DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. From Our Own Correspondent.} Wednesday last was quite a red-letter day in Urenui as concerns military matters, and the visit of Colonel Melville and staff to inspect the mounted troopers and senior cadets was in every way a most complete success. The place chosen for the parade was the recreation ground, which is admirably adapted for this purpose, and there was a large muster in spite of the unfavorable weather conditions. The troopers now have their uniforms, and looked quite smart in them, while Sergeant-Major Bell is to be complimented upon the really creditable manner in which those under his command acquitted themselves. The Ati Awa troop of Frontiersmen were also well represented and though as yet they have no uniforms, under the charge cf Frontiersman Winikee, they made quite & good display, considering that some of the members are quite novices in military matters, and the thanks of the troop are due to that comrade for his attendance and instruction. The members on parade were introduced to the Colonel by Sergeant-Major Bell, and the former had quite a pleasant chat with each one, some of whom were returned soldiers. When informed that Frontiersman C. Rumbal was a most successful rifle shot, and had won the cup at the shooting competition held at the recent encampment of Frontiersmen in New Plymouth, the Colonel warmly Complimented him upon his success, and promised the local rifle club every assistance in his power, expressing his pleasure at the interest taken in shooting by the members present. Before departing, Colonel Melville gave a most interesting address to those assembled, and in the course of his remarks, complimented both the troopers, and cadets on their creditable display, and also referred to the good work accomplished uy the Legion of Frontiersmen. He mentioned that he had been inspecting troops throughout the Dominion for the past eighteen months, and the Ati Awa troop were the first of the Legion that had come up for his inspection, and he felt it an honor that a body of men that had no military compulsion should take the trouble to come and meet him. He informed the troopers that they would soon have their rifles, and urged upon them the necessity of taking every care of them, as well as their uniforms, an! to be always neat and smart in their appearance. He also pointed out the value of steadiness, saying that when the country was at war the men that were steady and reliable were the ones most valued, and they had the better chance of advancement. Before departing for New Plymouth, Colonel Melville invited the members of the. Ati Awa troop to join him at the Urenui Hotel,and partake of a little light refreshment, in honor of the occasion. Needless to say the invitation was willingly accepted, and the Colonel’s health was most enthusiastically drank. The Defence Department are taking steps to have drill sheds erected in the various centres, the buildings to be transported from Featherston, so that on wet days the trainees can have the advantage of shelter, and will receive lectures on military matters from the various instructors. It is understood that arrangements have been made with the Urenui Domain Board for the erection of the drill hall on the recreation grounds, on a site to be selected by the trustees. This seems to be an excellent idea, as such a building would be most vsef'ul for a pavillion or luncheon booth, and thus serve a dual purpose. MAHOE. (From Our Own Correspondent) After the long spell of fine weather, welcome rains have fallen and in consequence the land around Mahoe has benefited. For the first two days of the rainfall the air was very warm, and it seemed as though one could almost see the grass growing, but when the equinoctial gales started, the cold winds rather'retarded than encouraged growth. So far there has been little mortality among the cattle, owing no dou’bt to the plentiful supply of winter feed provided. The stacks of hay are now showing signs of the demands made on them, and turnip paddocks are being ploughed. Recent arrivals in our midst are Mr. and Mrs. Brewer and family, from Mangatoki, Mr. Brewer having been appointed to the local factory; Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb from Alton, who have purchased Mr. G. Hurrell’s farm on the Stratford-Opunake road. The milk supply is steadily increasing, but our factory is still a creamery, as th* directors have not yet decided on making cheese. It is expected that at the meeting to be held shortly this matter will be decided. Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas have left Mahoe, Mr. Thomas having been promoted to the Kaponga branch of the Mangatoki Dairy Company. They will be much missed by their many friends in Mahoe. Mr. and Mrs. J. Wallis, of Awatuna. have come to reside on their Mahoe farm, and Ml*. and Mrs. E. Wilton, the late occupants, are moving to Kaponga, Mr. Wilton having accepted a position with the Kapofiga Dairy Company at their main factory in Kaponga. The plain and fancy dress ball in aid of the hall funds, which was held on the 13th inst., was An unqualified success, visitors attending from surrounding districts in goodly numbers. The medals presented for best ladies and gentlemen’s fancy costumes were Avon by Miss Perry, Mangatoki (Persian Dancer), and Mr. H. Anderson, Mahoe (Clown). Medals were also given as' prizes for the waltzing competition, and the honors being evenly divided between Miss Bell Davy and Mr. J. Perry, and Miss R. Davies and Mr. T. Davies, these two couples took the floor for the final test, when by a narrow margin the verdict was in favor of Miss and Mr. Davies, who were declared the winners and presented with the medals by Mr. J. G. Mackenzie, who acted as M.C. for the occasion. Excellent music for the dancing was supplied by Mr. V. Hickey, in his usual efficient style and the supper provided left nothing to be desired. The final dance of the season in Mahoe is advertised to take place on Oct. 11, and then everyone expects to get down to the steady work of the season. The local school has re-opened and teachers and pupils have settled down to the arduous work of the final term in preparation for the annual examination. Mr. H. C. Johnston, agricultural instructor, paid a visit to the school last week. The work done at Mahoe school has evidently been of a high order, the wellkept, beautifully laid out grounds being a credit to the head-master (Mr. Cumberworth), who has created a lasting monument to his own memory by transforming a barren patch into a permanent beauty spot. The committee had always given every assistance to the teacher, and done all in their power to help him in his work.

Intending visitors to the Dawson Falls Hostel will be interested to leaj’n that Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are in residence there. The houses are all being thoroughly renovated and refurnished, and will be ready for guests in October. A telephone has been installed at Mr. Manas’ farm, near the mountain gate, and is in charge of Mr. F. Puller, who will advise tourists as to traffic on the track. There will now be no danger of cars meeting on the way. This will supply a long felt want. The widening of the track so as to allow room to pass anywhere, has been advocated by some, but this would necessitate the removal of many of the beautiful ratas which are a feature of the road.

Miss Cumberworth is home from an enjoyable holiday spent in Auckland. Mrs. Paulger has left for Pio-pio, her future home. Mr. Paulger has received an appointment at the factory there. Master Bryce Cumberworth has gone back to Palmerston North, where he is attending High School. Nurse Anderson, who was in Eltham for a short holiday, lias returned to Mahoe. PUNIHO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) In spite of the wet weather on Wednesday, 21st inst., there were between 60 and 70 couples present at the Okato footballers’ ball. The hall was daintily decorated with the football colors for the occasion. The floor was in firstclass order, and the M.C.’s (Messrs. J. and N. Corbett and D. Andrews) kept everything going with a swing, and the ball was again voted the premier ball of the season. The committee in charge of the sendoff to Mr. W. Thomas, were unable, on account of other dances taking place on the same night, to hold the farewell as soon as was anticipated, but they have finally decided to hold it on Wednesday, 28th inst. The Indies’ Guild have organised a series of sowing meetings in order to get funds for the church. The meetings are held alternately at Mrs. Cooke's (Puniho) and Miss Corbett’s (Warea). The church committee are shortly commencing a campaign to raise funds for the church. It is not yet decided what form it will take, but the committee can be assured of generous support from the settlers. The Newall Road school opened on the 19th inst. The Warea Library Committee are holding a dance towards the end of this month, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Library Fund. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Maoris of Parihaka celebrated their monthly Sunday in the usual manner on the 18th and 19th inst., the Te Whiti tribe holding sacred the 18th and the Tohu’s the 19th. Before the death of the aged chief Te Whiti, the 18th of the month was a festival day at the village, and Parihaka was visited by a good number of pakehas to watch the natives dance the poi, perform the haka, and listen to the korero, but since then the sports, etc., have to a great extent been cut out, and the Sunday of the natives is spent more quietly instead. Mrs. McKenna recently returned from an enjoyable holiday in New Plymouth, and Mrs. Tynan has returned from a short visit to Waverley. Miss Birch is visiting friends here. Mr. W. A. Ballantyne was present at the school on the 21st for the annual examination, and it is hoped the children acquitted themselves creditably. Mr. Williamson, who was appointed to the position of assistant at Cape Egmont lighthouse when M. D. Cameron was transferred to Centre Island, has arrived, and commenced his duties here.

The masquerade, plain and fancy dress ball on the 23rd, was one of the brightest functions held here for some considerable time, and the fancy costumes Were very gay, and created a deal of admiration, among the ladies especially. The music was excellent, and the M.C. (Mr. T. Barrett) kept the dancers moving in his usual efficient manner. Our best thanks are due to Mr. Barrett, who is always very willing to act as M.C. on any occasion, and for any cause. The fancy dresses were as follows: — “Gipsy .Fortune-teller” (prize). Miss A. Fleming; “Erin Brae,” Miss M. Fleming; “Red Cross Nurse,” Miss N. Fleming: “House to Let,” Mrs. Gibson; “Private Secretary,” Miss Marshall; “Art Needlework,” Mrs. Coffey; “Fairy,” Miss K. Corbett; “Dutch Girl,” Miss A. Corbett; “Highland Lassie,” Miss P. Mathews; “Gold-top Cigarettes,” Miss Allen; “Santa Claus,” Mrs. Kirk; “Sunflower,” Miss W. Taylor; “Cape Egmont Store,” Mrs. Alathews; “King of the Cannibal Islands,” Mr. Tayard (prize); “Mushroom,” Mr. B. Hickey; “Tramp,” Mr. F Kirk; “Sundowner,” Mr. R. Hodgson; “Granny,” Mr. A. Taylor; “Black Night,” Mr. N. Taylor; “American Cowboy,” Mr. Ken. Mathews; “Boy Blue,” Master Stan Corbett.

The judges of the ladies’ costumes were Messrs. Parker and. Norriss, who had a hard task, for the costumes were all elegant and humorous, that of “Erin Brae,’’ worn by Miss Alary Fleming, being a really elegant creation, as were also “House to Let,” and “Private Secretary,” and all three did their wearers ci edit for design and originality. The ladies who acted as judges of the men's fancy attire had an equally hard task, “Tramp” and “Alushroom” being humorous and original, while poor old “Granny” elicited much sympathy, but the old lady was game and stayed on the scene until the end of the festivities. Mesdames Corbett-Hamil and Martin were the judges for the gentlemen. Air. Tayard’s attire was nothing if not original, and he looked and acted his part splendidly, even to his go-ash ore-pot for cooking up his victims. The said victims, however, shared his prize, and ate chocolates with him, not afraid apparently of the tomahawk which was a conspicuous part of the attire! The hall was beautifully decorated by Air. Tayard, and the gay dresses, coupled with the pleasant surroundings, made a splendid set-off to the grand march, which was really pretty.

The floor was prepared by Aliss Allen and Air. Kirk, and the supper, which left nothing to be desired, was in the hands of Alesdames McKenna and Alathews. Extras were played by Air. J. Orbell, and the festivities, which were kept up until a late hour, were declared to have been the best held for a long time. The young folks have been well catered for, and it is hoped that the concert will be arranged for next month, and that the older folk will attend and thus obtain a musical treat. The committee desire to express thei v thanks to the many willing helpers, to the ladies for providing supper, and to all who worked to make the ball the success it was, not forgetting the Daily News. Poor old Mr. Farmer! With butter declining in price, the bottom out of the cheese market at Home, and the slump in the price of stock, the,outlook at present is not very encouraging. Fancy *iwra caws for 7s Gd and yearlings at

ss! And some people still declare the farmers’ co-operative dairy factory’s output should be taxed! Revenue must be got from somewhere, but to tax dairy companies is making a class tax, and we shall have to levy a heavier tax on the moneyed class. What about taxing all interest bearing property which bears interest over five per cent? Give the poor farmer a chance, and let the rich man provide more of the revenue! I believe there are far more dairy farmers who find it hard to make ends meet than the general public have any idea of, and a man’s monthly cheque for butter-fat is usually swallowed before the farmer himself gets a look in.

There was a very large congregation at the Roman' Catholic Church on Sunday, while the .- s o f the Anglican Church att • ide«V 1 h&'service of Holy Communion al ; v ’ ’ ’’v where the Ven. Archdeacon Lv.*' 'bulled the sermon and th< Communion.