DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Record nominations rewarded the Urenul Sports Club for their enterprise in providing such liberal prize money to be competed for at their annual gathering on Saturday next, the 18th inst. It Is anticipated that should the weather prove favorable, there will probably be more than sufficient funds from the gate money, nomination fees, and other sources to meet all expenses without encroaching on tte present satisfactory credit balance of the club. Great enthusiasm is being shown ny the members of the working committee and the energetic secretaries (Messrs. J. S. O’Neill and D. Tate) in carrying out the necessary arrangements for a successful meeting, whilst a strong working bee was organised a day or two ago, and some 100 blocks for the chopping and sawing events were procured from Urutl. It is expected there will be a large number of visitors from both New Plymouth and Waitara, and all the district around Urenul will be well represented. The presence of the Waitara Brass Band will also prove an additional attraction, and serve to enliven the proceedings. Those who always make a point of attending the annual ball are reminded that it will take place in the Urenul Hall on Thursday evening next, the 23rd inst. Orchestral music has been provided.

Mr. Leo O’Neill, hon. secretary for the Urutl Beach Picnic Club, has received the necessary permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs to hold a number of races on the occasion of tie gathering on the Wai-tol-toi beach on March 11. All the requisite formalities have been complied with, and nothing remains now but a fine day to ensure the success of the meeting. A visitor from Stratford states that the event is being discussed quite freely amongst sporting men and others In that locality, whilst It is tolerably certain that New Plyunouh residents will attend in equally as large numbers as on former occasions, and.it is more than probable that there will be a number of horses competing from both these towns, as well as from Waitara. It is stated that owing to prior engagements Gloaming will not oe running, which is rather a pity, as a meetingSbetween Mr. Greenwood’s crack and some of owr local horses, such as Curds and Whey, Butterfat, Doughboy, and other tried performers, with a nice light weight of about twelve or fourteen stone up, would have been worth going a long way to witness.

It will be remembered that on the occasion of the Urenui school children’s recent successful concert, the chairman (Mr. Herbert) announced that as there was a substantial credit balance in hand, a picnic and sports for the children would be held later on, and on Saturday last on the recreation ground this promise was fulfilled. The weather was perfect and a highly successful gathering was held, the children enjoying themselves immensely. The chairman and the committee, together with the school teachers, assisted by a number of friends worked hard to make the day pass pleasantly, and a very successful programme of running events, etc., was got through, there being also an unlimited supply of eatables, which were accorded full justice, the bun scramble causing an Immense amount of fun.

The erection of the Urenui Hotel stables is rapidly approaching completion, and though the buildings are not so large as those which were destroyed by the recent fire, they will, no doubt, prove sufficient for existing requirements. Mr. C. Dunbar is also making extensive additions to his already large block of buildings, and when completed will prove of great assistance, in the storing accommodation of the business.

The excellent fishing to be obtained in this district is being taken full advantage of by both local residents and visitors from New Plymouth, Waitara, and Tikorarigi, and during the past week quite a number of motor cars and lorries have been passing to and fro filled with eager sportsmen. Some good catches of schnapper have been reported, and both these fish, as well as flounders, seem fairly plentiful this season.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Another death Is reported from Parlhaka, the victim this time being a middle-aged rnan named Waitakirl. The man, who was a native of Waikato, was in the employ of a farmer here, and (according to the Maoris’ version) he became suddenly 111, quickly grew worse, and succumbed to the disease with' which be was attacked in about three days. This sudden death, which makes three in the pah In about a fortnight, has occasioned same comment. but there is no reason to believe that the natives have died from other than ordinary causes, and not from some epidemic. The Egmont County’s stone crushing plant is operating on stone which has been blasted from Wi Kupe's property adjoining the Main South Road. The stone is a good, hard variety and the crusher Is pi'll tins through from 18 to 20 yards per day. Tte presence of the plant with the men and drays, etc., give the village quite a progressive air. The Pungarehu tin-can band was out on Saturday night, and put in some solid practice for the entertainment of the residents of the “Block House.” From its elevated position the band discoursed sweet (?) music, which was undoubtedly enjoyed by those who had the pleasure of listening. Needless to say, tte “band” will need an entirely now set of instruments before it does any more “practice.” Lieutenant Shephard was at Rahotu on Tuesday, when the Rahotu squad of mounted rifles resumed drill. There was a fairly good attendance, and the boys are rather pleased to be at it again, but the heat must be very trying to them dressed in their heavy uniforms, and must be a handicap to free movement at this time of ti e year. “Your Own” is not aware of a town board for Pungarehu. but there are one or two spots In the village which could do with a general cleaning up, and a few loads of rubbish such as old tanks, bedsteads, iron stoves, dray wheels, etc., might well be deposited on the beach where they would not be quite such an eye sore to villagers and otters. Service was held in the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday morning, and as usual, was well attended. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, of Cape Egmont lighthouse, have been enjoying a few days’ leave. Mrs. Grenfell has sufficiently recovered to be able to return home. A walk along the by-roads reveals acres of ragwort now in full bloom, especially on roads on the (nountain side of the Main South Road. Here 'and there are clearings and patches of swedes, while immediately above the ragwort holds supreme sway. In a few weeks the seeds of this pest will ripen and the first wind will scatter them far and wide. Unless a big effort is made to clear them before this happens, one can imagine what the state of the clearings will be twelve montts’ hence. For the sake of the man with a clean farm, as well as for himself, those whose holdings are so infested ought to endeavor to cut and burn the weeds now while the weather is dry. The blackberries are quickly ripening and quantities of the luscious fruit are being converted into jam and wine by the thrifty housewife. Farmers are taking advantage of the dry weather to weed carrot and mangold patches, attend to drains and cut blackberry bushes. Stock in this district is in prime condition and prices are on the up grade for most classes, with an increased demand, especially for fat lambs and prime beef. I heard of one farmer who cleared a line of fat lambs recently at just double figures to some he sold a few weeks previously. The milk yield Is rapidly decreasing and this In spite of an abundance of grass and liberal turnip feeding.