DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

HURFORD ROAD, (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual general meeting of the Settlers’ Association was held in tiie school last Monday night, Mr. W. H. Smith presiding over a moderate attendance. He gave a report on the past year’s work, which showed that some good work had been done. The county council seemed very slow in completing the regrading of the other portion of the factory hill, which would have been done during the summer had we obtained assistance from our representative on the council. However, we are in hopes of tte hill being complete before the dairying season is in full swing. The following committee was appointed for the ensuing year : Mr. W. H. Smith (chairman), Mr. F. Bfackburn, Mr. F. R. Higgins, Mr. J. James, Mr. J. Wilson, Mr. R. D. Spence, and Mr. A. E. Williams (secretary and treasurer). It was decided to make the membership fee for the year 2s 6d, and also to hold a euchre party on Tuesday, August 16. Mr. J. James has donated a pig for the gents’ prize, and Mr. W. H. Smith is donating the ladies' prize. The euchre parties run by the sdiool committee are being well attended, and very keen finishes are witnessed at tbrnes. The annual school inspection was held recently, as a result of which several of the children were put up in to higher standards. Land agents with intending buyers have been busy on the road lately, but so far no changes have been reported. Dairying will soon be in full swing once more. Tte supply at the factory is gradually increasing, and a record season, as far . as supply is anticipated. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own CorrespontL.it.) The meeting of ratepayers, which was to have been held in the hall on Monday evening, Bth Inst., has been postponed until a later date. Farmers on this coast are much worried by the premature coming into profit of many of their cows, and I am sure would be pleased If the local stock inspector could arrange a lecture, and throw some light on the subject. In these days of high rates of interes, and cost of living, this is a great dfraw-back to farmers, as the most profitable cows this year seeim to be the ones which have suffered, and in many cases the yield of the animal is decreased, as well as the loss of the calf. Some attribute it to feeding on turnips too near calving. Others again consider it a form of contagious abortion, and from whatever cause the loss to the owner is conslder-

Mr. W. Thompson, assistant in the Farmers' Co-op. store, which is run in conjunction with the Cape Egmont dairy factory, has resignel his position, and intends taking a trip south with Mrs. Thompson. Customers will miss Mr. Thompson’s cheery face and faithful service of the past four years. Though quiet and unassuming, Mrs. Thompson has made many friends here, who wish her a pleasant holiday and a happy and peaceful ending -for both to their useful lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Cameron left on Wednesday en route for Centre Island. They will travel by rail to Wellington, thence by ferry boat tc Lyttelton, and by rail to Riverton, and from that. town a trip of about a. couple of hours by motor launch will see the end of tnen journey.

A valedictory social, arranged by Mr. T. Barrett, was held in the hall on Tuesday evening. Mr. Parker supplied excellent music, and the duties of M.C. were in the hands of the organiser. Mrs. D. Quickender played extras. Residents of Rahotu, Warea, Punlho, and Pungarehu gathered in goody numbers to speed the parting guests. Mr. Tynar, in the course of a. happy speech, eulogised the good work done for the coastal districts by Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, both socially and as newspaper correspondent, and on behalf of these districts presented them with a travelling rug. In replying, Mr. Cameron voiced their regret at leaving Cape Egmont, and thanked the assembly for their good wishes for Mrs. Cameron and himself.

Mrs. Jack Barrett, of Kini Road, had the misfortune to lose by fire, her residence at Oaonui. The house had been recently renoverated, prior to Mr. and Mrs. Barrett removing into it, and had been unoccupied, for about a week. The origin of the fire is a mystery.

The local Domain Board have very muck improved the appearance of our. ’‘Park” by planting shrubs and a hedge of golden' akeake. This is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped the plants will thrive. 1 The committee in charge of the ball in aid of the Memorial for Fallen Soldiers are sparing no efforts to make it the success of the season, and as this will probably be the last function for some considerable time, it is expected it will be well patronised.

A bad cold, which affects the bronchial tubes, is very prevalent in this district, and people find it hard to shake off. A few cases of “flu” are reported, but it is just possible that It is the cold in a slightly different form.

Farmers are making the most of the fine weather, and ploughing for crops is the order of the day. Some' are blasting out the big stones, which are a feature of many of the farms here, preparatory to ploughing, and residents who have lived nearer New Plymouth, where good metal is scarce, remark that tire stone would be a boon to the Taranaki County Council if only a cheap transit were available. It is a pity the Moturoa-Opunake light railway is still only a shadow; were it a reality there would be plenty of metal to spare from this coast, for a few years at least. ' .

There are several social functions to eventuate next week, Rahotu leading on Wednesday with a euchre and dance. Pungarehu on Thursday is billed for a grand ball, for the Memorial to Fallen Soldiers, and Warea on Friday will be the scene of' merriment and grandeur at a plain and fancy dress ball, so that those who trip the light fantastic will have no need to feel dull or slow.

Tiie “hard-up” social at Rahotu on Friday evening was a great success, and the various “h;ird-up” costumes created a deal of amusement. The floor as ustuil was in perfect order, and the music, by Parker’S orchestra, was all that could be desired. Messrs. Parker and Norris are very efficient musicians, and are always ready and willing to play at the functions wherever held, and the excellent music is greatly appreciated by the dancing public of the coast.

Writing of dancing, those narrow-minded individuate who are so ready to condemn this Innocent amusement should read J. G. Haddow’s letter on “Modern dancing,” which appeared in the Auckland Star of August 4. The writer evidently has strong views on the subject, but is rather hard on tiie clergymen, many of whom have few if any objections to dancing, particularly- those of the Roman or Anglican churches. It is the humble opinion of “Your Own” that a person can find harm In almost any amusement if he or slie belong to the “evil-minded” class. The evil that exists is usually of one’s own making, and vice versa.