DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The spell of fine weather which the coastal districts have enjoyed lately was broken on Saturday last, when rain set in. Showers have fallen at intervals almost every day since, which is just the thing for the pastures and root crops. “In spite of the great production and consumption of margarine, there is a keen demand for butter, because- the public are very tired of margarine,” writes an English friend to a local resident. “It was thought at one time that people, having been introduced to margarine, would continue its use, but that is not going to be the case. There is, therefore, a very considerable future still for New Zealand butter in the British market. The existing shortage of butter at Home will continue for some time.”

An enjoyable dance was held in the Newall Road school recently in aid of the children’s picnic fund. There was a large attendance present, and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy the attractive music and the other excellent arrangements made.

On Tuesday evening, sth inst., a most successful social and dance was held in the Hempton Hall, Okato, under the auspices of the Okato Football Club. Messrs. Andrews and Corbett discharged the duties of M.’sC. in their usual efficient style, whilst Messrs. Parker and Norris, as pianist and violinist, gave general satisfaction. A most enjoyable supper was handed round during the evening, and was much appreciated by those present.

The members of the Warea Anglican Church are organising a social function, which takes place in the Warea Hall on Thursday evening, 14th inst., in aid of the church funds. An energetic committee has been formed to make it a success. The music will be supplied by Messrs. Parker and Norris. There was only a moderate attendance at the euchre party and dance held at Puniho school on Friday, April 8. The fact that a dance was held in Warea the previous evening, and another at Rahotu the same evening, no doubt militated against a larger attendance. At the conclusion of cards, the floor was cleared, and dancing went on merrily to music supplied by Mr. Pearson. The arrangements throughout reflect the highest credit on those responsible for them. Friday evening’s social and dance on April 8, at the hall, Rahotu, in aid of the Opunake town queen candidate (Mrs. Lyttle) was a distinctly successful effort, and me committee may feel satisfied with the result of their work in this direction. There was an attendance of about 100, and the M.’sC., Messrs. H. Gilhooly and J. Freyne, kept matters moving merrily on a floor that was in perfect order. The music was provided by Messrs. Parker (piano) and Norris (violin), giving every satisfaction. Extras were contributed by Messrs. J. Orbell and E. Barrett. Miss Gardner favored the company with a song, for which she received well merited applause. The supper, in the able hands of the ladies, when handed round was much enjoyed. In aid of the same candidate a large tug-of-war contest is being held in the Opunake Hall on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Over a dozen teams have been nominated, some from as far as Hawera.

F The Rahotu Football Club are holding their opening social and dance in the Rahotu Hall shortly, the date of which will be advertised in the Daily News. The committee are making the fullest preparations for the event, and a very large crowd, is expected. The music will be provided by Parker’s orchestra. The annual meeting of householders will be held in the school-room on Monday evening, the 25th inst., for the purpose of electing a committee to carry on the business connected with the local school for the ensuing year. The coastal residents are offered an unusual treat on Sunday afternoon, April 24, when the New Plymouth Citizens’ Band win play a special programme of music at the Rahotu school grounds.

All our soldier settlers appear to be well satisfied with results, and are busily improving their holdings. Judging by the timber that has floated down from the back country, the coastal rivers have risen considerably owing to the recent rains.

No doubt the ’bus proprietors are pleased with the recent arrivals of petrol, which will enable them to continue the splendid service which is now offered the travelling public between Opunake and New Plymouth. Let us hope that regular shipments will follow, as it would ba hard luck if farmers had again to start milking by hand, as on previous occasions when a shortage occurred.