DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

URENUI AND WAITOITOI. | (From Our Own Correspondent.) On the evening of Easter Monday a most enjoyable social evening was spent In the Pukearuhe sshool, there being, besides the local residents, a number of visitors from Woi-tol-tai and New. Plymouth. Dancing, cards and singing -Were indulged in during the evening, and Mr. J; Robinson, as M.C., was most attentive. The jnusin. was contributed by a. number of ladies aa)d .gentlemen, and a plentiful supper provided fay the ladles was accorded full justice. . , On Thursday 'evening last, in the Urenul Hall, a pleasant little dance was held, arranged by a number of ladies in the district. Mr. C. Rum )al carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner, whilst Miss A. Terrill presided at the piano (which, it might be mentioned, would be none the worse for the attention of an expert tuner) with her customary ability, and the supper provided left nothing to foe desired. Barton’s CI/cus paid a visit to Urenul on Friday evening, and drew a good house, a firstrate show being put on. On Saturday ’ Uruti was visited, from whence, after receiving a reception, the troupe proceeded on its northward journey.

There has not been much doing in the matter of land sales during the fast few months, though it may be noted that Mr. J. Canon, of the Mimi, recently purchased from Mr. J. Murray the leasehold of the native section of some twenty acres adjoining the school, whilst Mr. Lennard has disposed of his interest in ,the Mangamahoe property to the previous owner, Mr. King.

The picking up of a silver link stud in Devon Street on Good Friday was responsible for one of our local punters securing a good win over Mr. Alexander’s consistent mare's double victory at the recent Auckland meting.

It is rumored that there will be a much larger number of cows milked in the Okoke during the coming season than has hitherto been the case. The producers of butter-fat have a most paying proposition In the papa country, of which that district is composed, the richness of the soil doing away with the necesisty for top-dressing with artificial manures, which makes farming out in the open such a costly operation. Another large gathering of residents assembled in the Mimi schoolroom on Friday evening last to hear the interesting address delivered by Mr. Gould, of Waitara. The beatitudes committed to memory by the children were excellently repeated, and during the course of the evening several hymns were sung, Miss Phillips presiding at the organ. Mr. Reg. Musker, of Wai-toi-toi, met with an accident on Wednesday last, which might have been attended with more serious results. It appears he was putting a high scarve in a tree, when the axe slipped back and inflicted a cut over the left eye, which necessitated three stitches being put in by Dr. Campbell, of Waitara.

On Saturday there was on view in Messrs. Dunbar's shop window a splendid specimen of the Yellow Romney turnip, grown by Mr. A. H. Halcombe, of Ferngreve, who speaks highly of this class of turnip as an autumn fodder, for cows. It is a hybrid, being a cross between a soft and swede turnip, and lasts much longer than the former. Mr. Halcombe sows them amongst the main swede crop, and pulls them as required for the stock.

In common with other portions of Taranaki, the milking season in this district points to being of much shorter duration as comipared with previous years. A few comparative figures taken from the records of the local factory wi.ll show how the supply has fluctuated, and the disastrous effect the recent dry spell has had upon the cows. Last season the highest amount of milk taken was in November, being 1652 gallons, from which 21% cheese were manufactured, the average test, being 3.84. At the end of March there were 1019 gallons, representing 15 cheese, and an average of 4 25. During the present year the highest, totil was reached in December, being 23G3 gallons, with 31 cheese and a test of whilst on March 31st the supply had fallen to 656 gallons, giving 11 cheese and an average test of 4.73. It will thus be seen that although for the latter period there were some 3G3 gallons less, the difference in the number

of cheese made was Only four, showing the milk to contain a much higher percentage of butter-fat. It is now only taking 7.Gibs of milk to manufacture 11b of cheese, and the highest individual test is 5.4.

It is reported' that the second deposit of £25 for the chopping contest between Shewry and Green has been deposited with Mr. A. H. Halcombe, and that arrangements are shortly to be made for the meeting to be held on the Urenui recreation ground. Great interest is being evinced in the match, and hoth men have plenty of supporters, though it is expected Shrewry will be favorite on the day.

The Wai-toi-toi beach has presented quite a busy appearance during the past few days, trainers of horses competing at the forthcoming races on Thursday being engaged in winding up their charges. The Cup promises to be a well contested event, some fairly well bred horses being expected to run. Amongst the local candidates Kiko Kiko is doing good work, and looks bright and well. The committee are sparing no pains to make the gathering in every way successful, and a refreshment stall will be erected on the beach, and patrons requiring hot water will be provided with some free of charge. As usual, it is expected a large number of visitors will be present from all parts pf the district, Including New Plymouth, and those wishing to have an interest in the various events will be enabled to do so by means of half-crown sweeps, but the committee wish it to be understood that bookmakers will not be permitted to do business. The club hold their annual ball in the Urenui Hall on Thursday, the 14th Inst., and this is sure to be well patronised, as it Is always carried out in an up-to-date manner.