OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1921, Page 7

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Socials and amusements are plentiful just now, being promoted by the various Queen Carnival Committees. The Eltham Pipe Band was engaged by the Maori Committee, andt- k a result a. very large crowd was attrited by the pipers to the Town Hall on Monday evening. National dances were given by juvenile and adult dancers, Maori hakas and comic songs being also rendered. The next big item in connection with the Town Carnival candidate is the tug-of-war. It is anticipated that outside teams will be competing. Regarding the unfortunate fishing fatality, it was reported at the inquiry by one witness that the “ropes of the rudder fouled.” It is almost criminal negligence to trust to a rudder in ordinary surf waters. One might just as well use a wooden spoon. If the steer oar is put aside for the rudder, it is almost certain boating accidents will occur. The crews that worked the Opunake surf boat in landing our produce in gone-by days would never think of trusting their boat to a rudder. The excellent record of the crews that worked the surf boat was mainly due to the fact that a capable hand was always at the steer oar. It is about time our own lo.'al bodies noce 1 the fact that cargo can be landed at the Opunake port. Tons of cement, coal, benzine, etc., is hauled over the roads when the bulk of it might well come through the port. Whether it is due to lack of' facilities, at the port or neglect of local bodies and other importers to “push our own birrow” is a matter that might be looked into. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Town Board was held on’Monday evening, Messrs. C. A. Trotter (chairman), T. N. Watt, A. Richards, R. P. Malcolm being present. The electrical engineers (Messrs. Toogood, Holmes and Jones) estimate (approximate) for the hydro-electric scheme was £16,000, which did not include reticulation. The amount needed under a Power Board proposal will be in the vicinity of £20,000. The Federal Band’s annual balancesheet showed a credit balance of £52. Mr. J. Humphries was re-elected bandmaster. Other officials elected were: — Chairman, Mr. P. Harding; drum major, Mr. G. Short; band sergeant, Mr. M. Bowler; band corporal, Mr. L. H. Des Forges. The band has instituted a fund for procuring uniforms. During the past year the band has rendered valuable service to the community, and every citizen will be pleased to see the uniform fund increase sufficiently and quickly to enable uniforms to be procured. The Egmont Nursing Association’s balance sheet showed a credit balance of £25 7s lid on the year’s working. The nurse’s report showed that 239 cases had been attended to during the year. A vote of hearty appreciation for services rendered was passed to the retiring chairman (Rev. C. Strand), who has left this district. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Messrs. G. W. Rogers (chairman); secretary and treasurer. Rev. C. Palmer; committee, Messrs. G. W. Rogers, C. R. Pease, M. O’Brien, C. A. Trotter, T, H. H. Sinclair, S. Campbell senr., Dr. 'Watt, Mesdames Rogers, Feaver senr., Pease, and Miss McFadzen.

The Town Board has increasefl the amount of grazing fees for stock running in the township.