DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS

I.APOHGA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Tuesday evening, the 4th inst., the humid condition of the weather produced an extraordinary and beautiful sight in the township. Attracted by the main electric ligtt In front of Mr. Carman’s bookshop, over two hundred of New Zealandjs largest moths (Hepillus Verlscens) could be seen clinging to the electric light post and fluttering on the road, them, and apparently of the same variety, were a few of a beautiful lemon color. These cnoths are not seen here usually until November, and then only a dozen or so at a. time. At a meeting of the Kaponga branch of the Farmers’ Union on Friday, the 7th inst., it was decided to fall into line with other districts and inaugurate root-growing competitions. Considerable enthusiasm in being displayed among some farmers, while others have not. yet caught fire. It is hoped that the good and practical results obtained In other districts will commend themselves to an ever increasing circle of farmers. Boundaries were set up as follows: —'Rowan Road to Palmer Road along the Skeet road; Palmer Road both sides; along the main road to the Upper Duthie Road; Upper Palmer Road to .the Reserve;- along the Opunake-Stratford Road to the Rowan Road. This year the crops to be grown comprise -mangolds (not .less than % acre), carrots (ditto), swedes and soft turnips (1 acre each). To maintain and increase interest in the local branch, lectures by Mr. Page, of the Forestry Department, on tree-planting; by Mr. Gortinge (pigrearing), and if possible, one by Mr. Woods on a veterinary topic, are being arranged. The matter of the school competition is • well In hand, entries having been received for mangold growing, and for calf-rearing. Mr. Alf King agked to be relieved of his duties ai supervisor of these competitions and Mr. N, Hollard was appointed to act with the headmaster and a representative of the school committee. On Tuesday, 11th inst., the Town Hall was the scene of a very pleasant function in the shape of a kitchen evening, tendered by ter many friends to Miss Mona Doyle. The arrival of the ladles with mysterious-looking brown paper parcels, soon resulted In the stage table being filled to overflowing. Some sft couples took part in a most enjoyable dance, the main part of the music for which was supplied by Mr. and Mrs. McCarty, while Mesdames Cook, Evans, Misses Melville, Bennie, Humphries, and Messrs. McLennon and

Lyall played extras. In the interval between the dances an instrumental trio was played by Mesdames McCarty and Cook, and Mr. Anderson, and songs sung by Messrs. Harris (“Shipmates of Mine,’’ and the “Ragged Vagabond”), and Lyall (“Mountain Lovers,” and “I Will Av.ait Thee”). Tie supper table was appropriately, and beautifully decorated, while the supper Itself was a credit to the ladies responsible. During the evening Mr. Lyall, on behalf of Mr. Mrs. and Miss Doyle, tendered their hearty thanks and appreciation of the kindly thought that prompted the gathering, as well as of the host of useful kitchen utensils presented. Mr. Lyall also (on Dehalf of Mrs. McCarty) thanked the ladies who bad assisted in preparing the supper. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. A. Maher. WHAREROA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Monday evening, the annual meeting of the local hall committee was held in the hall, when there vyas a good gathering present. The balarice sheet .was read, when the net receipts for the year were shown to be nearly £97. The following were elected a committee for the coming year:—Messrs. R. Hicks, W. Nicholas, A. B. Robertson, Reynolds, Eustace, Murphy, and B. Bloor. Mr. Hicks was elected chairman, Mr. G. Murphy secretary, and Mrs. Benton auditor. Owing io pressure of business Mr. Death did not seek re-election to the committee. His resignation was accepted with regret. A lengthy and warm discussion took place oh tte subject of “jazzing,” all being unanimous in firmly suppressing any form of ''jazzing” or close dancing. It was proposed by Mr. Hicks and seconded hy Mr. Reynolds that all “jazzing” be strictly forbidden at the coming dances. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the M.C. (Mr. B. Bloor), who did much towards making past dances so successful. We are sorry to report that Miss Reid, our assistant teacher, is absent on sick leave. Her place is temporarily filled by Miss Walker, of Hawera. The present welcome rains are having a very beneficial effect on tte pastures, and all crops just put in are coming away well. One hears,of a number of narrow escapes from accidents with trains at the South Road crossing on the railway line. Unfortunately, owing to the cutting, people cannot see or hear the train from the north, until it is almost too close.. It is a pity there could not be seme further warning given before another fatality occurs. MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather proved perfect for the opening of the Mangatoki tennis courts on Thursday of last week. The grounds presented a gay appearance, the ladies being mostly out in light dresses, and the men in flannels, which gave a very summery effect. A dainty afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, during which the president (Mr. E. Colson) declared the courts open for the season. The school grounds, which are looking very pretty now, were much admired by those present. The local school children were taken to Ha.wera by cnotor lorry to see the war trophies and were much interested in what they saw. There is to be a bazaar in Eltham on tho 26th, in connection with the Anglican Church, at which there will he a country stall. We Mangatoki folks would like to have a sale of work in aid of our own little Union Church, but as this cannot be arranged just now, we hope that all those who can will help to make the Eltham one a success. Mr. Eustace’s jungle pictures, in Eltham on Saturday, were a great attraction to young and old, crowds coming from all round the district. The pictures wi\e very interesting and instructive. The weather lately has been all that the farmers can desire, the warm showers giving tho grass a wonderful growth. Frances Innes has just received word that she was successful in passing the advanced junior division with honors, at the Trinity College of Music, theory examination held Inst .Tune. She is a pupil of Miss Bryce. L.T.C.L., of Mahoe.