DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TARATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.)* The Tarata-Purangi Settlers’ Association lately induced Mr. Adamson, Government Orchard Instructor, of Wanganui, to give a pruning demonstration, which was duly held on the property of Mr. J. Drummond. The afternoon being fine, there was an excellent attendance. The remarks and Instructions of the expert were very closely followed, many questions being asked. At the conclusion, hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. Adamson for his demonstration, and to Mr. Drummond for the use of his orchard. A very enjoyable afternoon tea was provided, to which full justice was done. We have been having lovely weather up to this week here, but now spring is coming, the weather this week has been awful. The local factory is looking for a larger supply this season, as many more settlers are going in for dairying. With our good climate and crops, a lot of butter-fat should be turned out of this valley. The annual settlers’ ball last Friday evening was a great success. I hear we are to have some great football matches soon. ROWAN. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Friday, July 22, a most successful concert was held in the Rowan Hall, with the object of raising funds for the school committee. Though the evening was not as fine as was hoped for, tfre concert was well patronised. The programme was as follows: Pianoforte solo, "Blumenlied,” M. Maindonald; song, “Mulberry Bush,’’ Infants; drill, Infants; fling, Bessie Stevenson; club-swing-ing, Rev. Avery; Dialogue, ’’Patriots’ Club," Boys; song, “Lass of Killie Cranklo," Mr. Burrows, “Stop Your Tickling Jock," encore; song, “Hush-a-bye," Girls (with May Denham and Mrs. Richards as Mammies, and Edna Richards and Clive Hollard as coons); song, “Old Folks at Home," Mrs. Richards (encore, "Massa's in the Cold Ground"); song, "At Eventide," Mrs. Stevenson; song, Meester Baggy Breeches,” Girls in costume; song, “Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers," Mrs. Burrows; fling, Flora and Jean McCandlish; song, "The Four Marys,” Bessie Stevenson ; comic recitation, "Pants,” Mr. Phillips (encore "Breathing”); dancing. Girls; song, Mr. Burrows, encored.

During the evening delegates from the Kaponga War Memorial Association addressed tte audience. Mr. A. Burrows was appointed delegate to represent the returned soldiers of Rowan. Two little girls, Laura Palmer and Jean McCandlish, sold buttonholes. The concert, being over, the hall was cleared for dancing for which Miss Hawcroft played. An excellent supper, appreciated by young and old alike, was supplied by - the ladies. Mr. 'Burrows and Mr. McCandlish made most efficient M.C.’s. Many thanks are due to those gentlemen (Messrs. Burrows, Sattler, Philps, Garnett and Stevenson), v*ho gave their time and kelp to l decorate the hall and, did the sundry odd jobs necessary to make a concert a success. Just at present an epidemic of particularly heavy colds is prevalent in the district. Amongst recent departures from the district are Mr. and Mrs. McFle (who will be very much missed in social events), Mr. and Mrs. McGarva, Mr. T. L. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. A. Williams, and their families. The bachelors’ ball to be held should promise to be a great success. The bachelors have secured McCarty's orchestra, well-known to the dancing public, for the evening. Towards the end of the month the Sports’ Club concert-, at which will be staged McSporrau and Co’s, farce, should be worth going to. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wintry weather still prevails, and the wild storms swept across from the west with more than ordinary vehemence. The fireside is by far the pleasantest place, and those persons with indoor occupations are rather envied by the farming community. We hear a lot about the "big cheques" the farmer gets, but there are very few workers who get less and deserve more than the farmers, whose work iq ail weathers cannot be neglected. Local farmers are eagerly looking, forward to the annual meeting of shareholders, and the expectant bonus. It is hoped the Cape Egmont Dairy Company will be able to present as favorable a balance-sheet as in former years.

A few of the more intimate friends of Mrs. Cameron paid her a surprise visit on Friday afternoon last to wish her good-bye and uodspeed. Mrs. Mathews, in extending to Mrs. Cameron the bqst wishes of all present, hoped both Mr. Cameron and herself would be spared many years, and expressed the opinion that • both would find some work to be done, even at Centre Island. Mrs. Cameron was asked to accept, on behalf of those present, a pair of Doultonware vases as a token of esteem and friendship. The recipient feelingly replied. A farewell social has been arranged by Mr. T. Barrett, and coastal friends are requested to embrace the opportunity of saying goodbye. The music is in the hands of Mr. Parker, and patrons may look forward to a very pleasant evening this evening (Tuesday).