CORRESPONDENCE. DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1921, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Considerable interest was manifested in the Seaside Fete, held at Opunake beach on Wednesday, January 19, by the people all along the coast, a good number going from here and districts surrounding. The weather was fine, and a large gathering resulted. Young and old made the journey, the children being specially caterep for, it • being anticipated that the young ones will remember this outing above all others. The splendid arrangements made by the seaside committee were favorably commented on, visitors from this, end having spent a delightful time. Now that harvesting and haymaking are practically finished, farmers and their families will have some spare time to go about a little and enjoy themselves. In these days of cars and motor 'buses it Is not a very difficult matter to get to New Plymouth or even further for a day’s outing, and to those who have the opportunity and inclination there is a varied itinerary to select from during the next few weeks. Two days’ racing and one of trotting in New Plymouth, two days in Hawera, and the Opunake meeting, should provide amusement for all. Many farmers have talsen advantage of the late spell of drj’ weather to .burn off areas of fallen bush, and during that time there have been numerous bush fires, none of which have broken bounds. A fair amount of bush was felled in the back districts during the winter, and the conditions experienced a few weeks ago were most favorable for burning off.

The recent broken weather has interfered with haymaking. The late sowings of turnips are looking well. The rain will more than compensate for losses in other respects. There appears to be more discontent over ■the increased price of tobacco than on any olher necessary that has "gone up.” Signs are not wanting that prl.ces for the necessaries of life will again slightly be increased all round. It looks as if the gardener will have to increase his potato plantation and the men folk will have to take a lead from the Maoris and go fishing to reduce the cost of living. Some difficulty is Invariably experienced when changing a custom, and the movement tn favor of the general observance of the weekly half-holiday on Saturday was bound to raise a difference -»f opinion, for old customs die hard. Under the circumstances, the reception of the proposal so far has been gratifying, and though the whole of the local authorities i.n Taranaki have not yet finally decided on Saturday for the holiday, the prospects of unanimity are fairly good, it is quite probable there are some who see difficulties and inconvenience in the way of making a change, but the principle of the greatest gcod for the greatest number should prevail. The matter is one upon which unanimity is most, desirable, and it is manifest that a week-end holiday-must be far more beneficial than one in the middle of the week. At first the change may cause some slight readjustment of habits, but in a very short time the new order of things will find Us level and the full benefits be thoroughly appreciated.