DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very pleasant afternoon was spent at Mrs. Wright's residence recently, when about thirty ladles and some gentlemen of the different denominations assembled td bid farewell to our vicar, the Rev. Addenbrooke, who Is leaving for tlio Auckland district. The sitting room was decorated with flowers and roses, and looked very pretty. Songs were suns by Miss Rowlands, Mrs. Wright, Miss Mason and the guest of the afternoon. Miss H. Wright gave a clever monologue, and a duet contributed by Mrs. Wright and Miss Mason was much appreciated. Mrs. O'Nell was the accompanist during the afternoon. A pa,rt'J*u!iirlf appetising afternoom tea was supplied by the ladles. .Mr. Gibson, on behalf of the friends, in an appropriate little speech, wished the Rev. Addenbrooke goodbye. Mrs. Wright presented him with a cheque, and asked him to buy himself a mamento of Rahotu. The Rev. Addenbrooke suitably responded, and then the jjarty sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne." A party of bowlers journeyed on Wednesday to' / Opunake to practice and get their hands in for the opening of their own green. A very pleasant time was spent. After Christmas It is to be hoped the local green will be fit to play on. The Sunday School anniversary services were held last Sunday. Rev. Avery, of Kaponga, preached afternoon and evening. The church was very prettily decorated by tbe teachers. Rev. Avery preached a special service for the children, and presented them all with a prize. It was' very disaiitmlnting to the teachers that so many should be absent on this very day of the year, and not receive their prtee books. The children's singing was meritorious. Miss Hughson' was at the organ, and Miss Johnston assisted with the violin, and the music was very much appreciated. While one of tho senior boys, Master Clarence Tyrrell, was taking the collection, ' the very small children sang a hymn very sweetly. Next Sunday will be Rev. Addenbrooke's last in our district. Re has been here for many years, and his friends will bid him goodbye on Friday at Mrs. W. R. Wright's residence. Miss Verdon is back at the post office, being assisted by her niece, Miss Winnie Verdoii. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tte Christmas and New Year holidays are close at hand, and by all accounts the different places are being made specially attractive for holiday-makers. Opunake anticipates a busy time during the holidays. Favored by a fine night, the social and dance held in the Warea Hall on December 1 ma very successful. The proceeds are being devoted to hall improvements. Although the busy season is now on, there was a good attendance, and all present enjoyed themselves thqrouglHy. ,Mrt Pearson presided at the piano in a creditable manner. Mr. M. Parke officiated as M.C., with the usual success. During an interval aupper was handed round, and added to the enjoyment of the evening, everything passing off really well. According to a man closely connected with the building trade, those people who delayed building or contemplated Improvements tip till recently, in tho belief that the cost would decrease, have mado a tuge mistake. The extraordinary demand for houses, if nothing else, is naturally tending to put the prices up. It is very hard to say whether the property market has readied Its highest even yet. In general there has been of Ifite a more cautious spirit !.n buying, and though tl:ere seems to be plenty of money, people are beginning to think that perhaps the prices are already high enough. The fact is that people are. beginning to realise that to purchase at the present high price means certain loss, and they also fear tlrat a drop may come sooner than Is anticipated. Church services were held In the local Methodist and Anglican churches, being conducted by the Rev. Aker and Rev. Addenbrooke respectively, on Sunday fith. A presentation of a gold-mounted fountain pen was made to the Rev. Addenbrooke by those connected with the church on tte occasion of his retirement from active ministerial work. Mr. Addenbrooke is shortly leaving for Dargavllle, and will, with the Bishop's consent, help the vicar there with his Sunday work. Inspector Ballantyne Inspected the local school pupils recently for their certificate of proficiency at Ratotu. Surveyors are again busily engaged making a survey of the proposed new railway extension. Buyers of stock are also making their appearance in our midst, and we are sure they will be able to do excellent business hereabouts. The purchaser who recently bought Taylor Bros.' farm on the Parihaka Road has taken up his residence there. The new manager for Mr. Rutherford's farm has also arrived and taken up his duties. Mr. and Mrs. .T. Scott !: ave come from Wellington to spend a short holiday, and are staying wjth Mrs. 0. T. Simmonds, Capo Road. The stock sales along the coast show little change. Generally values are slightly easier but late quotations rule In many cases. Tho attendances were good. The Introduction of fresh blood into the coastal dairy herds is considered advantageous, and should tend to improve the quality of tho stock. One cannot tell altogether by tie appearance of a dairy bull whether he Is going to transmit milking qualities to his offspring. Howevc-r, If ho is known to be from hlgh-tesuing damn, and tracing clojselly to sires whose daughters have already proved themselves good, there is little doubt but that his impression on the herd will be satistory. On can, however, judge by the appearance of a young bull In regard to the type, conformation and quality of the teifers ho will leave. Look also for that type and conformation peculiar to good dairy sires, and study him from the viewpoint as to just how he will mato up with the breeding cows on which he will be used. A progressive dairy cattle breeder is not only anxious to have his cows freshen in good time, but should consider the heifers, the future milkers and source of revenue. The soldier farmers here aro all making good progress. Ploughing operations and various improvement works are being carried on. Recent visitors have been considerably impressed with tho several Improvements which have been and still are being imade. Tho shortage of cement is still being felt by farmers, various works being cancelled owing to the impossibility of getting 7 supplies. Tho potato crops in this district have in some cases been attacked by tte blight, although the crops generally promise to be good ones. The recent rain has freshened up things wonderfully, and everyone will be happy again. In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I wish you and your staff a Merry Christmas and u Happy New l'ear. (Thank you. Your ltlndly sentiments are reciprocated.—Ed,)