DISTRICT NEWS.
PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent) So far the winter has been a mild one along the-coast, with the result that there has been a noticeable growth In some parts, , and the prospects of getting through the winter without losses of any kind v look much better now than what farmers expected. Farmers who put in early oats are finding that tho crops are coming away really well. The stock markets show a better tone also, and no doubt the satisfactory growth of grass will have a beneficial effect upon all future sales. Matters are now well in hand for the establishment of agricultural clubs among the boys ftnd girls of the primary schools in North Taranaki’ on similar lines to those In South TAranaki. Competitions are to be commenced Immediately for mangel crops and carrot crops.
Recent visitors to the Parihaka soldier settlement here have been Impressed with the improvements which have been made in the various sections. There are some fine homesteads. The statement made by the Minister of Lands, showing that the Government had been able to assist 13,684 returned soldiers towards re-establishing themselves in •civil life at an expenditure of something like nineteen millions, is generally regarded as satisfactory. There has undoubtedly been a certain amount of criticism of tte repatriation efforts of the Government, of course chiefly directed against the high prices paid for private land, and the comparatively small area of Crown land brought into profitable occupation by the soldier settler. But it stabds to
reason that the Government could not acquire private laud any more than anybody else at less than its market value, and on the other hand the available Crown lands, with rare exceptions, cannot be made productive within a year or two of occupation. A King Country man who recently visited the coast says that in his opinion cows, cheese and butter have caused land to go up to its present extraordinary value. Some, farm land in the vicinity, of Haweta has sold at £220 per acre. At this price, however, ho points out that the land Is required in small areas mainly by farmers who have sold out or retired, but who cannot forsake their old habits. Still be says £lBO per acre has been given for land actually required for farming for profit, but he considers this the Limit for tho present. Big mortgages are oitep associated with these deals, and he thinks, along with many others, that a time of reckoning must come sooner or later. At the present time even. It must be
confessed, Taranaki has all tho Indications ofj being very prosperous. it Is reported that Messrs. Moffatt and Goodwin, of Punito, have generously decided to cut un a portion of their property into lots to suit intending dairy farmers. It is noticeable that on two or three vacant sections along the coast stacks of timber are placed. The timber will within a few weeks be aha ped into homesteads.
Gorse crops on certain properties in this vicinity are looking well at present. Good work Is being dene by several of the local Maoris in clearing tholr land and frontages ot noxious weeds.
The forthcoming social and danco to welcome the Parihaka soldier settlers to our district on Tuesday 19th promises to be most successful, and will no doubt be attended by visitors from all parts ot the coast, as the local ladles’ committee leave no stone unturned to give tte boys an enjoyable evening.
A very successful sale of work was held In the Hempton Hall, Okato, on Saturday, July 9. It was promoted by the ladies of Okato Methodist Church, who by their industry, and with the aid of friends, secured a fine Iqt ot articles for sale. Tho people of Okato aro proverbially liberal lu giving, and on this occasion were In uo wise behind former efforts in a good cause. The hall was nicely arangod, the stalls doing good business all day, and all other mon ey-<m akin g devices were equally well patronised. The workers must feel proud of the success attained.
Attention is drawn to tho social anti danco on Wednesday, July 20, under the auspices of the Rahotu hall committee, particulars of which will be advertised in the News. Tlie keenness of the committee In hall matters Is shown by the efforts put forth In improvements, which, when completed, will make tlie Lail second to none on the coast, and it would only be fitting if Rahotu and surrounding districts turned out en masse on the 20th in appreciation of their efforts. The general health of tlie Pungarehu district Is very satisfactory at present. A few cases of colds are the only disturbing elements In this locality. The Rev. H. A. Coleman, Anglican minister, paid a visit to Pungarehu on Sunday 10th Inst., and delivered a most interesting sermon in the local hall, to a good congregation. Under the auspices of the Okato Anglican Church, a sale of work will be held shortly In Okato in aid of the church funds. LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Despite the very inclement weather conditions, there was a large attendance at the plain and fancy dress ball held at the Lowgarth hall on Tuesday evening, and all spent a very pleasant evening. The floor was In excellent order, and dancing was Indulged in until the early hours <x£ the morning. The duties of M.C. were in the capable hands ot Mr. P. Carlson, and Miss E. Swindle!-urst provided the music. There was a good number of fancy costumes, including the following:— Mrs. Carlson, "Ruination”; Mrs. W. Vincent, "Dutch Maid”; Mrs. Rate, "Nurse”; Mrs. H. Thrush, "Safety Matches"; Miss Vincent,
"Home Fashions"; Miss Urbhan, "Witch”; Miss D. Palmer, "Dixie"; MLss Palmer, "Dutch Girl"; Miss M. Pryce, "Slice of Water Melon"; Miss Cuanberworth, "Swiss Peasant”; Miss Belcher, "Three Castles Cigarettes"; Mr, H. Mead, "Red Indian"; Mr. H. Thrush, "Saturday and Sunday"; Mr. L. Townsend, "Clown." The prizes were awarded to Miss Urbhan for tte ladles' and Mr. Mead for thfc gentlemen's fancy costumes. During the evening a maiden waltzing competition was held, and this was won by Miss Cuml/erworth and Mr. Townsehd. Mr. L. was judge of the waltzing competition, and Mr. Taylor and Miss Kilbride judged tlie costumes. Those Who did not dance played cards. Supper, as usual, was provided by the ladies, and was done full justice to. A benefit social is being arranged for Mr. George Smith, whose hand was badly crushed in an accident last Saturday.—Argus.
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Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1921, Page 3
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1,088DISTRICT NEWS. Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1921, Page 3
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