DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

MAHOE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) For the past four days we have had a return of wintry weather, and the snow on the mountain is thicker than ever. After the balmy air of the preceding fortnight this was most unwelcome, but to-day (Thursday) th.e sky has cleared, and Is looking as though we may expect frost.

The weather on Tuesday night did not, however, affect the attendance at the combined ball, which was held in the hall in aid of the improvement funds. Visitors were present from Cardiff, Lowgarth, Mangatoki, and Kaponga, and all present voted the ball most enjoyable. Dancing was kept going until nearly three o'clock in the morning to music supplied by Mr. McCarty, of Kaponga. Owing to an attack of Influenza, Mrs. McCarty, unfortunately, was unable to be present to assist with the music.

During an interval after supper, presentations were made to Mr. and Mrs. G. Hurrell, who are leaving Mahoe to reside in New Plymouth, Mr. Hurrell’s health necessitating retirement from the strenuous work of farming for a few years. On behalf of Mahoe friends, Mr. Mackenzie, in an appropriate speech, voiced the regret, of all at the loss of such popular residents from the district, and assured Mr. and Mrs. Hurrell that they would find a warm welcome should they return to Mahoe. He tten asked Mrs. Hurrell to accept a beautiful Roslyn travelling rug, and to Mr. Hurrell, handed a shaving outfit. Mr. Hurrell su(t-i ably replied on behalf of his wife and himself, and concluded by inviting their frlqndsto -isit them in their new home. The usual

“For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was then' sung and dancing resumed. During the evening extras were played by, Messrs. Bailey, Simpson (Oaonui), Franklyn (Lowgarth), and Stewart (Cardiff). A waltzing competition was won by Mr. J. Perry and Miss Belle Davies.

While on the theme of dancing, I might add ttat "jazzing” in any shape is considered extremely bad form in Mahoe. Our boys a“nd' girls are above the vagaries of Eastern harems. We ]earn with much satisfaction that Mr.' and Mrs. Murphy are returning to take charge of the Dawson Falls Hostel. Their years of experience there have well fitted them for. the position.

A recent visitor to the hostel reports that vandals have been busy there as well as at the Stratford house, though not to such a deplorable extent. What a pity that Stratford house has been left vacant I It was an ’ideal spot for a holiday, being so centrally situated The walk from Stratford House to the North Egmont Rouse proved an enjoyable day's outing, as also did a visit to Dawson's Falls, and otter day’s oiltings could comprise a walk to Curtis Falls, or a climb to Curtis Hut (now almost demolished). No doubt old Egmont is an asset to Taranaki, but, alas! how apathetic the majority of people who lire on its beautiful slopes appear to be in regard to its grandeur and sublimity I One continually meets with people in this district who have never ever driven up to Dawson Falls Hostel, and yet there Is no more magnificent drive than the one from the gate on the upper Manaia Road to the House. Words fail me to express my appreciation of its beauty.

The local school is closed for the term holidays.

Miss Cumberworth and Mrs. Jack Cumberworth have gone for a holiday to Auckland. Miss Simpson (Oaonui) is on a visit to Mrs. Mackenzie.

Miss Whittington has returned to Stratford. Miss Eileen Mackopzie has received notice that at the examination in music under the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music she was successful in passing in rudiments of music, topping the list for the Stratford centre with 96 marks out of a possible 99. This young lady has never y§t failed in an examination, having secured her A.T.C.L. at the age of 13 years. The Sisters of the Mission are to be congratulated on the success of their pupil. At the recent sale of pedigree Jerseys, held at Hawera, Mr. A. L. Hooper, of Mahoe. was the purchaser of two hlgtly priced heifers. Mr. Hooper is one of those farmers who believe in quality before quantity and is to be commended on his venture.

We are to have still another ball before winter festivities are concluded, this time a plain and fancy dress, which is to eventuate on the 13th inst. Prizes are to be given for best fancy dress, and there is to be a waltzing competition as well, so all are hoping for a fine night. Music and supper at Mahoe need no ad.—they “are so well and favorably known.

The local factory is running daily with an ever increasing supply of milk.

Farmers around here are feeding out to their stock, and finding the benefit of the prolific crops of hay that were saved last season. The turnip and other crops also have been exceptionally good and stock are looking well. The pity is ! t so many calves are being slaughtered as :i result of the low prices ruling last season for weaners.

Calf skins now are worth about 6s each, and with' an additional 2s 6d for the veil, it does not pay to rear them. It is gratifying to learn that Mr. Reere, the general manager for Mangatoki, is recovering from his recent illness. All here wish him a speedy return to good health.

Local residents now are busy wth their gardens, planting potatoes, peas, etc., and hoping that frosts will be mild. On enquiry at Stratford Hospital, we learn that Mr. Malone, who lost his left band in a gun accident, last week, Is progressing well. TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On the evening of August 27, a well-attend-: ed meeting of the Tahora Settlers’ Association was held In the School, 'J'ahora. Mr. Wu L. Kennedy, president of the Association was in the chair. Mr. Masters, M.P., wrote stating that the matters referred to bim by the Association were being dealt 'with by the Minister ojf Public Works. The Association considered that the charges for sheep and cattle on the Public Works line were excessive, also that better passenger accommodation should be provided. At present the passenger accommodation is very poor. It was thought that further consideration should be given to the settlers of Raekahua Road in connection with the purchase of the Public Works Telephone in that district.

A Geological Survey party were recently operating in the Tangarakau Gorge. They found good metal there. It was decided to report this fact to the Stratford Chamber Of Commerce. This discovery should kelp to solve the road problem in this district.

The Kohuratahi Settlers* Association recently made a request that better lighting be provided at the station. The Tahora association strongly supported this request. A long discussion took place over the proposed arterial road—Kaltaia to Wellington. The Association unanimously supported the inland route from Te Kulti via Wlrangamomona and Stratford. Along this route there is a large amount of fine country to be opened up.

On the evening of August 27, there was a meeting of the Tahora School Committee. Mr. H. Plttams occupied the chair, and there was a full attendance of members.

Mr. Craig, tte newly appointed head-master, was present by request, and was heartily welcomed. The committee are pleased that they have at last a settled tea citer. Since Inst January there have been five teachers, and the school has suffered from these frequent changes. It was decided to grant permission to school children learning music to practice on the school piano outside school hours. A long discussion took place on the difficulty of securing supplies of school requisites. It was thought that it would be a good thing if the committee kept a supply of all school requisites, and let the children have them at cost price. The secretary was instructed to communicate with the Board about tho matter.

It was reported that Messrs. Kennedy and Shurey tad donated trees to beautify the school grounds. It was decided to thank the donors.

•Some time ago the school committee raised money for the purpose of getting a school library. It was decided to see about purchas. ing the books. ' On August 26, tho Tahora Settlers’ Association hbld a dance in the Tahora Hall. Messrs. R. Kennedy and T. Selby acted as M.C.’s, and Messrs. C. F. Carter, F. Coxhead, W. Jepson, and J. Dickinson, provided the music. During the evening, there were several vocal and elocutionary ‘items.