DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Guy Fawkes night was fairly lively; really a bit too lively for some of the residents, particularly Momona and Jack Yep, who sold a large quantity of fireworks, which compensated him for the noise he had to put up The Anglican ladies are working hard In connection with their fancy fair, to be held on December 1. If a fine day things should be quite lively in our little township. A good concert and dance is to come off in the evening. A very pleasant afternoon was spent on the Rahotu Bowling Green on Saturday, which was opened by the president, Mr. Chapman, who welcomed all visitors, expressing the hope that they would have a pleasant time, although the green was a bit disappointing and not quite up to the mark. He then called on Mrs. Chapman to throw the jack. Afternoon tea was nicely laid out on tables in tte shade of the trees and decorated in the club’s colors. Those in charge were the president and secretary's wives, Mrs. Bell and others. In the evening a nice little dance was held, and much enjoyed. A fair number attended the service on Sunday afternoon, when the Rev. Coleman preached an interesting and appropriate sermon, which was much appreciated. WAREA & PUNIHO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Warea School Committee’s annual concert took place on Friday night, the 11th inst. The hall accommodation was fully taken up, many having to stand. The building was prettily decorated with nikau ferns and arum lilies for the occasion. A first class programme, in the charge of Mr. W. C. Caldwell, was rendered and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The promoters, Mrs. Barak and Miss Fleming, are to be congratulated on ibe splendid way in which the children were trained. The following Is a copy of the programme. Dialogue "Welcome,” by the senior boys; song "Britain's Soldier Boys,” by the boys; dialogue "Little New Year," by the senior girls; song "Lazy Mississippi,” by the girls; recitation ‘'My Pocket,” by Miss H. Doody. This item was one of the best on the programme and the audience demanded an encore, at which Miss Doody replied with "I’m Not a Baby.” Duet "Won’t you Come and Play with Me,” by Misses N. and L. Johns; dialogue "The Wishing Will,” in which the principle characters were Miss E. Ward as mother and Misses K. and F. Julian ?s the daughters; song "I Passed by Your Window," by the senior girls. Interval. Dialogue "From. Pickwick,” T. Brophy as the magistrate, J. Stumer as Mr. Pickwick, J. Doody as Mr. Jinks, and Master J. Lawn as Muzzel; song, "Japanese Girls,” by the girls; recitation "-Grandpa’s Spectacles,” by junior girls; song "Till We Meet Again,” by Miss R. Julian. (This item also was encored, but owing to pressure of time those in charge could not allow it.) Dialogue "Warea Niggers,” by the boys; closing item "Bedtime,” and the "National Anthem.” The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Doyle. Supper was served and the floor was cleared for dancing. Mr. Pearson supplied the music, whi’st Mr. G. Wells fulfilled the duties of M.C. in his usual capable manner. Extras were played by Miss T. Sole and Miss C. Julian. There are several cases of diphtheria in the Warea district. Colds are also going the ‘ rounds, and this muggy weather is not bnproving them at all. The weather has delayed the crops this year. There are very few soft turnips in yet. Most of those farmers that were lucky enough to get there crops in early have had to re-sow them owing to the heavy rains washing them MOKAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The fine weather we have experienced lately seems to have broken up again, and we are having scattered showers, which will probably mean delaj' in some of the shearing sheds, but will be beneficial to our dairy farmers. So far the wool clips are turning out satisfactorily, if only the prices would soar a little. In spite of the low rates, shearing seems to be going on just as vigorously as as in past seasons, and the road is busy with waggon and team, motor lorry down to the humble dray, all carrying wool to the local wharf sheds ready for transmission by our famous "home liner” Mahoe. Indeed, I saw a young lady of our district gaily driving along in a gig with a« huge bale of wool on board, as blithe and merry as a lark. Who says the girls of our district won’t make good farmers’ wives after that?

The Awakino wharf shed is crammed full of wool from Piri-Pirl and Taumatamaire. The suppliers up the Mokau are still "going strong” with their quota of cream to our local dairy factory, and a really first class article is being turned out therefrom, under the able hands of Mr. J. Balsom. The Mokau left Awakino for Waitara on Monday, and leaves for her next trip, which is to be to Tongapurutu, this week, after which she visits Mokau and Awakino to load Arrangements are well in hand for the forthcoming Awakino Racing Club’s meeting on the 28th. There are many local entries, besides which, several are expected fro.n Uruti and Te Kul(,i. Given a fine day, a really enjoyable meeting shobld eventuate. Tte local horses are doing good work, and visitors may depend on seeing some good sport, and “ear-to-ear” finishes. Mr. Geo. Lake, the energetic secretary, is working vigorously to make the meeting a big success. There will be abundance of dainties for luncheon, besides lollies, fruit, and soft drinks for the kiddies. The refreshments will b»> in the capable hands of Mrs. Al. Carter, who is just the one who knows how to provide all sorts of appetising tasties for consumers. The sharemilkers' homes on the Mokau are now completed, and Mr. Ern. Sampson has already transplanted his family from Mokiu thereto. Mrs. Sampson, who has been spending a few weeks in Taranaki, goes up on Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. "Dick” Carrington are going In for dairy farming this season, and, in conjunction with Mr. Ferdie Woife, have leased Mr. Wolfe's river-flat farm in Awakino. Mr. Lew Jones, of Awakino, is milking SO ccws. Mr. W. J. R. Avery’s farm is looking well. It is a fine little property on the Valley Road, about 2% miles out of Awakino. Miss Marie Avery has returned from. Wellington, where she was on the hospital staff. She is looking very well and fit. now, having quite recovered from her late illness. Mr. Fred Northern, who went out to sit for his accountancy exam, retilrned to Awakino on Monday last. Miss Norah Thomson, daughter of Mr. and IMrs. W. D. Thomson, Awakino, lea.ves for the Thames on Thursday, where she will be a guest at the wedding of a friend, and afterwards will visit several places in the north. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Bignell, Master Peter Bignell, Miss W. Bignell, of Taumatamaire, and Miss McFarlane, of Wanganui, who have been visiting Mrs. Bignell, left for Taranaki on Monday last, per mail car. Mr. H. Northern, of Awakino, left for a few days’ visit to Taranaki per mail car on Monday morning. Mr. Thos. Cummings, senr., of Awakino, returned from Wellington on Tuesday. Mr Cummings states that business is very dull In the big centre. Miss Beattie Stewart, who has been visiting her aunt, Mrs. F. Wolfe, of Awakino, leaves for Melbourne during the first week in Decenber. Miss Stewart, who was one of the popular "Hayseed” Concert Co., will be much missed. We regret that Mr. Eric Lewes, proprietor of the gallant little launch Sefton, is indisposed, and hope for his. speedy recovery. Miss H. Firth, who has been visiting Mrs Norman Clifton, Mokau,. left for Hawera, Wanganui, and Melbourne on Monday last. Miss Firth made herself very popular during her stay in the district, and many are the attendant swains left, sorrowing on her departure. Never mind, boys, "Robins return with the spring,” you know. Luckless Mr. Mason I On his journey down from the mill, with a fine load of timber the other day, he found himself when 8 miles from his journey’s end without a drop of benzine. Mr. Mason is nothing if not resourceful and energetic, so he straightway started off and walked the 8 miles into Aw.aXino, pur ©based a tin st benzine, and walked

the 3 miles back again to his ear with the tin on his sbooider, filled the tank, cranked up the lorry, and "off she went,” safely reaching Awakino about 7.30 p.m. The genial "Rod” Mcßae Is still in our district, "haverin' aroun' tte settlers thereof." Mohckatino Station, a fine property two miles on the other side of the Mokau river, is looking ‘'green and flourishing" and Mr. Sheen, its energetic and capable manager. Is to be complimented on the condition of his stock. Shearing is still goining on on the station. Mrs. Williscrqft, senr., left for a few weeks' holiday by mail car on Monday. The Awakino Tennis Club’s court is beginning to look shipshape, and our young folks are eagerly looking forward to opening day. Mr. Sid. Fincham, of Mokau, returned from Waitara and New Plymouth on Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Alf. Blanchard have leaped a 5 roomed cottage on the cliffs, whence they removed themselves on Tuesday last. Messrs. F. Stevens and P. Hansen are busy clearing and improving their farm at Mokau Ferry. They purpose building there after New Year. Mokau children are wondering whether they are going to have a school concert, school prizes, or anything festive this year. Live in hope, kiddies I Something will "happen along.” Mr. J. McNeice’s orchard at Awakino is showing promise of a splendid crop of fruit. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, of Okau, who lost their only son this week. The fine headstone subscribed for by the people of Tongapurutu in memory of the late James Oliver (Coy.) McKoy, who died suddenly last year, is a splendid piece of work, and now marks the last resting place of one of our district's most popular young men. The annual inspection of the Mokau school has been postponed from November 22 to the 29th. Rumors are abroad that settlers at Mohakatino river and nearby are going to try to get a school over there. Well, we wish them luck, but we "Ha'e oor doota”—-Bawbies are too scarce, yo ken 1 Arrangements are well in hand for the "race ball" in Awakino on the 28th, and a big crowd is expected.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The "great silence” of Armistice Day was duly observed here, the blowing of the siren at the factory announcing the approach of the hour of remembrance. Silently and reverently we thought of "those who went, but came not again." The Domain Board met on Saturday the 12th, when the following members were present: Messrs. M. F. Fleming (chairman), T Layard (secretary), R. Fleming, T. Barrett, 11. Campbell, and A. Mathews. Accounts In connection with the improvements were passed for payment, and the furthering of work already begun was discussed. A deputation (Messrs. Corbett and Smith) from the sports’ committtee waited on the board asking that members should consider tte advisability or otherwise of grassing the land immediately, instead of cropping it with turnips. The reply was to the effect that as the board wished to make a permanent, job of the work, it Is necessary to crop now, and then re-plough and grass out; and again the finances of the board are not sufficient at present to cover the cost of grassing out. A deputation (Mrs. Martin, Messrs. W. T. Guild and A. Raynor) representing the tennis club, also > waited on tire board requesting them to gram the club a subsidy for improvements which are being made in the domain, namely, a tennis court. The chairman replied that while the board was willing to grant the use of the ground, it could give them no monetary assistance as Its funds are low at present. A letter from the secretary of the memorial committee was considered,, and in the event of the education board ’and school committee being finable to erect tte memorial gate posts, the board announced its grateful permission |o have them erected at the entrance of the domain. Residents feel it is rather a pity there Is no suitable spot on the main road for the memorial, and it is a matter for regret that the hall is not fenced in, as that is just the site needed. A large congregation attended the service at the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday morning, and a very Interesting and instructive address was given by the Rev. H. A. Coleman at the Universal or Anglican Church service held in the hall in the evening. The good folk of Warea and Puniho are raising funds to build a church (Anglican) at a convenient spot for both districts, and it is hoped that the work will soon be an established fact. It would be well if Pungar ehu also considered the question of building, or buying some place that could be converted into a church. While services held in the hall are quite admissible, there is not the feeling of sanctity that a church inspires. The pictures played to a full bouse on Wednesday, when Tom Moore in "Lord and Lady Ascot” was screened. Farmers in this district nre now very busy sowing carrots and mangolds for spring feeding; most- of the soft turnips are in, and the warm rain which has set in will give them a good start. Ploughs and cultivators are kept constantly in use, as practical farmers realise that it is only by extensive cultivation that their land will produce sufficient food to keep ter ladyship the cow yielding her best. Shearing was to have commenced on this coast to-day, but owing to the rain the sheep will have to wear their coats a while longer yet. Cattle and sheep in. this district are in prime condition, and on a number of farms chn lambs are looking as if there will be some excellent "fats” for Christmas. Workmen of the Education Board’s staff are busy painting and renovating the school. Improvements are also _ being effected on the premises of Hughson’s Ltd., where an additional store room is being built. The depredations of small birds is a matter of no small concern among farmers and gardeners in this district. Not a seed plot escapes the eye of the chaffinch, blackbird, and thrush, and while we admire their "soulful singing” we certainly deplore the absence of plants, and the "guid wife of the boose*’ wonders where her store of jam for winter use will come from, so complete is the vigilance of the birds on strawberry beds, and gooseberry and currant bushes. That something will soon have to be done to check the nuisance goes without saying, otherwise we may as well leave gardening and fruit growing alone. A number of local residents journeyed to Warea on Friday evening last to attend the school concert, and were well satisfied with the entertainment and dance. School concerts always receive good patronage, being more than usually popular, and the performance of the Warea children was certainly not less meritorious than these concerts generally are. The Rathotu Bowling Club opened the season on Saturday afternoon last, when practice commenced. Quite a number of onlookers were present, including some ladies. Afternoon tea was served and to wind up the festivities a short night dance was held in the ball, when a number of patrons and friends availed themselves of the opportunity to join in the fun. After a dainty supper all wended fheir way home well pleased with the evening’s amusement. The local school committee met on Tuesday evening, when accounts were passed for payment, the inspector’s report of the school examination was read and the date of the concert and picnic decided on, so the "wee folks” will be eagerly anticipating something good and unusual for the Christmas vacation. The concert will be given even if it is not convenient to hold the picnic. It is confidently expected that the (memorial gate will be ready for unveiling while Bishop Averill is in the district, and that he will perform the ceremony and address the school children. At the moment of writing a letter has been received from the secretary of the Education Board that, subject to the approval of the school committee, they will be pleased to erect rhe memorial gate posts, and tte board’s architect will attend to the work of hanging a new gate also. Kapai! Very good! The chairman of the school committee (Mr. W. T. Guild) is attending to the ordering of the gate.