DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Spring here this year is very ■ backward, and most of the gardeners have had to re-sow seed. It is hoped that there will now be more sunshine and a little less rain. The roads are drying up and cars are beginning to pass through to and from Auckland. The piles for the Tahora railway goodshed are all driven and the building will soon be completed. A commencement will soon be made to ballast the line between Kohuratahi and Tahora. This should be finished and the railway opened to Tahora in about 18 months. Tahora settlers are hoping that the Government will continue the railway past Tahora, as there is some fine virgin country to be opened .up further on. It would be a shortsighted policy for the Government to close down the Tahora public works when the Tahora section is completed, as this is one of the most essential railways in the Dominion. Moreover it is thought that the pushing on of this railway would give relief to unemployment. There have been several departures from Tahora lately. Messrs. Sullivan and Blandford, Public Works employees, have recently been transferred to Te Roti. Miss Blandford, who has been assistant teacher at Tahora school for three years, has tendered her resignation to the Education Board. Shearing is In full swing here at present. Owing to the low price of wool most of the farmers are storing their clip. Until the wool market rights itself many of the fawners are going in for cow milking. A Sunday School has been recently opened in the district, with gratifying results. There are already about 40 scholars and three teachers. This movement fills a real want in die district. TARATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Although tennis has been played on the local courts for some time this season the official opening of the Tarata Tennis and Croquet Club took place on the 12th Inst., in ideal weather. Having suck: good weather there was a large gathering, play commencing at one o’clock. The two grass courts and the recently laid down asphalt courts were fully occupied till 4.30 pxn., when there was a general dispersal, chiefly for milking. During play afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of the district and most appreciated by the players and spectators. A dance, organised by the young ladies of Pukeho in aid of the school picnic funds, was held in the Pukeho schoolroom on the 4th Inst. The music for the dancing was contributed by Messrs. W. Drake and Volsky (accordeon), and M'isses B. and M. Burr (flute). Mr. S. George filled the duties of M.C. in a very courteous and gentlemanly manner, and did all in his power for the enjoyment or

those present. A dainty supper was provided by the ladies, and was most welcome. As the settlers are all very busy the dancing broke up earlier than usual. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Tarata Hall was teld in the hall on the sth inst., Mr. F. M. Standish presiding. A boxing class is being fonmed here, and Mr. W. Scott will give an exhibition in the Tarata Hall next Saturday. It was regretted that the Bishop of Auckland, during his visit to Taranaki, was unable to come here. We all hope that next year he will be able to spare the time to honor us with a visit. Messrs. Clifford and Cameron, contractors for the Atawa road metalling contract, are making good progress. Messrs. H. Lambert and Coy., of the Toi Toi road metalling contract, have recommenced work on this road. WHAREHUIA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On the evening of the fifth, Mr. and Mrs. J. Phillips gave what might be termed a “Guy Fawkes' ” evening, quite a number of children and adults being invited. The children set off the customary fireworks to the accompaniment of a huge bonfire, wtlle the adults looked on and enjoyed the fun. When the display came to an end all were asked to partake of supper, which was thoughtfully provided by the host and hostess. Owing to the clearness of the atmosphere on Sunday afternoon the drone of the aero- , plane, which has been making flights at Eltham, could plainly be heard, while those who have good eyesight could easily see the plane Ln the air. Eltham is about twelve miles frcim here, so it shows at what distance a plane can be sighted and heard. The papers of late have been full of the Government retrenchment scheme, and many of the local farmers have read them with interest. Then when one or two of them discovered that the factory had reduced the

pay-out they thought perhaps they could give the retrenchment scheme a trial, so have set out to cut down the fawning expenses. At any rate friend neighbour calls with his waggon and takes the milk to the creamery sometimes, but the question is what is going to happen if he takes up tte same scheme? Sport is well to the fore in this district tt present, the school boys, or rather the “Wharehuia .ops,” being in great form. No matches have been played this season, but they will endeavor to maintain last season's record when they do meet tte opposing teaaus, be it either at cricket or hockey. The local tennis enthusiasts have also got on the move, so now many a leisure hour 's spent on Mrs. E. A. Richmond’s court, indulging in this fascinating game. The local school children are eagerly looking forward to the evening of December 9; that is tte date on which the annual school concert is to be held. The children are very busy rehearsing their part programme, which will consist of choruses, action songs, character sketches, and a small cantata. Supper will be under the capable management of the ladies. The music for the dance, which is to follow, will be of the best. Miss B. Knox, New Plymouth, is spending the week with her sister, Mrs. V. Smith. Miss W. Richmond, who has been on the staff of Dr. Gordon’s hospital, is spending a few weeks with her brothers.