DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. There is a good deal of cultivation going on in the district, but good grasß is very scarce just at the time when cows are needing the natural spring feed. Too heavy stocking is considered to be partly responsible for the food shortage, Ihougt there is 1 no doubt that iallure to make adequate provision against a severe winter In the way of cropping is mainly responsible. On Friday evening, the 24th, a number of gentlemen from Pungarchu and Rahotu went down to Opunake to the social and dance held in aid of the local Tennis Club. The attendance was good, and all the conditions necessary to enjoyment were present. On Friday night a concert and dance will be held in the Oaonui Hall (October Ist). Very complete arrangements have been made, and those attending are assured of a good time. Tte local Maori who had his hand injured by the accidental discharge of a gun is doing well. . The local resident who recently purchased the property occupied by Mr. S. Armstrong has again re-sold to advantage. Afl old resident, speaking of the very high prices ruling for house property at the present time, related the story of what took place with regard to the same kind of investment just on thirty years ago, when things reacted a very low ebb. A friend of his had bought just outside of Auckland proper six (iuarter-acre sections of land, and, wishing , to imake use of them, erected six houses, each house having six rooms. Just after the houses were finished a slump overtook the country, and, through the houses „ being a Utile way out of town, they remained unlet for two years. The owner, finding them lying l:eavily on liis hands, decided to put thorn itp to auction, and they were sold, land and all, for leas than £250 each, and at tI:,U price he was glad to gel rid of tliem. The houses had been built of the very best timber, and were now even 'in better order than more recently built houses. But the point in this; through the rise that has taken place in house property lately, these very same houses have • been sold, even although they are nearly thirty years olil 3 for sums of not less than £IOOO each. Kauri timber is worth more money nowadays. Something very nearly approaching a record price Is reported to have been paid tor heart of kauri at an auction sale fceld , recently, when a few pieces of nine by two, averaging 14 to 16 feet in length, and ag- i gregattng Ave hundred feet, were sold for £2? 10s, or £5 10s a hundred. Becent visitors to Opunake have been struck by the signs that Opnake is again moving ahead, and gradually shops that have long been closed are being re-oponed. Probably the time is not far distant when Opu- ' nake will again make a strong forward anove a and gain a place of much greater prominence as a centre. Opnake has much in its - favor, and its healthy atmosptere, mild climate, and pretty surroundings commend it as a place of residence. It must be acknowledged that the buildings, especially the shops, do the township great credit, and there are more pretentious towns not far removed " which may envy her the advantage she en- „ joys in this rapcct. Not only ore the shops s good buildings, but. the windows are well- . drpssed, and in some case shave .quite a 1 city touch 1 . * As n matter of precaution, owing to therecen* sickness in the Warea district, the school committee have considered it neces- ' sary not to re-open the school until Monday, ( 4th October. The many friends in Warea of Mr. W. Rum- j ball, now of New Plymouth, will be sorry t to' hear of his recent accident, as a result - of falling over an embankment or cliff. i| ~ u