DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very quiet Christmas and New Year has been experienced in our district, but during the past few days there has been an influx of tourists, some passing on, after morning and afternoon tea, others staying in our midst for week-ends and longer. The fine weather has made a vast improvement to our roads, though Mount Messenger is still somewhat of a bugbear to motorists. Even that part of the road, however, is rapidly drying up. “Honeymoon Corner” (so called from several “happy coii'ples” on their road to Te Kuiti having been stuck there, in some cases having to remain in their car all night), on the other side of Taumatemaire it is still troublesome. Work, however, on the Awakino Valley Road is going on so expeditiously that next season will see our tourists able to avoid both Taumatemaire and “Honeymoon Corner” by travelling by way of the Valley Road. The tunne] thereon has been pierced for some time, and Mr. Fraser, local engineer, and. his body of men. are to be congratulated, on the good work being done.

The Awakino Tennis Club held the opening on Thursday night. The weather being inclement prevented many visitors from Mokau and other parts of the district from being present. Nevertheless the function was a very enjoyable one. The hall was nicely decorated, the supper delicious, the floor excellent, while good music was supplied by Mesdames W. D. Thomson. Avery and visiting ladies. The absence of Mesdames McNeice and Christofferson, who are in New Plymouth under medical treatment, was much regretted.

We are anxiously awaiting developments re the electrical power scheme, harnessing the Mokau, etc., proposed by Mr. Wilkinson, acting for the firm of Messrs. Stimmerhayes ,and Co. It is to be hoped that it will come to fruition. The Awakino Racing Club propose to hold another meeting in March, which, we trust, will be as successful as their November meeting. It is to be hoped there will be “trots” this time instead of “gallops.” If so, Mr. Norman Clifton’s gallant little black mare Trixie may give Mr. McGregor’s (of Awakino) fine black trotting horse a run for his money, besides which our friend Mr. Charlie Nicholls, of Pioi, is supposed to have in training one of his famous team of chestnuts.

Mrs. J. McNiece, of Awakino, is, we are glad to say, steadily improving in . health, and is expected home in a week or so. 1 Miss Barnes, late of our Mokau school, who is at present teaching at Pembroke Road, is spending part of her holidays in Mokau. Every one is glad to welcome this popular young lady to our midst again. Miss Danielsen is visiting Mokau, and is staying at Mrs. Box’s. Mr., Mrs. and Mias .Marlow are spending a few weeks at Mokau, enjoying the beauty of our beach and river. \ Mrs. S. Fincham has returned from Waitara. *

Mr. Clias. Cross, of Awakifio, is visiting Taranaki. Mr. Jack Avery has returned from a very enjoyable holiday in Taranaki and the north. Miss Vere Avery, of Ashburton (South Island) is visiting her parents. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. R. Avery, of Awakino.

There are whispers of an engagement shortly to be announced between two of our very popular residents. We hope it will turn out to be a “true bill.” Mr. Williscroft, having relinquished the ferry duty at Mokau, Mr. Dave Scott, late of Waitara, has taken it over for the ensuing year. Mr. and Mrs. Will Kelly, of “BallaCTaggan.” Awakino, motored through to New Plymouth last week, where Mrs. Kelly intends spending three or four months before returning. Miss Mona Kellv, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Kelly, of Waikawau, who is attending school in Taranaki, is spending her vacation with her parenta* ~ r rt We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. George MacMillan, of “Bournemouth,” Awakino, on the birth of a little daughter. Quite an ideal New Year gift. Mrs. Al. Carter, of Awakino, is visiting Wanganui. _ Messrs. Rod Mcßae and Will McKenzie, the popular buyers, are to be seen buzzing around with car-loads of chents after herds of “fats” for the different freezing works, of which there is always a good supply in our district. Mrs. T. Bailey, of Mokau River, has returned home after visiting Mrs. N. Clifton, of Mokau. Miss Rita Whitehead is having an eniovable holiday in Taranaki. 'Mr. S. Whitehead, senr., has returned from New Plymouth. . Mr. P. Kavanagh, of Mokau, injured his le» last week, and had to go to Waitara for medical advice, but is progressing favorably.