DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TOKO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The death of the late Mr. Michael Groshonski, adds another to the already long list of fatal accidents. The deceased, who was a member of a well known and respected Tuna family, left for the front with the 6th Reinforcements, with which he served until the armistice. His optimistic and cheerful disposition made him extremely popular with those with whom he came into contact. Among the mourners at his grave-side were Diggers who had journeyed eighty miles in order to pay their last respects to a trusted mate. To his young widow and sorrowing relatives the sympathy of the district is extended. Kindly natured "Mick" left a host of friends behind him when he crossed the Great Divide. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The attendance at the local hall on Friday evening, July 1, was very satisfactory, the occasion being tte welcome social accorded to the Rev. H. A. Coleman and Mrs. Coleman, Mr. Coleman having recently been appointed vicar of the Anglican Church In this and surrounding districts. Mr. W. T. GyHd, who piloted the proceedings, spoke a few words of welcome, in the course of which.he expressed the hope that Mr. and Mrs. Coleman’s sojourn would be pleasant and enjoyable. Mr. Coleman suitably replied, making a strong appeal to ail the church members for a better attendance at the services, and thus help one another. A programme had been arranged, quite a few visiting artists haying promised to assist, but unfortunately at the last moment were unable to ba present. The items rendered by local talent during the evening were much appreciated. Dancing was indulged in, the music being pjrovi,ded by Messrs. E. Barrett and T. Layard, which contributed much to the success of tfce social. The M.C., Mr. T. Barrett, fulfilled his duties creditably. During the evening a very enjoyable supper was handed round, and reflected every credit on the ladies who were responsible. The lady members worked hard to make the evening a success, and there is no doubt they succeeded, all those who attended having a most enjoyable time.

The Hempton Hall, Okato, will be the centre of attraction on Saturday, July 9, when the Methodist Church Bazaar will be in full progress. During the last few weeks the committee have been making preparations, and there will be a number of stalls laden with articles of every kind. The bazaar will be on an unprecedented scale, and there will be much to Interest one and all.

Arangements are being made to entertain the soldier settlers on the Farit aka sections at a social and dance to be held in the local hall on or about July 19, when an opportunity will be taken of welcoming them, their wives and families to our district.

On Wednesday evening, June 29, in the Rahotu Methodist Church, the Rev. T. G. Brooke gave a very interesting address oh tte history of the Methodist Church from the landing of the Rev. S. Leigh at the Bay of Islands on January 22, 1822, up till the present time. The Rev. Harkness presided over a good congregation. At the conclusion of his address an appeal was made for funds towards the building of a Memorial Church at Kaeo, a training college for. students, a Maori Girls’ College, and several other objects. The collection* amounted to £l3.

At Rahotu on Saturday last 3 football match ’ was played between teams consisting of married and single men. After a good game the married men won by 6 points to 0. There was a very large yarding of. all'kinds of stock at Nev.ton King's Rahotu sale yards on Thursday, June 30. There is at present a big demand for heifers showing good, quality, Holsteins in particular fetched good money and it ,1s evident that this breed of milk producer is becoming very popular. Settlers in the coastal districts who have hitherto been engaged In sheep farming and fattening stock, Intend converting their properties into dairy farms, for the coining season. In view of the high capital cost of land, stock and manufacturing, farmers are preparing to make every effort to improve the quality of their produce. The relations that exist between farmers and their employees were referred to in appreciative terms by a local farmer during the course 01 a conversation recently. There were approximately 50,000 farmers and 100,000 employees and it was a source of gratification that the men and their masters have always agreed, even, through the whole course of the war. There were no labor troubles throughout the country districts where the men and their employees we-re agreed and were carrying on the work of the country (in his opinion) as well as possible. We need never be afraid of serious overproduction of either cheese or butter. The market for all we are likely to make is waiting for us and in the case of cheese at any rate we can command the very top price In the world’s markets. The newer knowledge of nutrition which l is being disseminated throughout the world to-day is a great boose for milk and its products. Already the signs are not lacking that milk, cheese, and butter are being placed higher in the scale of dietary values than they have been in the past. We may not always get as much for It as we think we are entitled to, but it does appear as though dairy produce would bring as high as if not a higher relative price than most other farm products. Look at the situation today with the price of many products dropping, but with cheese and butter at the peak in the market where prices are determined. The weather during the past week hu.s, been very cold and wet and no growti: of any kind is observable. The streams running through Pungarehu swept down to the sea lik, a mill race In flood.

WAI-TOI-TOI—-URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The customary fortnightly euchre party and dance was held-in the Pukearuha schoolroom on Friday evening last, when, in spite of the rather rough weather, there was a good attendance. There were six tables engaged, and interesting' play resulted. Miss Mary Moeller was successful in carrying off the ladies' prize, which consisted of a hair-brush, whilst Mr. T. .Martin, who Aon the whole thirteen games, secured the silk scarf, which constituted the gentlemen’s prize. At the conclusion of the cards, a dance was held, Mr. J. Robinson, as usual efficiently carrying out the duties of M.C.,- and Messrs Martin and Spurr contributed the music. The supper, provided by the ladles, was accorded full justice and greatly appreciated. Mr. Bryant, who has resided in Uruti for the past thirteen years, has disposed of his farm to Mr. 1). Hammon, of Okoke, at a satisfactory figure.- Mr. Bryant intends taking up his residence in New Plymouth. A well-attended dance was held in the Urenui Hall on Thursday evening last, advantage being taken of the occasion to say good-bye to Mr. A. Ross, who has for the past two years been engaged at the, Wai-toi-tol cheese factory. Mr. Sam. Johnson fulfilled the duties of M.C. very capably, and Miss Terrill, as pianist, gave every satisfaction, whilst, the supper provided was excellent. During the course of the evening, Mr. Chas. Rumball, on behalf of these present, presented Mr. Ross with a handsome travelling bag and a set of military hair-brual.es. and, in a few appropriate remarks, expressed the regret they all felt at losing Mr. Ross, and wished han every success and prosperity in the future. Mr. Ross suitably responded, and expressed his appreciation of the handsome gift that had been given him. He had spent two very pleasant years in the district, and regretted leaving very much, as he had made many friends during his sojourn in Wai-toi-toi, and would carry wltl: him many pleasant memor--iea of the district. The speaker was • warmly applauded, and all joined in singing "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

On Thursday and Friday last, SergeantMajor Bell, of New Plymouth, paid a visit to Urenui for the purpose of placing Into operation the scheme for the training of cadets and territorials in this district. Thursday was devoted to the former, and, before commencing instruction, the sergeant addressed the boj-s at some length, stating that they would have to ARsuunbia fortnightly on Ttursdava, th* hours

beijig from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday was deto.the Territorials, who will be composed of young men betv.een 18 and 25 years of age, and they will have to be present on every alternate Friday, the hours being similar to those of the cadets. Any of the Territorials ha

ring suitable mounts will be permitted to bring them.

Euchre parties, iioeUl evenings, surprise parties, etc., are now much in evidence.throughout the district, and on Monday evening a

number of ladies and gentlemen from Urenui, Okoke, apd Wai-tol-toi assembled at Mr. Zimmerman’s at Wai-tol-toi, when a moat enjoyablf evening was spent, cards, music and dancing being indulged In. Before departing, Mr. C, Rumball, <if Urenui, on behalf of the visitors, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman for their hospitality, and after Mr. Zimmerman had acknowledged the compliment, the proceedings were terminated by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

At the usual monthly meeting of the Wai-toi-toi Dairy Company, held on Wednesday last, a large numlier of applications were received for the position of manager. After considerable discussion it was eventually decided to appoint Mr. T. Taylor, of Lepperton, to the position. Mr. Taylor is well known in the district, having some years ago been employed in the North Taranaki factory. The annual meeting of the company has been arranged to take place on August 12. There will be quite a number of attractions during the coming week or so. The Returned Soldiers' Ball In Waitara on Thursday will be attended bj a large number of returned <iueh and others ifrom thie locality, and the Hawera Show, as. usual, will draw a fair quota of visitors. Oh the 16th, all roads will lead to New Plymouth, as the visit of the Springboks will be an all-absorbing topic, not only amongst football enthusiasts, but others as well, and, although It is hardly fair to expect a win, there is no doubt the Taranaki boys will give a good account of themselves. Ratana's expected visit to Waitara on the 18th, and the opening of the up-to-date concrete hall erected by the natives in that locality, wUI also be xi big attraction for a large number of Maoris and Europeans, whilst the plain and fancy (hens ball to be given by the returned soldiers In the Urenui hall on the 21st promises to be one of the most successful functions ever held there.

I regret to. have to state that we are losing the services of Mr. Jas. D. Ross, the present manager of the local cheese factory, he having decided to take up farming pursuits. During his residence In this locality, Mr. Ross has made himself extremely popular, not only in Wai-toi-toi, but also In Urenui and elsewhere having taken an active interest In any movement for the welfare of tin district. He has filled the position of postmaster and chairman of the Mimi school committee most satisfactorily, having hen courteous and willing to oblige In both naiiaoi&lM. oa Qumm who have

come into contact with him can teslfy. Mr. Rosa is also troop-leader of the Ati Awa troop of Frontiersmen, and in this respect h'«< made himself extremely popular amongst his comrades. Ever ready to place bis car at th© disposal of those who have met with accident or sickness, Mr. Rosa will be missed by many, and Lis departure will be regretted by a wide circle of friends.