DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

SURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Those individuals who seem to think the dairy farmers have a rosy time and deny the fact that they are the most hard-worked and poorly paid workers should have nut themselves in the other chap's place during the recent wet spell, and I'll warrant that week alone would have caused a different tune to he played. Having done a little snilorlne many years ajo, I can with safely say that that job and that of Ihe dairy farmer are on a par in regard to toll when adverse conditions prevail, and, if anything, tl - e latter'* lot Is somewhat the "wuss." Talking of weather conditions, we have had it somewhat severe both on man and beast; In fact, the milking cattle could not stand up to it at all, and in consequence the milk yield all round came down with a flop, hut—that's nothing In the opinion of the chap who has comfortable offices to work in, trams to take thera to and fro, and asphalt and other works tc get along on; oh, dear, not

With uncomfortable working conditions, the ''townie" claims and gets extra remuneration. But does the dairy farmer? I Imagine the "townie" having to trudge In mud and watery conditions over his boot-tops, and in oilers, change wet clothes twice a day, and in many cases have to sit up at nlgMs in order to get dry clothes to wear next day, etc.—coadltlons tho "townie" would not stand one week. No fear, he would think was hard put to it If he couldn't get to the pictures nice and dry I But actual experience is the best teacher, so Instead of grizzling about what the farmer is making let some of those that grizzle give it a "go." One of the things the man on the land has time to do, and that is appreciate the beauties of Nature, and the Increasing number of the clematis hunches to be seen all over the district give a pleasing appearance to the general aspect. Previous to tho exceptional downpour many very large trout were to be seen in the river NgiUoronul, and no doubt they will make a re-appearance later on. Anglers should find some splendid sport In that river.

Durham residents wish to extend their deepest sympathy to the widow and relatives of the late Mr, Ernest Brldgeman, whose mortal remains were Interred in tho Inglewood Cemetery on the 23rd inst. The deceased was a native of Durham Road, and, in common wllh the rest of his family, was highly esteemed, and his death came as a great shock to many of the older settlers on the road.

Notwithstanding the recent constant and heavy downpour, our road suffered practically little damage. One thing in regard to this part of Taranaki is the fact that no matter how- long or how hard it rains it iiuickly gets away as a rule, leaving the packWch.l wiWi a beautiful green apnearance.

Fruit prospects are so far indicating a good crop, and given favorable conditions in regard to wind, we anticipate such to he realised, btit. (and there's one. of the queries as to farming) one never knows. Creamery suppliers are still suffering inconvenience from the improvised method of obtalnlne their "skim." The patience of Job Is nothing compared to that of the men of the creamery. We all hope that a quick shift will be made toward giving us an nl\ teration.

Mesrs, Burton and Kay, who have for a considerable time been excavating a channel to get the river supply to work a Hutchinson ram or pump, report that the work has been a great success, and that the pump and milking machine Is In splendid working order.

Gardeners report that ihe depredations of tlte small birds have this season been more severe than for many years past. In several instances plots havo already been twice renewed with seed, and women-folk, who as a rule put in a deal of time with the kitchen garden, are particularly annoyed over tho matter.

WAI-TOI-TOi. (From Our Own Correspondent.) During the past week the amount of rain which fell was moro than enough for present requirements, and a fair number of land slip 3 took place on tho various roads in the district, there being several on the Okoke, and the one at the deviation on the Pukcaruhe road caused a delay In ve'aleuLir traffic for a while. The Mangamahoe bridge also suffered rather severely, though the river has been known to have risen higher on previous occasions.

On Monday last (despite the unpleasant weather conditions), there was quite a good attendance of parents and children at the afternoon tea whicli was held at the M'iml schoolroom to celebrate the completion of the additions to tlio building which have recently been carried out by the Education Board. Had the day been more favorable Mr. Percy White (chairman of the Board) would have been present, and In his absence Mr. Wm. Taylor (the former chairman of the school committee) opened the proceedings. After referring to Jtr. White's unavoidable absence, Mr. Taylor said that the committee had worked hard to get the school enlarged, as owing to the growing requirements of vhe district the original building was altogether too small, and placed both the teacher and children at a great disadvantage. However, they now had a school which was a credit to the district, and no doubt would he fully appreciated. He referred to the motto board which had been hung tl-nt day, containing the Inscription "Keep Honour Bright," and pointed out that it was not every school which possessed such a board, and asked the children to do their best to act. up to it, and he felt sure they would, as whenever he had had occasion to visit the school he had been more than pleased with the bright appearance of the pupils, and the admirable manner in which Itey conducted themselves, which compared moro thnn favorably with other places he had visited. He would also like to mention the high appreciation they nil felt at tie thorough manner in which Hiss Nolan (the teacher) had fulfilled her duties under the. trying circumstances, and the excellent results she had obtained at the recent examination, which proved her worth as a teacher. Personally he would like to thank her for the trouble she had taken with his own children at the examination, though they have removed to another district. Mr. Taylor was warmly applauded, and after partaking of refreshment the Battering dispersed.

I understand the Pukearuhe residents arc endeavoring to obtain a dally mail service to that district, which has grown rapidly during the past year or so. Considerable interest is being evinced in the forthcoming County Council election, nominations for which close on Wednesday, 3rd November. The Urenul riding will have to elect two representatives, and as It seems highly probable tl at there will he at least four candidates a poll will he necessary. If the .Minister for Public Works (Mr. Coates) makes good with his scheme for placing the main roads under Government control, and their formation and maintenance are carried out in a scientific manner by an organised staff, a lot of worry will lie saved to councillors and incidentally a lot of money to the ratepayers, as the cost of patching with inferior metal is fairly large, and 111? result! far from satisfactory. On Friday evenina lasl there was a large and appreciative audience to witness the performance in the Ureuul Hall of the Eily Minstrels. Ir is now seventeen years since tiiis troupe held their initial perfonnianee on the occasion of the opening of the ihen newly reconstructed building. The late Stewart McKuinness tool; an active part in the movement, and flic work was carried out satislaemrily by Mr. Arthur Cliff. As on the present occasion Mr. C. 11. Pope organised the troupe, and worked hard to ensure a successful performance Mr. Chas. Wilson (Bones) and .Mrs. A. Thompson (accompanist) are the only others of the original company, bin tlio places of the others hare, been ably filled by tile present members. The first part consisted of the usual chair business, and Hie following programme was most successfully gone through, the audience showing their appreciation in no uncertain manner:—

Opening chorus, "Jolly Boys": song, "Old Kentucky Home," Mr. Fitzgerald; song, "Sine; Me to Sleep," .Mr. Pope; chorus, "Land of Yamo Yiimo"; song, "Cam,," Mr. C. Smith; song, -'A Big Lump of Sunshine," Mr. Dlbbey: chorus. "Hush a Bye"; song, "Some ""•■» jHI at»v v "\_ Lovt M«," Mr. JV„

, Smith',' sons, "Maori Haiti," Tambo; chorus, "Kiddy Kaddle Coo"; song,' "Till We Meet Again," Mr. T. O'Neill; chorus, "I Passey by Your Window"; song, "Susie," Bones; song, , "Pipers Calling," Mr. N. Street. As Tambo, Mr. D. Do Forges both renderod his gags and sang excellently, and had the audience with him from the beginning, whilst Mr. Chan. Wilson, as Bones, ably supported him, and his song "Susie" fairly brought, down lie house. Mr. rope, as interlocutor, was, as usual, most effective, and rendered every assistance to tlie comer men. The jokes were amusing and In good taste, and all the singers were heartily applauded. Mrs. A. Thompson deserves special (.raise, for the manner In which she played the various accompaniments, and added In no small measure to ti:o success of the evening. The second part opened with a song "Egypt J,and," by Mr. T. O'.N'cill, which was well received, , as was "The. Two Monarchs," by Mr. C. ; Smith. The ditct, "Beautiful Ohio" (Messrs. . Smith and Dibbey) pleased the audience, i whilst "The Admiral's Broom," by .Mr. C. Mclnney, and "Invitation," by Mr. Dibbey, , were deservedly applauded. The farce! , "Wanted—a Theatrical Company," proved to : be most amusing, the parts being ably sus- , tained by Messrs. I'ope (manager), De Forges (boy), Fitzgerald (tragedian), T. O'Neill : (comedian), Mr. C. Wilson (prima donna), Mr. c. Smith (Sergt. Swank), Mr. C. Street (Hercules). The singing of the National An--1 tl:em brought a very pleasant entertainment I to a. close. Tbo dance which followed was 1 also well attended, the music being supplied i by Miss A. Terrlll In her usual satisfactory , manner, whilst Messrs. Kumbail and 0. Fuller I made efficient M's.C, I understand the proi coeds amounted to about £3O, which will he . divided between tho school committee and the , cricket club. . The North Taranaki Cricket Club fixtures f commence on Thursday, and the TJrenul team will journey to Tikorangi to tiy conclusions 1 with tVat club.

WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A successful social and dance were bold in the Warea Uull on Wednesday. Songs were given by Mrs. r. K. Larking and Miss Ronald mid Mr. s. Goodin. The thanks of the Library Committee are extended to all ttoso ladies who kindly contributed a splendid supper. The non-dancers were catered for by card tables and comfortable chairs. Mr. Pearson and Mr. r. Xorris supplied excellent music. Altogether a successful evening was spent. A meeting of library members was held during the evening, and a new committee appointed, consisting of Mesdames Caldwell, Donald, and Chapman, Misses Corbett and McEldowncy, Messrs. M. Parker and G. Wells. It is hoped to infuse new life Into library matters to which Mrs. H. r. Opel has given I'.er untiring services for a number of years, and as alio Is leaving the district, is not able to act en the committee.

TIKORANGI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) respite the unpropitious state of the weather a large number gathered at the Tikorangi Hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to Miss Faull, who is to be married and is shortly leaving the district. The hall was tastefully decorated, and Irocal and Instrumental Items were rendered by a party from Waitara, consisting, of Mrs. P. J. Allen, Misses Parry and Langman, and Messrs. w. J. Smith. Wells, Fowler and Appleby. During the evening, the chairman (Mr. T. Me.Ken7.le) called on Mr. Hlne to make a presentation 10 Miss Faull of a handsome silver tea and coffee service suitably inscribed, set of cm lei,v and travelling bag and rug, subscribed to by every' household in Tikorangi. In doing so, Mr. Hine, after alluding to the. popularity of their late postmistress, as shown by tl'e large number present, said that when' it became known that Miss Faull was leaving there was a unanimously expressed desire that she should not bo allowed to depart without some tangible evidence that her work in the public interest was gratefully recognised. They had imposed on their guest. Miss Fault's ac tivlties had been of such a numerous and so varied a nature flat her departure created a void in the public life of the district which was extremely difficult, and In respect to postal affairs, impossible to fill. As church organist and Sunday School teacher, as seretary to the Library Committee, and during the long and dark years of the war, her patriotic work must have made serious inroads on time which might, very reasonably, have been devoted to ease and pleasure. As postmistress and ofllcer in charge of the local telephone bureau, Miss Faull was brought Into close contact with practically every resident, and they agree that she carried out her duties in an efficient courteous and most obliging manner, They greatly regretted Miss Fault's impending departure, and site would be sadly missed, but at the same time, they offered her their hearty congratulations, which were also extended to Mr. Snell, who, until he succumbed to tho lure of city life, was one of their most worthy settlers. Mr. nine, on behalf of the people of Tikorangi, then asked Miss Faull to accept the gifts as .1 token of their high appreciation of her valued services, and also to accept their assurance that she would bo always most kindly remembered and would take with her to her fuiuro home tl'eir best wishes for her continued happiness. Mr. L. Fanil returned thanks on behalf of his sister, who desired bam to say that she thought she was bom;; treated too generously, but that she was most grateful for tl'eir kindness, which she felt was undeserved. Anything Miss Faull had hc-en able to do was done as a labor of love.

Supper having been handed round, the room was cleared for dancing, for which excellent music was supplied by members of the Waltara musical party, who so kindly braved the elements, and to whom, for their assistance, tl:e committee are very grateful. Last Friday, in. the Tikorangl Hall, the parishioners of St. Luke's gave an afternoon tea and presentation to Miss Faull on tie eve of-her marriage. The Rev. O. Gavin, in making the presentation, referred to the many good finalities of their guest, and her work as organist and Sunday School teacher and general church worker. As a token of goodwill he handed her an ebony backed brush, comb, and hand mirror, and a silver trinket tray, suitably inscribed. On Tuesday, the 2nd, Mrs. Harry Foreman gave "a good wish afternoon" ,nt her residence. Jinny useful presents *ver given, to Miss Faull, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.