DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather lately has been erratic, and some very cold showers have been experienced. The growth of grass is not so satisfactory as farmers would like, and it is quite patent that there is going to be a shortage of feed in some quarters. Fortunately a good many farmers harvested big stacks of hay, and this will be fed out as a reserve. There has been but little improvement In the coastal stock markets, the only class which appears to be in any demand being really good heifers, due to come into profit early next season. ’ At a recent meeting of Cape Egmont Dairy Factory directors, the question of altering the factory premises was further discussed. After a full enquiry into various matters, decision was deferred, the alterations being held in abeyance. A reliable authority on dairying matters stated recently that in certain parts of the North Island a fair sprinkling of summonses have been Issued against dairymen who were unable to meet their interest. He qualified the statement, however, by explaining sat these were men who had practically no capital, and rushed recklessly into buying dairy farms at highly inflated values, without any regard for consequences. The authority stated that he blamed those responsible for financing these fictitious sales more than the misguided purchasers who thought fortunes made out of dairying. Work is going on apace on the Parihaka block. Mr. Caddy, our road overseer, and his band of workers, are pushing things through with a will.

There is talk of the local factory suppliers holding a social and dance, to celebrate the closing of a very successful season.

Inquiries about land along this eoast have been somewhat active lately.

The late rains have again made our byroad (Cape Road) very unpleasant for travelling. However, some degree of consolation onay be derived from the fact that it is proposed to form the lower portion of the road shortly, and that the metalling by next December may be an accomplished fact. Same old tale!

The local rivers are in flood at present, but I have not yet heard of any damage being done.

Empire Day (24tb Inst.) was observed as a holiday by the . local school. The children gathered as usual in the morning, sang the National Anthem, and dispersed for the rest of the day.

The new school teacher (Miss Morecroft) arrives on June 1 to take over from Miss D. Simpson the duties of head teacher.

The Okato senior team expected to give tbe Star seniors a shake up for victory at New Plymouth last Saturday. The game appears to have been taken up enthusiastically by players and spectators locally.

The Warea Hall committee’s fortnightly social and dance will be held in the Warea Hall on Thursday, June 2. Parker’s orchestra will supply the music.

A Maori church service was held in the local Methodist Church on Tuesday, 22nd Inst., conducted by their own Maori minister. Quite a large number of local Maoris attended. An interesting Macri wedding took place locally last week, accompanied with the usual Maori festivities.

With so many young farmers launching out on their own next season, the ranks of the marriageable ladies of the coast are being doing place in June. Whooping-cough is still in our midst, particularly amongst the younger generation, although I have not beard of any new cases of late. There was a large gathering of Warea residents on the evening of May 19, in the Warea Hall, when opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Mr. and Airs. Parker and family, who Are leaving Warea after several years’ residence on the co.ast. Handsome presents were made to the guests of the evening, who made suitable acknowledgements. Dancing was the principal amusement of the evening, matters moving merrily to music provided by Parker’s orchestra. Extras were also played. Supper, In the capable hands of the ladies, was handed round and done full justice to, after which dancing was kept up until the early hours. In view of the exorbitant prices of men’s suits in this country, it would be an untold blessing if some philanthropic capitalist would emulate the example of Mr. Deeley) M.P., who has revolutionised London by acquiring an interest in several large factories, opened tailors’ shops, and is offering suits to measure at pre-war prices. He maintains that the present price charged is unnecessary. Since Mr. Deeley entered into competition several other tailoring Anns have had to mark down the prices by 50 per cent. Providing weather permits, a. football match married men versus Single Is to be played at the Rahotu recreation ground.