DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITOITOI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very pleasant little gathering took place at Mr. E. Marsh's residence last. Wednesday evening, when a few friends called on him and held a "bean feast" party. Dancing, singing, and games were indulged In during the evening, and a most enjoyable supper, provided l»v tile visitors, was partaken of. It is understood the committee Intend to pay a p r\v more visits of a similar nature during the winter months. A most enjoyable euchre parly and dance was held in the schoolroom at Pukearuhe on Friday evening last. The games were Interesting, three players tieing for first place for the gentlemen's prize, the play-off being won by Mr. Albert Kapinga. Miss Grace Mcintosh was first in the ladies' competition. Dancing concluded a very pleasant evening. It is stated that the Government metal lorries are leaving Uruti this week. According to a recent visitor over lit. Messenger, the Department has accomplished this season the tfnetalllng of some four chains at the Ih-utt side of the mountßin and two chains on top. , At this rate of progression the settlers in that vicinity and tho travelling public mav safely reckon oil having the wholo four mile's (which, I believe, Is the distance over the mountain) completed when they have gone to a place where metal roads are not needed. However, some degree of consolation may be derived from the fact that it Is proposed vo continue quarrying during the winter, and that the metalling may bo resumed next DecemDer Same old talel In view of the exorbitant prices of men's suits In. this country, it wr.ukf be an untold blessing If some philanthropic capitalist would emulate the example of Mr. Mullaby-Deeley, M.P.. who has revolutionised London by acquiring an Interest In several large factories, opened tailor shops, and offered to supply suits to measure at £2 17s Gd and £4 17s Gd He maintains that the present price charged is nothing more or less than a huge scheme of profiteering. That there must bo something 111 this Is proved by the fact that some of the tailoring firms In the Strand have marked their prices down by 50 per cent, since Mr. Deeley entered into competition. The ladle* of Auckland and Dunedln have already, opened a campaign agaJnßt the excessive prices charged for drapery, and if they are supported by the other ladles of the Dominion It will not be long before we And out where the profiteering comes In. The visitors from this end to the Hawera races last week speak highly of the aport provided, and though tho large number of first favorites that got homo on the first day was not conducive to big wins, still all had a good time, and the club Is to be congratulated on the success of the meeting. It is reported that a welcome home is to be given to Messrs Page, Bleaklev and Rook who were amongst the last In the district to arrive from the seat of the late war and were not in time to be present at the ball tendered to the returned boys last year. A euchre party and dance is announced to be held In the TJrenul Hall next Thursday, and no doubt will be well attended, as tills form of amusement is very popular At a meeting of the Wal-tol-tol dairy factory, held on Wednesday, the question of manufacturing cheese or butter for the ensuing season was discussed, but decision was deferred until moro definite information as to probable prices was rocelved. A party of natives were discussing the shortcomings of one of their acquaintances, whose veracity was open to question and caused endless trouble amongst his friends, when one of the party exclaimed: "Yes, Henare is a most awful liar, and there Is o'nlv one that I know that ever sticks up for him" "And who is that?" was the query. "His motor bike, whenever he goes out on it," rejoined the other.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Oil Friday evening a number of ladles and gentlemen from Pungarehu and War'ea went to Jtahotu to the social and dance held In aid of tlio Kahotu-Oaonui candidate at the forthcoming Queen Carnival. There was a fair attendance, and a most enjoyable dance was held. Mr. P. Parker presided at the piano anil acquitted himself most creditably being assisted by Miss M. Burns and Mr j' Orbell With extras, while the duties of M C were ably carried out by Mr. H. Annis A splendid supper was A similar dance will bo held next week, and all arrangements have bec-n completed for (he comfort and enjoyment of patrons. The members of the Pungarehu Social Committee, who so ably organised the welcome home function to the returned boys of this locality, but which unfortunately resulted in i a deficit, are making on appeal to the residents, through Mrs. E. A. Mathews, for subscriptions to deal with the jicsitiaa, and it

is hoped Ihat Mrs. Mathews will have a liberal response. Subscription Hats are also to be found at each of the local stores. The building owned by the local dairy •company, recently used for their general store department, is at present being renovated, preparatory to being shaped into a dwelling for one of the factory employees. Miss I. Miles, who for some time past has acted as assistant teacher at the local school, will he leaving the district shortly, having accepted the appointment of sole teacher at Korito. The residents will wish her every success lu her new sphere of labor. The local school broke up on Monday, 17th Inst., for the usual winter vacation, and re-opens on the 24th Inst. Recent cold snaps have led many pessimistic fanners to prophesy a hard and cold winter for stock, but clear bright days have alternated, with more cheery effect. Stock seems to have done well, and cows are still being milked twice daily, and are giving a considerable quantity of milk. Farmers generally ascribe many virtues t-> the soft turnip as a prolonger of the milk of theli dairy herds, though one farmer in particular says that, when, .feeding swedes. Instead of the soft variety, he found greater sustenance and milk production resulted. The turnips are allowed to wilt in the paddocks after pulling for about twelve hours, which, it Is claimed, eliminates the objectionable taint usually ascribed to this fodder, That the land on the coast Is becoming more sought after by outside buyers every year is evidenced by the large number of prospective buyers who are constantly visiting these localities, and whether business results or not, they Invariably express themselves as highly pleased with the quality of the land and the elimnte. Prices are also coming (more on a par with those of other districts, and I recently heard of an offer of £7O per acre for one farm, and nothing doing even at that figure.