DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 March 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

- WAI-TOI-TOI—-URENUI. » (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Wai-toi-toi Dairy Company have advanced la per lb for butter-fat for the month of January, as against lOd for December. As only, a small proportion of the season's output has so far been disposed of, and the tone of the Home market seems to be gradually improving (the latest quotations showing colored cheese to have reached 102 s per cwt.), it may be fairly assumed that there is every probability of the sales from now onward showing higher results than have been received up to the present. One of the main factors to this end is the manufacture of an absolutely first class article—an article, in fact, which will suit the requirements of the consumer, who, if he can get what he requires is willing to pay well for it, and it should be the aim of every milk supplier in Taranaki, in his own interests, to assist to the best of his ability, the managers of the various factories to achieve this end.

It is stated that from indents received of dairy factory requirements for the coming season that there is a drop of fully 50 per cent, in many requisites. This is good news, and should enable factories to bring down the cost of manufacture of cheese and butter to a considerable extent, and thus help to neutralise the fall in prices of both these articles from what it has been during the past few seasons. A 42 per cent, reduction in the price of various grass seeds is also reported, and this will be of material assistance to the farmer; whilst if artificial manures, such as slag, could be brought down to somewhat of a pre-war level, another heavy burden would be removed, as it is an absolute impossibility to continue the maximum production, without assisting the soil liberally in the matter of top-dressing and the growth of artificial feed.

The annual ball of the Urenui Sports Club was held in the Urenui Hall on Thursday evening, and was equally as successful as the sports held a few days previously, visitors being present from all parts of the district. So large was the number present that the takings amounted to some £r2s, which, after deducting ex*penses, will enable the club to place a further sum to their credit, a portion of which, it is stated, will be devoted to improving the already attractive recreation ground, an object in which the Domain Board have promised substantial assistance. The presence ol Boulton’s orchestra from New Plymouth was an ample guarantee as to the excellence of the music, whilst the floor, as usual, was in first-class order for dancing. As M.C.’s, Messrs. G. N. Fuller and V. Tate were most attentive,

and fulfilled their somewhat arduous task satisfactorily. All the other arrangements w«e equally complete. I have been requested to take this opportunity on behalf of the club to heartily thank those ladies who so ungrudgingly (as in -former years) rendered valuable assistance, both at the sports and the ball, and contributed in no small measure to the success of both functions.

Senior cadets and mounted rifles are reminded that they will be expected to attend parade on Thursday and Friday next at Urenui, When Sergeant-Major Bell, of New Plymouth, will be present.

In the Mimi school on Friday evening last Mr. Gould, of Waitara, presented those children present with several handsome prizes for the manner in which they hjtve rebited their beatitudes and attended services during the past few months. It is stated that Mr. Gould is shortly leaving Waitara, and his departure will be regretted by a large circle of friends in this district, who will wish him every successs in his new home. Mr. Gould has always taken a keen interest in this locality, and has journeyed from Waitara in all sorts of weather to deliver addresses in the schoolroom, both to the children and their elders, and it is almost unnecessary to state that his kindness has been thoroughly appreciated. A well attended meeting of the Ati Awa Troop-Leader J. S. (/Neill presidthe Urenui Library on Friday evening last, Troop-Leader J. S. O’Neill presiding. The chief business was the election of officers for the ensuing twelve months, which resulted in Frontiersman J. S. O’Neill being elected troopleader, Frontiersman E. K. Blundell, troop-sergeant, and Frontiersman L. Rattenbury, secretary, all being re-elected. For the benefit of those who were not present at the previous meeting, the annual report and balance-sheet (showing the affairs of the troop to be in a flourishing condition) was re-read. Reference was also made in the report, as to the manner in which the troop was represented at the encampment held in New Plymouth lafet June, Frontiersman C. Rumbal being successful in winning the Thompson Cup, whilst the parade of .members before Colonel Melville on the occasion of his recent visit to Urenui was referred to, as well as to the congratulatory remarks passed by that officer on the manner in which the troop had turned out. The matter of holding an annual dinner was discussed, it being eventually agreed to hold such a function on a date to be fixed later.

With a view to improving the track (from Mr. Zimmerman’s property to the Wai-toi-toi beach, the committee of the Uruti Beach Races Club intend shortly to inaugurate a strong working bee; an improvement in this direction will be appreciated by those attending the races on March 11. It is also proposed to make arrangements for the erection of notice boards, on which the fullest information concerning the various races will be given. It is stated that member’s tickets are being freely sold; and as was the case last year, a voluntary contribution at the gates will be taken, and zio doubt the club will by this means be able to add substantially to the sweepstakes of the different

events. Training operations are now becoming quite brisk, and next week a short record of the gallops of the various competitors may be available. The presence of the Awakino crack (Dramatist) is expected, as well as Key and other good performers from that district, whilst last year’s cup winner (Haukino) from Waitara is reported to be going well. Another good performer (Yeoman) will probably be present, as well as other serviceable horses, so that from a racing point of view the club have every reason to expect substantial support. it lias been suggested that the Urenm Sports Club would at future meetings, be adding considerably to the convenience of their patrons by the erection of a result board, from which the public could see at a glance the winners and placed men of the various events. As it is at present the information has to be obtained from the officials, and by pursuing some such course as suggested this necessity would be obviated. A practice which has been carried on for a considerable period at important functions in the Urenui Hall is the stealing (it has occurred too often to

be called accidental) of overcoats, hats, etc., and on Thursday evening last, two valuable overcoats were taken. As nothing was left in their place, the articles could not possibly have been taken by mistake. As the coats are easily identified, it is probable an explanation of the matter will have to be made to Mr. Lapouple. Other cases of a similar nature have not been uncommon in the district lately, and if one or two of the offenders were brought before the S.M. at Waitara, it might serve as an example to others who have inclinations in this respect.