not for profit. Land agents In Taranaki all appear to be still doing good business, and still have plenty of farms for sale. One particular agent stated that recently he sold a farm a few hours after he received Instructions to sell it, and the man who bought it sold it again at a good increase In price less than a week later Several fine droves of fats, both In cam and sheep, have passed through here lately, speaking well for the pastoral capabilities of our district. Seldom, states a local farmer, have there been such crops of swedes in and around this district as is the case fis season. It would seem as If in most cases every seed sown had germinated. The fly and blight which were so prevalent till this last season or so, seem to have entirely disappeared. The position in rogard to Influenza along the coast appears to be taking a decided turn for the better, no fresh eases being repnrtnt Thore havo been several cases of sickness !<< our district lately, having the same symptom? as the dreaded influenza. Whether or not, it behoves everyone to take every precaution. Mr. and Mrs. H. llhrhorn have recently rcturnely home after spending an enjoyable holiday a! Palmcrston.

WAREA. (Prom A Correspondent). The Warea school picnic was held In the local domain on Wednesday, March 24, and a very successful and enjoyable, fiunct'on It. proved to he. Ahout eleven o'clock the children with their parents assembled In the dnmain, and at noon a bountiful supply of refreshments was handed round. After luncheon tho children's sports were held, a pond and novel programme having previously been arranged. The results are as follows: 100 yards, boys, 12 years and over, E. Plersdn 1. 50 yards, boys, under 12: E, Brophy 1 A. Putt. 2. 100 yards, girls, over 12: K. Julian 1, It. Muir 2. r.O yards, girls, under 10: K. Johns 1, Iris Corbett 2. 50 yards, girls, under S: J. Frances 1, Narva Putt 2. Children under school age: Edgar .Tohns 1. Three-legged race, girls: Rene Muir and Thclma. Muir 1. Three-legged race, boys: Boy Johns, Willie Johns, Thomas Grophy. Married men's race:' Mr. Muir 1, Mr. Cald.well 2. Sack race: B. Brophy, T. Brophy. Wheelbarrow race, blindfold: Willie Johns, ! Iloy Johns. Single ladle's' race: Miss Smltli 1, Miss ! Duggan 2. At 2.30 Mr. Christianson gave a splendja display of fancy swimming. The various items were greatly appreciated, and it war to be regretted that there was not a sufficient depth of water in the swimming pool for him to give a demonstration of the various methods of life saving. Mr. Christiansen stressed the Importance of every child being taught to swim, and in case of nn accident in tho water to be able to save himself, or, perhaps, others. At the conclusion tho chairman (Mr. Parker) thanked "the members of the Life Saving Society, who had so generously given (heir time and talent to come to Warea to help others. The prizes were then distributer! as follows: Standard Vl.—Clarence Parker, CyTil Julian, and Kathleen Lawn (Proficiency). Standard V.—Ernest Pierson, Ernest Chapman. Frank Johns, Althea Black and Marv Barrett. Standard IT—Rene Muir, Kathleen Julian, Victor Barak. James Lawn, Cecil Ward Standard lll—Esmee Ward, Annie Julian, Roy Johns. Willie Johns. Lester Thorp. Standard I! Arthur Putt, John Doody, May Brophy, Eileen Muir, Florence Julian. Tlielma Muir. Standard r—lris Corbett, Florence Chapman, Marjorlc Putt. Ccdrlc Black. Bernard Brophy, Vernon Muir, Herbert Thorp, Mav Doody. Primers.—Vivian Ward. Ronald' Glenlworth, Marcella Lawn, Nellie Johns, Lily Johns, Elsie Muir, Cecilia Brophy, Enid Putt, Narva rmt, Benlta Lawn. Hannah Doodv, Cvril Black, Willie Lawn, George Julian, Joseph Lawn. Bernle Barrett, Jean Francis, Doris Gray Gcor-o Gray. After the prizes were distributed the children and parents Sat. down to enjnv another hearty meal of delicious sandwiches, ea.kes, etc. Scramble's .of sweets concluded one of the many enjoyable functions Warea has lately had A successful dance was held In the evening. It is with wont regret that we have to record the death of Mrs H. Corbett, a verv old and esteemed resident of this district. The late Mrs. Corbett was one of the pioneers of Warea. Until quite recently she took a prominent part in all affairs In tho district. She will be greatly missed In- a large number of friends. To the bereaved husband and funnily we tender our heartfelt sympathy.