DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 May 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Coastal farmers in some instances are much concerned regarding the failure of certain turnip seeds. Those wl:o sowed a mixture have found that but one sort has come away, and in some cases paddocks have received two sowings, and then the result is none too good. As usual all sorts of reasons are supplied for the failures, but until proper experiments are conducted no correct conclusion can be arrived at as to the cause of the irregularity. Much comment is being made regarding the carelessness of the Govermment as to the provincial legislation controlling noxious weeds. In one or .two cases the neglect to attend to weeds is going to cause much worry and expense to many settlers. It would not be at all surprisirj? to hear of a mass meeting of settlers being called to discuss the matter.

The spread of noxious weeds was referred to at a conference of the Taranaki Farmers’ Union, it being decided that the attention of the Government be drawn to the spreading of noxious weeds in Taranaki through the importation of weed-infected seeds and torse-feed. That more drastic action should be taken to prevent the sale of impure seeds and feed cannot be dented, and it has been suggested that in the case of seed the best solution is the raising within the Dominion of as much of the seeds required under legislation, prohibiting the sale of any seed other than that which is from a crop which has been inspected and passed by a Government inspector prior to saving, and sacks branded as such prior to sale. It has been said that thirty years ago noxious weeds were not known in Taranaki, but now the country is getting overrun with theun. The general opinion that all seed offered for sale should have some warranty, would materially assist the farmers and also be in the interest of the State as a whole.

The Cape Egmont Dairy Company contemplate making extensive alterations to their factory premises. The final decision as to what these will be Is to be made at next meeting of directors.

The fanners on the coast are having a much easier time now, most of theun only milking their cows once a day. The milking season is fast drawing to a close, and the time is near when her majesty the cow will be taking her annual vacation, while her bondmen will be busy doing necessary work to prepare for next season. There is no rest for the dairyman. During the absence of Mrx W. T. Guild, the manager of the local factory, who has gone to Dunedin on holiday, the factory is being run upder the supervision of Mr. H. Tynan.

The Rev. Harkness and Mrs. Harkness will be accorded a welcome social in the Methodist Church, Rahotu, on Saturday evening, 7th inst. The Jubilee Bellringers performed before a fair audience in the local hall on Friday night last. The entertainments they give are generally admitted to be well worthy of patronage. The dance to follow was a “wash-out," not enough remaining to make a start. A jolly little social took place in the Puniho school on Friday afternoon last, when the settlers and school children of the district gathered together to say good-bye to Mrs. M. Evans, for four year head-anistress of the Puniho school, and who has now left to take up a similar position in the Rahotu school. Mr. S. Wells, chairman of the school committee, eulogised the good work done by Mrs. Evans during her four years’ residence in Puniho, and voiced the feelings of all present in saying the settlers were sorry to lose her. He then asked Mrs. Evans to accept a small token of ‘goodwill from her numerous friends. This took the form of a substantial cheque. The recipient suitably responded. During the afternoon the following contributed items to the musical part of the programme:—Piano duet, Mrs. Ellis and Miss D. Wells; exhibition drill, scholars; recitation, Miss Elsie Moffat; song, senior scholars. During an intervrd oppcrtunlty was taken to make the annual distribution of prizes to the school children. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies, which brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close.

The euchre party and dance, held In the Puniho school on Friday evening, was a great success, a record crowd being present. The ladies’ prize for euchre was won by Miss Nina Payne, and in the men’s prizes Mr. R. Hawken secured first. After the cards, supper was served by the ladies’, Committee, after which the floor was cleared for dancing. A very large crowd remained for the dance, which was kept going till the early tours. Mrs. Bell supplied the music free, while Mr. E. B. Cooke discharged the\ arduous duties of M.C. in his usual efficient style. The social was quite a success financially, enough funds being now on hand to instal new lamps, of which the social room was much in need. The committee must feel quite satisfied with their efforts.