DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The fine days of last week were most welcome to those farmers whose hay was ready for stacking, but it did not last long enough for those who had to cut as well as stack. Crops are unusually heavy, and stock will be well provided for next winter. Some soft turnips are already being fed off; others are just about ready, and there is still an abundance of grass, thanks to the plentiful rainfall since early spring. A fine spirit of helpfulness during hay-making has been manifest between Pakeha and Maori, and interchange of labor is playing a big part in harvesting operations this season. In one- field, where fourteen men were engaged in saving a fine crop, of hay, no fewer than eleven Natives were lending a willing hand, and those who have oats or hay will be assisted jn return by their Pakeha friends. Quite a number of the men were accompanied by their wahines, and these occupied themselves in assisting the wife of the “rangitira” in preparing “kai” for the men-foUc. One field, in particular, had the ap-

pearance of a “real picnic” being held, and the “small fry, both native and white, were having a grand time, romping in the hay and enjoying themselves generally. A meeting of the school committee was held on Saturday evening, all the members being present and matters concerning the school were discussed. The chairman intimated that the new assistant teacher will commence her duties when thg school re-opens. It was decided to hold the annual picnic if possible before that date, providing this meets with the approval of the head mistress (Miss Moucraft). Subscription lists will be sent out in aid of the sports and to provide food, and the picnic will undoubtedly be a successful as similar gatherings of former years. Social functions have been nil here lately. Nothing has eventuated since the school concert, save one picture play, so that the dance which follows the picnic will be welcomed by the young people, who are beginning to feel that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” A narrow escape from drowning was averted by the prompt, action and presence of mind of one of our young men. It happened on Wednesday afternoon last. From what I can gather, Mr. Percy Smith, accompanied by his brother Gerald, and Mr. Dan Rumball, went to the Kopawiahia River to - effect some repairs to the dam which supplies the farm with water, and, when finished, a swim was suggested by one of the party. Quickly divesting himself of his clothing, Mr. G. Smith entered the water, and almost immediately it was seen he was in deep water and was heard to call “I’m done!” Mr. Percy Smith at once went to assist his brother, but he was hampered by his clothing and heavy boots and leggings, and was so tightly clutched by the drowning man that he, too, began to sink. Seeing their peril. Mr. Dan Rumball, without hesitation, dived into the water and swam around, both men by this time having disappeared. Fortunately for both, however, Gerald let go his hold of his brother. who rose ■ to the surface, and his hand was quickly grasped by Mr. Rumball, and he was rescued. By this time Mr. G. Smith'had apparently drifted, into shallower water, and was also quickly rescued. Mr. Rumball is to be commended for his prompt and plucky action, which was the means of saving two lives at the risk of his own. Service was held in two of the local churches on Sunday, the usual large congregation attending the morning service at the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Field preached in the Methodist Church in the afternoon. The chief topic of conversation in this district, apart from the weather, is , “finance” and the “slump” in .the markets. The meat pool also comes in for a share of discussion, but this docs not affect farmers in Pungarehu as much as t-he price of cheese and butter. But notwithstanding the fact that cheese is the staple product, some farmers a"d graziers will be concerned about the meat pool, as the surplus stock and , calves have to he disposed of. Some Natives go in for -fats” also, and these as a rule do not ’ other about dairying. For the sake of all coneerneil it is hoped the Premier will make satisfactory arrangements for the dispose 1 of this branch of our produce and finance tor those concerned be assured.

PUNIHO AND WAREA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A very enjoyable evening was spent in the Warea Hall on Thursday, 1-th inst., when the children were given a “night out,” which took the form of a plain and fancy dress party. The hall was well packed with both young and old. dancing and games occupying most of the evening. Great credit js due to Miss M. Corbett, who was the organise!. Everything went off splendidly. eral local people helped to keep the ball rolling by singing songs, etc. Amongst them were:-Miss Hill (song,, Master Stanley Payne, assisted by a tew 01 the Puniho school children (song), Misses C. 'and E. Julian (pianoforte duet); Miss Ward (pianoforte solo ; Miss Henderson (recitation); Miss Putt (recitation); Miss Mills (recitation). The music for dancing was supplied voluntarily'by the following:—Mr. Pearson, Misses M. Pearson, C. Julian, L. Sole, and Mesdaines Bell and Doyle. Mr. Gordon Wells acted as M.C. A sitdown supper was provided for the chi dren,' and if appearances are anything to ”0 by, when they left the supperroom there were very few who did not have a good "blow out.” The children were allowed the floor until midnight, when the older folks took charge, There were not a great many in fancy dress, but those who were were exceptionally good, especially the three httle tots, Misses A. Cooke, L. Doyle . and Sole, who were dressed as "Fairy.’ “Bose Girl” and "Red Cross Nurse” respectively The others in fancy dress were: Masters B. Cook (Pierrot), 8. Payne (Xiirver) Misses M. MeEldowney Breeches), M. Bell (Dutch Girl), I Pa'vne (Dunce), S. Cooke (Oranges and Lemons). T. Corbett (Japnile-o Girl). The judges (Miss M. .Corbett and Mr. E. Johns) had a very bard task, inil they finally decided to give them all a prize. . ~i Some amusement was caused reeentij by elance notices that had printed eon p'articulars of the prices “Plus amusement tax.” Folks were beginning .» wonder whether we farmers were, allowed to have anything at all >n the way of pleasure without having to pay a tax for it. . . • It is an expensive game to go shorn ■ inu without being a good shot (lax on

cartridge*.). Smoking is expensive (tax on tobacco). IL you were at the races you would have 4 the satisfaction ,of knowing that “Bill” is getting a good picking out of it, and with the dance tax to put a finish on we were beginning to wonder what next. But after an investigation it. appears the secretary had read the Government notices re amusement tax wrongly, and dances could only be taxed when they were being held for individual profit alone.

The Puniho social committee are shortly holding the annual picnic dance, which was postponed on account of the busy time.

The first wireless telegram to be received in Puniho was received a short time ago from the steamship Niagara after the boat had left §y<lney a day. The telegram was being read in Puniho t>vo hours after it was handed in on the Niagara. A letter was posted the samp day, its destination being within seyen miles from the post box it was posted in. The passenger aboard the Niao-ara arrived in New Zealand, transhipped to New- Plymouth, and had the pleasure of a day’s’ holiday at home before the letter arrived at its destination. What a contrast!

Mrs. Parker and Miss Daisy Wells have left on a short holiday to Auckland.

Mr; Will Payne, who has been spendingfl a few days with the “auld folk,* has returned to Sydney. Mrs. Pearson is expected back sonv time this week, after a tour south.

NERVE AND BODILY WEAKNESS.

You cannot remain weak and nervous if you take Dr. Cassell’a Tablets. Dr. J. A. Freeland, LL.D., Kibworth, Leicestershire, England, says:—“l have never found anything to equal Dr. Cassell’s Tablets. They overcome all nervousness and invigorate the digestive organs so thoroughly that one soon recovers health and fitness.” Prices in New Zealand. 1/9 and 4/-. All Chemists and Stores. *

REXONA FOR SORE, TIRED FEET.

Have you noticed the feet that go by? How lightly some trip upon their errands, how heavily others lag? There are many weary fret in tile day’s march. But think how much we demand of our feet—what fatigue, heat, and constraint, in close-fitting shoes, they have to suffer, and how much their activity and health mean to us. Men on the .march realised this, and they valued Rexona, the antiseptic ointment. The hoys tried it out in the trenches, and wrote home for more. Corns

yi.-hl to’ gently rubbing with Rexona, blisters ami foot-weariness disappear when it is applied. Rexona is truly ti e friend of weary feet, and banishes those evils that make the wearing of pretty shoes impossible. Rexona the Rapid Healer, price Is lid aiTd 3s. Obtainable everywhere.

A few shillings spent in the free use of Nnzol to protect the mucous membra nos of the mouth, nose and throat ff,-m enpob?. poms, and sore throats, etc is btrtcr than hours of suffering.