DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUKENGAHU. (Fro ima Correspondent.) . We are losing our oldest settler in this district in Mr. F. J. Browning, who has sold his farms, after a strenuous fourteen years’ hard slogging. Our euchre and socials for the winter started on the 6th, when a large gathering met at the school. Forty-four played euchre until about 10 o’clock, after which supper, which was provided by the ladies, was handed round, and between singing and dancing a pleasant evening was spent. Mrs. Browning's friends took the opportunity, when all his old friends were gathered round him, of presenting Mr. and Mrs. Browning with a silver tea service. • Mr. O’Neil, In making the presentation, spoke of the Browning family’s long residence in the district, and the respect in which they were held, and hoped they would live long to enjoy a wellearned rest in New Plymouth. Mr. T. J., Mrs., and Miss Moore have left Pukengahu for a. holiday in' the South Island. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The coastal factories are now running every other day, and the (majority of farmers are rapidly “drying off” their herds. As most of the cows come in fairly early on the roust, it is now getting time to turn them out to allow of their coming in in good condition next spring, which, with a good flush of young grass, is one of the most essential points to ensure big yields. I suppose we are all more or less given to grumbling and complaining of ofir lot, but when one thinks of the dry seasons that have been experienced in the South Island and Hawke’s Bay district, and compare them with the favorable weather and feed conditions enjoyed in Taranaki, it must be admitted that we have a lot to be thankful for. With the meagre supplies now being made to the various factories, all have more or less reverted to butter-making during the winter months. All casual hands have also been dispensed with. The existing shortage of butter in the United Kingdom will continue for some time, says a friend in the Home-land. It must be two or three years before Siberia, as a producing country, can have any effect on the market. Siberia, however, is not so large a source of i supply as Denmark, but the Danish supply has been decreased owing to the great demand from the Continent, and to the loss of stock.

The cheese position been somewhat eased from tl?e consumers’ point of view, because of the very large production of cheese in England, and also the very large increase in the amount of cheese coining from Ireland. During the control period most of the New Zealand cheese went on to the market in a more mature condition than in the past, and the . system of distribution introduced it pans of the Old Country that hitherto

had never used New Zealand cheese, and in most places it was received very favorably. Even in Cheshire, where they think there is no cheese like their own, a large quantity of New Zealand cheese has bean used, and this wider distribution should have a beneficial effect on the market for our cheese for the future.

There is every probability that the alterations to the local factory will shortly bo commenced. These alterations have been found necessary, as I understand that it is the intention of several suppliers to considerably augment their herds next year, and as most of the soldier settlers are also making preparations for milking next season, we can reasonably expect a very large increase in supplies. Land, in one or two instances that is at present supplying milk, will, I believe, go to sheep and grazing cattle in future, though under the circumstances stated above, this will not affect the supply to the factory much. Still it would be better in the interests of the community, if those parties reconsidered their decision and still continue milking. There was a satisfactory attendance at the Warea Hall on Thursday evening last, when a dance was held under the auspices of. the Warea Hall Committee. Parker's orchestra provided the music, and Mr. M. Parker acted as M.C. The customary supper was served and much appreciated. Our local school broke up on Friday last for the usual winter vacation, and re-opens on Tuesday, 17th Inst.

Mrs. Martin, our postmistress, returned from holiday leave on Friday last, during which time Miss C. Keasberry acted as postmistress. Miss Keasberry, who has earned the respect of the local settlers during the time she has been in charge of the post office, will be much missed. Mr. and Mrs. G. Knight, who were recently on a short visit to Pungarehu, have left for Urenui, and will later go to Inglewood, where they will in future reside, haying purchased a homo there.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Rayner, who have been in the south for some time, visiting friends and relations, returned home on Saturday last. By all accounts the shooting season so far has proved fairlj' successful.

The Rahotu Football Club’s annual social and dance in the Rahotu Hall on Friday evening last reached the best expectations. Visitors from near and far, including Kaponga, Opunake, and New Plymouth were in attendance, and lovers of dancing severely taxed the floor accommodation. Between the dances songs were contributed by Miss W. Rowlands (Rahotu), Miss Horo (Rahotp), whilst Miss If. Wright (Rahotu) gave a recitation, and Mr. J. Sullivan (Pungarehu) a cornet solo imitation). All the items were well rendered, and the audience showed appreciation by hearty applause. The music was supplied by Messrs. Parker (piano), and Norris (violin), extras being contributed by. Miss Julian (Opunake), Messrs. R. Lawson (New Plymouth), and E. Barrett (Pungarehu). Messrs IH. and A. Gilhooly carried out the duties iof M.'sC. most efficiently, and during the evening a very welcome supper was handed round. Secretaries P. Chapman and E. Gibson, with an energetic conumittee • (including the ladies), carried through the arrangements, their efforts being crowned with success.