DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAI MATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very successful fancy dress dance was held in the hall by the Kaimata school children last Friday Evening, and reflected credit on the head teacher and her staff for the training of the pupils. There was a good number of parents present. During the interval Mr. G. Capper thanked all those who had assisted the teacl'ers. Mr. Capper stated that the inspector’s report on the examination was most excellent, which was another great credit to the teachers. Mr. J. E. Moratti donated £1 to be divided between the best fancy dressed girl and the best boy. At 10 p.im. the adults took the floor. Music was supplied by Mrs. Cameron, Miss Linn, Mrs. A. J. Taylor, Miss M. Henwood, and Miss Burkhardt. Tte following were the fancy dresses:— Girls.—Nena Schofield (Britannia), Bona Death (Night), Flossie Collingwood (Scotch Lassie), Ellen Klenner (England), Rita Collingwood (Butterfly), Millie Potroz (Summer), Ethel Klenner (Fashions for All), Edna Smi'h (Spanish Dancing Girl), Evelyn Herlihy (Rambler), Edna Peters (Night), Connie Carter (Superstition), Theresa Potroz (Good Luck), Doris Carter (Ballet Dancer), Ru»h Collingwood (French Rose), Ida Herlihy (Shamrock), Kitty Woolier (Belgium), Eileen Dobson (Scotch Lassie), Pearl Blackburn (Sailor Girl), Minnie Dravitzski (Japanese), Katie Dravitzski (Queen of Hearts), Irene Dravitzski (Starlight Fairy), Mary Manattl (Oranges and Lemons), Dorothy Roberts (Servia), Rita Dobson (Ballet Dancer), Luey Collingwood (Spanish Singer), Gertie Bocock (Miss America), Vera Schofield (Mother Goose), Winnie Peters (Summer), Hannah Stronge (Japanese), Peggy Burkhardt (Footballer), Betty Burkhardt (Feotballer), Elsie Taylor (Ballet Dancer), Bessie Dobson (Lillie of the Valley), Jean Dobson (Ivy). Boys.—Frank Burwell (John Bull), Charlie Martin (Greek), Miles Burgess (Off the Plane), Hector Schofleid (Father Christinas), Gordon Herlihy (Sailor), Jim Morratti (Hamlet), Ernest Woolier (Pierrott), Harold Klenner (Baker), Harry Dobson (Sailor), Fred Smith (Red Indian), Stanard Death (Tennis), Leo Bocock (Clown), Eric Bocock (Doinino), G. Burwell (Uncle Sam), Joe Morratti (Nigger), Melvin Woolier (Dutch Boy), G. Klenner (Red Knight), Roy Klenner (Dwarf), Pat Herlihy (Dwarf), Dave Herlihy (Pierrott), Cecil Schofield (Edmonds Baking Powder), Sam Death (Soldier), Leslie Martin (Clown), Douglas Dobson (Dwarf), Laurence Jones (Pierrost), Hugh Smith Guard). A ladies’ committee is making preparations for the reception of the Bishop of Auckland, who is to consecrate our new Church, St. John’s> in the course of a few days. TOKO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Tuesday evening, November 1, a surprise visit was paid Mrs. W. H. Were. The party consisted of about 26 persons, and an enjoyable evening was spent. Mrs. Were was quite unaware that they were coming and so was properly surprised. Hearing a knock at the back door Miss Were went to open it, and was confronted by about a dozen gentlemen. and no sooner had she invited these visitors Inside than there was a knock at the front door. At this door she was confronted by several ladies, and amid much laughter, the ladies also were invited In. Then the fun comunenced. Games were indulged in, some of them being extremely amusing, while songs were also contributed. After a very enjoyable evening and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” the party broke up. Two more Toko ladles have joined the i circle," namely. Miss Teafus and Miss Myrtle Bennett. The "tin canners" are now on the war path, and paid their first visit to the residence of Mrs. Bennett on the occasion of the marriage of ter daughter to Mr. S. Ammon. I believe there were about 30 “tin canners,’’ and kerosene tins could be heard for quite a distance. I daresay Mr." and Mrs. Kemp will have their turn -shorlty.

November 5 was to have been quite an event here I believe. Wood wVs piled up ready for fires, and Guy Fawkes made his appearance in many places, but the picture show arrived that night, and Guy Fawkes, etc., was forgotten by most of the children, and they tripped off to the “movies’’ instead. It sounds as if the Toko school children are to have “some" concert here this year and "De Little Black Fella” will be very much in evidence. It is quite a long time since we had a Nigger Minstrel show here and it will be quite a change. The children are practising hard, so that something creditable will, I am sure, be forthcoming. Colds are very prevalent in the district and I hear there are two or three cases of influenza. It would be as well if people took precautions, by disinfecting and keeping out of crowded places for awhile. We do not want a return of the dreadful epidemic and "prevention is better than cure” any day.

Vegetable gardens are suffering greatly this season. First of all the terrible spell of rough weather we had rotted a large quantity of the seeds planted and then those that did put an appearance above ground were quickly pounced upon by the ground lark. For those who have small plots, it is a good plan to wind black cotton backwards and forwards over the seedlings. This will most assuredly keep the birds away, as there is nothing frightens them more than this. We are pleased to be able to report that Mr. Coffey, who has been seriously ill in the Stratford hospital for two or three months. Is now back with us again. Mr. Chainey is to return in about a fortnight. WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The dairying season is now in full swing, and the majority of the farmers have most of their cows in profit. The heavy rainfall and cola winds during October were not exactly conducive to big yields, and a slight falling off in the supply was noticeable towards the latter part of the unonth. but with warmer

conditions matters are rapidly improving, and during November it is expected the limit will be rcched. The total amount of milk received for October was 594,3211b5, as compared with Col,ol3lbs for the same period in 1920; the average test was 3.99, against 3.04 ; 768 cheese being manufactured, or 14 less than was the

case last season. In Octo’ ur 1920, 11561bs\ of whey butter were made; this year the amount is 15121b5, whilst 1112 lbs of cream liutter has been manufactured as against 1288 lbs last season. But for the defection of one of the herds,/ last year’s total supply would have now been exceeded, but nevertheless, there is every probability of the total season s output being in advance of 1920. The matter of price is another question, and farmers in this district, together with those in other parts of Taranaki, are anxiously awaiting some definite indication as to what the market price i:t Home is likely to be. It is probable that suppliers will have to be content with a reduced rate of advance on their butter fat during the next month or so, and it lias been stated that some factories will be unable to pay out anything at all for a while. However, an encouraging cable or two would no doubt put a better aspect on the state of affairs, and ease the minds of those who have put quite a lot of money into dairy cattle tl is season, in the hope of making up for a disastrous time in other classes of stock and sheep. The seeds and manures have been apportioned to the, children attending the Mimi school, who have entered for the carrot and mangold growing competition, together with the charts and instruction forms. There was a siigkt defection when the final- acceptance became due, but six of the nine entrants arc now actively engaged in the event. The local supervisor has been round and inspected the various plots, and states that keen Interest is being evinced by the boys and girls. Later on, no doubt, Mr. Deem, the Government fields instructor, who is chief supervisor, will pay them a visit, and give the benefit, of his advice to tile youthful farmers. >hraring operations in ti e district are now becoming general, and same good clips are reported. The imprened tone of the wool market is more encouraging, and many hope that the corner has neen turned, and that in the not far distant future the wool-grower, Instead of workng at a loss, will be placed somewhat on his former footing and receive a suitable return for his outlay. In fact, it may be said, that to those who are imbued with our worthy Prime Minister’s optimistic tendencies, the outlook for the future looks much brighter than was the case some few months ago. On the other hand, those who Aave store cattle to dispose of are practlc-

ally forced to give them away and prices at recent sales were ridiculously low. Many think that it might be a good idea if a branch of the meat flour industry, which is paying so well in the Auckland district, were established at some of tfle freezing works, as this would be a means of disposing of a large number of stores at a mneb higher rate than is obtainable at present.

One of tte cows of a dairy herd in this district recently developed symptoms of a most peculiar nature, and as a result the animal has gone quite "dry,” and will have to be turned out; indeed, it is questionable whether she will ever be of any use again as a milk producer. She was giving some 351bs of milk per day, when one of her quarters became feverish and swollen, and on the following day another quarter was similarly affected, whilst no milk was obtainable from the remaining ones. The cow was immediately isolated from the remainder of tte herd, and shortly afterwards, matter was seen to he emitted from both eyes, the ears became swollen to about twice their ordinary size, and were drooping, whilst she was frothing at the mouth, and rapidly lost condition. A consultation with Mr. Sutton, Government stock inspector, of New Plymouth, elicited the information that the animal was probably suffering from is termed constitutional inammitls, caused through over-feeding with such diets as mangolds, carrots, oats, and rye grass, etc., without a sufficiently balancing ration. On his advice the cow was not destroyed, a course of meal, bran, chaff, etc., being recommended, as well as to massage the udder with lard and boracic acid. When sufficiently strong enough, the cow is to be turned out, and Mr. Sutton says there ia a. chance of her being perfectly recovered next season Though I have teard of no similar cases in this district, the inspector states that the complaint has been known in other localities, so that the information may be interesting and of use to farmers who may have met with a similar misfortune. (

It is understood the report of the inspector (Mr. Griffin) on tte annual examinatum of the Mimi sqhool has been received. Although the publication of these reports in detail have been prohibited by the authorities, it should be no breach of faith to mention that the remarks contained \tterein were most satisfactory, the various standards acquitting themselves well in the different subjects, reflecting every credit on the head teacher (Miss Simpson) and the assistant mistress (Miss Frost). It is also satisfactory to note that the whole of the children on the roll (53) were present at the examination. . . There was a large muster of some fifty mounted troopers at Urenui on Friday last, when Lieutenant Hay burst and SergeantMajor Bell were present to conduct operations, which consisted of rifle target shooting on the beach. There are some twenty rifles in the troop, so good practioe was indulged in. Tbe range was only a short one, as many of the men were making their first attempt at scoring bulls eyes, and a good number show promise of becoming first-class shots. Mr. C. Rumbal (who Is a member of the Urenui Rifle Club, and an enthusiast, of the sport, besides being an excellent performer in championship events) was also present, and gave the novices some very valuable Information as to the manner of handling and sighting their rifles, etc. No doubt, with more practice, some good shooting will result, as the troopers are keen, and are taking a great interest in their work.

On Tuesday last at Wai-tol-toi, an accident occurred to ono of Mr. C. Johnston’s mail cars. One of the cars at the Unit! end of the service was .being towed into Waitara for repairs, and when going down tte hill adjacent to Mr. Zimmerman’s residence something went wrong with the steering gear, and «he

connecting rope parting, the rearmost car Instead of keeping to the road, went over tbe bank, turning a complete somersault. Fortunately the driver escaped with a slight cut on the head, but the car was considerably damaged, which was tte nidre unfortunate as It had only recently been repaired. This is the third mishap which has occurred on this hill, but on each occasion the occupants of the conveyances have escaped injury. Tte Bishop of Auckland paid a vtait to Urenui on Monday last, and addressed a large congregation in the Anglican Church. The recreation ground at Urenui on Saturday presented quite a gay appearance. The cricket match in the A. Grade of the cud competition, in which the local team defeated the Old Boys *from New Plymouth -by a margin of 40 runs, created a lot of interest, and the wicket-keepers of both teams put up sterling performances, as only one extra was scored during the Innings of each team, and that was a leg-tye. The Urenui eleven is being strengthened by the inclusion of P. Sarten, who is batting well this season, whilst T. O’Neill and E. K. Blundell are both bowling in good form. Great interest is being evinced by enthusiasts in the competition, and the results of the various games are eagerly watched for. Tennis is also now being taken up strongly, and no doubt as the season advances a match or two will ho arranged with other clubs.

Considerable interest is being evinced In this locality over Mr. \V. D. Wilkinson’s scheme for using the vast deposits of Mokau coal for supplying North Taranaki with electric power, and visions of seeing factories, milking machines, etc., run by this means are being indulged in, to say nothing of its utilisation in private houses. Although the Idea is not altogether new, it has probably never been so thoroughly investigated previously, and itho fact tliat the Clifton County Council are having details supplied to be forwarded to the Public Works’ Department, with a view to forming a power board if the report is favorably considered, is roost encouraging. It If phould assist, in the development of the pro posed irpnsand smelting industry a great boon would be conferred indirectly on the farmer, who would probably be able to secure slag at rates which would enable him to greatly Increase the producing power of his land. WHAREHUIA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) For many years past the social entertainments of the district have been held in the local schoolroom, but this was not very satisfactory, the school furniture getting damaged to a certain extent, while the inconvenience to the teachers and scholars was no mean item. For some considerable time the neces-

sity of a hall has been felt, but no one seeded to be willing to make a move in that direction, until about five months ago, when Mr. S Hart called a meeting of residents to discuss the matter. At that meeting it was decided to push on with the scheme, and to see what money could I ' raised by voluntary contribution. This canvass resulted in close on

three hundred pounds being promised. At this stage it was decided to form what is now known as the “Wharclmia Social Club,” anyone being able to become a unember at a small fee per annum. A new committee was then elected to undertake the purchase of ti e land, timber, etc., and supervise the erection of the building. At first there was a great difficulty in securing a piece of land, but Mr. Reg. Wellington most generously offered to sell the site on which the hall now stands. A big saving in the expense of the building was the free labor scheme, ail the time being given. Under the leadership of Messrs. Hsrt and Forbes the settlers started work on August 8, and By the 26th of the same month the hall was far enough advanced to enable a social to be held. On September 1 rhe oazaar took place, and Lf the end of the month the building was complete and paid tor, truly a fine start for a small district. All modern conveniences have been „ installed in the way of dressing rooms, stage, kitchen, etc., the kitchen having a copper set in, a sink, water laid on, and all necessary cupboards. The hall charter and programme board are worthy of special mention. The former has the lettering done in relief carving and finished in black and gold, while the latter would be a credit to any cabinetmaker. Both are the workmanship and gift of Mr. A. Fofcbes. Special care was taken in selecting the timber for tte floor, and after having been well put down, the dis-, trict can now boast of having a dancing floor equal to any for many miles around. Last, Friday night the opening entertainment was held, whifh took the form of a concert, and dance. The concert was the best that has been held here for many years, the selections given by the E’gmonf Club Orchestra. under the baton of Mr. McAllister, being a treat to listen to, while the items by the various, singers were nil that could be desired, encores being the order of the night. After half the programme had been gone through Mr. Hart, chairman of the hall committee, announced one or two apologies and then called on Mr. McMillan, Mayor of Stratford, to declare the hall open and unveil the hall charter, which bears the inscription: “Wharehuia Social Club, 1921.” Mr. McMillan said it gave him great pleasure to be able to take Mr. Masters’ place at such a notable function. He congratulated tbe people on the pushing manner iu which f bay had backed up the

building of the hall, and also on the fanaatiiMi of the club, which he felt would be a great asset to the sociability of the district, especially as it was to be run under practically the same rules as the Egmont Club in Stratford. Mr. McMillan also remarked that he

thought the club would bring the town and country more in harmony with one another. In declaring thb hall officially opened he wished to congratulate the district on betalf of Hie town of Stratford. Mr. Hart then moved a vote of thanks to Mr. McMillan and £ll those who had helped, both personally and otherwise, to make the evening a success, the the motion being carried by acclamation. After the concert people were asked to keep their seats while a sumptuous supper was handed round. The ladies are to be specially congratulated on the way this part of the programme was attended to. The floor was then cleared for dancing. Mr. Chard, assisted by Mr. Hart, capably carried out the duties of M.sC., Mrs. Bianchi’s orchestra supplying the music. Miss Nash, Miss Hall, and Mr. Cliff Phillips played extras.

Early in December the local school children are giving a concert in aid of the school funds. Items are being mastered now, so that by the time the long looked for night arrives the young performers should be letter perfect. Friends of Mr. Guppy will be pleased to hear that he is now able to get about again, after having been confined to his rooms for some weeks.

During the course of his remarks on Friday night Mr. McMillan expressed the opinion that he hoped the ladies as well as the gentlemen would be catered for by the club, as the ladies had put in a lot of hard toil. The idea of the club is to provide for all and tundry. It is now too near the busy season to make a start this year, but in future during the autumn and winter, a series of socials, dances, concerts, debates, euchre and cribbage tournaments, etc., are to be held, so that everyone will have a chance of enjoying herself or htanself during the long evenings.