DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The extraordinarily fine spell of weather during July (sixteen days straight) terminated on the 3rd inst., since when we have experienced real spring woather; little or no wind, with warm drizzly rain, with a line day in between. But favorable circumstances never continue lons in Tarauaki ,for at time of writing we are having a touch of real winter—u south-east half-gale, with drizzling, sleety rain. Tho fine weather mentioned gave a fillip to the pastures, which were puttiug on a bright green appea'rauce, and which for this month Is a bit on the uncommon sidct and farmers generally were inclined to bo optimistic as to a record spring. As it is, If the cold snap does wot continue very long, the start given the pastures should go a long way towards verifying the optimism shown. pn every hand ploughing operations are in full swing, and, given n continuance of fine weather, a very large ai'ea of oats, etc.. Is likely to be under crop this season. Many farmers during the winter have been trying to make improvements of a stable character to their cowsheds, yards, etc, in which cement has been the main factor. Naturally the humbug caused through the shortage has curtailed in many cases tho Improvements proposed. As fanners can only do such work during the slack Time, it shows little consideration by the "''Farmers' (Jovernment" when it did not attempt to make conditions re the 1 euppjy of cement move pliable. Considering j tho importance of cement in tho development i of the country, per bridge?, etc., the State l should take up the inamif: ecure of c&ment and utilise wherever possible tho raw materials at hand. That would be real progress. A perusal of the Maketawa Dairy Company's balanco sheet shows that the Company's venture hi casein-making for the pasv year has practically entailed si loss, though it is held out to shareholders chat tho noar future may i alter this, tho fact remains that those who supported the cascln-maklng, and thereby did; not produce bacon pigs, and also killed off! their calves or a large proportion of them, are] financially "out of it," and from what I can | hear, something substantial In the way of ai guarantee that a recurrence will not take place is needed before much Support (if any) : will be given towards casein. No doubt the loose screw in the ceasein production will be found at the annual meeting, Mr. W. Dean, r.hose health for soma considerable time necessitated a sojourn in the. New Plymouth hospital, is present on a visit to the Auckland district recuperating. It is hoped he will -return fit and strong for the strenuous work ahead during the coming season. Hares are playing the deuco with swede cropß, and Judging by the nwks they leave in several paddociis,£thcre iinust be a considerable number on tite warpath during nighttime. Nary a "bunny" is to be seen by the chap with the gun during the day, and we havo had several sports from New Plymouth on the tramp recently.

Tho mills supply to the creamery Is slowly on the Increase, and it has been found necessary to run the machinery overy other day instead of every, third day. as has been the ease for the past two months or so. I hear that several young ladles In the district are arranging a dance to be held during this month In order to, augment the funds of the rest room for ladies in In,?lewood. I'm sure this eifort will be so npproeiatod that a good muster will eventuate. Other parts of the district around Inplewood are also on the job for the sum# object. and there is not the slightest doubt thai, given a substantial and convenient building to work for, the efforts of the ladies will surprise a great number. One lady mentions that the men have their club, the billiard room, or the pub. in which to have a chat or a sit-down, but the woman witli the babies lias to sneak into a back street or occupy the railway station seats and other conveniences if she wants to rest or attend to her small ones. Mister Man, get to work to make these conditions different; you owe It to the "owd ooman," you know I

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The general committee in charge of the arrangements for the complimentary social and dance to the ladies of the Kaliotu and Pungarehu districts are sparing no effort in making the function a thorough success. The speed at which motor cars travel through the country was briefly touched upon at the Egmont County Council's meeting on Wednesday, August llth. The chairman said that at the request of the Education Board, danger notices had been put up near schools to ensure the safety of children from motorists, many of whom took no notice of these slr.ns It was decided to prosecute all cases of e.vcesslvo speed in future. The social and dance promoted by tho bachelors of Warea was rather poorly attended, only sixteen couples taking the floor. The night was a very cold and bleak one, and this probably accounts for the poor attendance Tho hall had been decorated for the occasion, and looked very attractive. Mr. Max Parker acted as 1J C., and kept the dancers moving merrily, the excellent condition of the floor adding greatly to the enjoyment. Light refreshments were handed round during the evening. Messrs. Parker (piano), and Norn's (violin) provided the music, assisted by Mrs. Beck and Miss Frazer with extras. A splendid supper was served, completing the programme of the night's pleasure. The I'ungarehu Ladies' Hall Improvement Committee have decided, owing to tho poor patronage accorded the past two functions, to defer their next function to well on in September. It will take the form of a Leap Year Ball. The usual - monthly meeting of the Cape Egmont Dairy Company directors took place on August 12th. Mr. M. Fleming presided. According to a report from Warea, some of tho suppliers there are not satisfied with the result of their annual meeting, dispensing uitli the manager's services, etc., anjl are contemplating taking their milk elsewhere. The shortago of benzine has been keenly felt by many people whose business takes them into New Plymouth occasionally, some having found it practically inipossiblo to obtain the precious fluid. Consignments are arriving at different periods, but the amount appears to be wholly Inadequate for requirements. Sugar is again a scarce commodity. Some grocers are out of it altogether. The high prices ruling, to-day will necessitate the land being held in smaller areas ,so that it rniay be farmed to the best advantage. The day of the 170 to 200 acre farm is going. Subdivision of land must take place if tho people of Tarankl want to keep the hoys of this province from going elsewhere, and to ■obtain the best results that this fine land in Taranakl is capable of.