DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The showery weather of the past week has freshened the pastures and root crops, and ’there is an abundance of grass. Notwithstanding the plentitude of feed, however, her ladyship the cow seems to know that her time of rest is approaching, and the milk supply is growing smaller each day. All roads led to Pihama on Friday last, and the road through Pungarehu was very lively with the constant stream of ears with visitors to the Opunake races. Ttye weather was ideal for the nohee, and an enjoyable day’s outing was much appreciated by- those who had the good fortune to get a day off.

The Roman Catholic Church was the scene of morning devotions on St. Patrick’s Day, and Father Pentecost conducted the usual service on the following Sunday, when there was a. large congregation.

Rahotu will be the rendezvous of pleasure seekers on Thursday. March 23, and again on Friday, when a monster bazaar in aid of the hall funds will be in progress. There will be numerous side show's and competitions, as well as a shooting gallery, sweet stall, produce stall, fancy stall, and an art gallery. The'bazaar will be opened by Mr. Hawken, M.P., at half-past one in the afternoon. To further increase the fund a social and dance is being arranged for the evening of March 31. A number of local sports visited Warea on the 15th, and had a really enjoyable outing at the gala day sports in the Domain.

A big “korero” is in progress at Parihaka, and a number of visitors from the Waikato are present. The meeting has been in progress for several days, and the pah is unusually busy. The football seasop, which opens next month, is being looked forward to with keen interest, and the boys have already commenced practice. I hear that a match is being arranged at an early date between Rahotu and Pungarehu, the scene of the battle being the Rahotu domain.

The Cape Egmont Athletic Club intend holding a final meeting in connection with the 'sports jn the hall on Thursday evening, when it is hoped there will be a good attendance of members.

Mushrooms this season are conspicuous by their absence. The very wet season which has been experienced, I daresay, is the prime cause of their non-appearance. The heat necessary to force their growth is wanting this year. Mrs. A. Raynor is at present an inmate of the New Plymouth hospital, where on Friday last she underwent an operation for appendicitis. Her friends will be pleased to hear that her condition on Sunday was considered satisfactory, and all hope for a speedy recovery and return to health.

Mr. and Mrs. Hughson,, of Rahotu, with Miss Eileen Hughson, have been holidaying in Auckland. Mr. and Mrs. W. Green are also, away if or rest and change.

Writing to a friend a week or so ago, Mrs. Green stated that at the time of writing she had not benefited much by the change of air. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Green, who has suffered so long and .so patiently, and it is hoped her holiday will prove beneficial eventually. PUNIHO & WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Puniho Sunday school children’s annual picnic was held at the residence of the superintendent (Mr. S. S. Wells), on the Puniho Road. There was fine weather and a very enjoyable time was spent bv all. A dainty tea was served by Mrs. Wells during the afternoon. Before the picnieers dispersed the Rev. H. A. Coleman, vicar of Okato, on behalf of t)ie picnieers, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Wells for the good time they had spent that afternoon. The gala day, which everyone had been looking forward to and preparing for so long, unfortunately turned out wet and disappointing. Nevertheless, the committee in charge made provision for the settlers and visitors in the Warea Hall, until the rain stopped. Various events were held at the domain after the rain ceased, full particulars of same have already appeared in your columns. All hope of holding the horse events had to be abandoned on account of the slippery nature of the ground. A very enjoyable concert and dance was held in the Warea Hall at night. ’The hall was packed for the occasion, the crowd being the biggest seen at the hall this year. The concert was a big success. -. Mr. A. Payne (Puniho) was in charge of the, programme. The opening piece was a brilliant pianoforte duet by the Misses C. and E. Julian, followed by song, “My Dear Soul,” Miss McKeaguer (Hawera), encore “Robin Adair”; violin solo. “Last Rose of Summer.” variations, Mr. Peter Norris, accompanist, Miss Daisy Wells; soijg, “Touching Fings,” Master Noel Uoieman; song, ‘‘Fairies,” Puniho school children; dialogue, “Mother of the V.C.,” Mrs Coleman (“V.C.’s” mother). Miss Elliot (“Lizzie”), encore. “A Dream Visit to the King,” Mrs. Coleman: song, “String of Pearls,” Mrs. Larkin, encored; song, °Master Noel . Coleman; song, “What’s the ’Good of Hany fink.” Master Stanley Payne, encored, song, “The 'Village Fair.” Puniho school children; song, “Toilers,” Miss Cattle, encore, “Open Your Heart”; sketch, “The Monthly Nurse,” Mrs. Colpman (nurse), Mr. Willis (Mr. Newly Wed), Mr. Coleman (Landlady). “God Save the King.” The floor was cleared for dancing, Mr. Pearson supplying the music, and Miss Connie -Julian obliged with an extra. Mr. E. B. Cooke was M.C., assisted by Messrs. Will Lawrence, Gordon and Hector Wells. A dainty supper was handed round by the members of the Puni-ho-Warea Ladies’ Guild. From a financial point of view the day’s proceedings proved a huge success. the net proceeds being £ll2Thanks are due to the members of the Ladies’ Guild, who have been working for months to make the affair successful. The following is the list of the 'winners of the various competitions that were held during the day: Sheep, I Mr. Will Larkin; cat, Mr. J. Garcia; !do<r, Miss D Larkin; tea service, Mr. R. Bell; goose. Rev. H. A. Coleman; tram, /Master B. Cooke; doll in cot, Miss Mary ‘Brophy; ladle and fork, Mr. H. Clarke; doll, W. McGill; cake, Mrs. T. Woodward; afternon tea spoons, Mrs. H. Woodward; afternoon tea cloth, Mrs. Lawrence; cushion, Mr. R. Sole; cushion, Mrs. Bridgeman; cushion, Mr W. A. Elliot; blouse. Miss Edie Julian; ■silver cake basket, Mrs. Wilson; pictures, Mr. Will pawkins; pictures, Mrs. Joe Wilson. Between forty and fifty couples turned out to celebrate St. Patrick’s night in Okato Hall on the 17th inst. Mr. Pearson supplied first-class music, assisted by Mr. McLeod (cornet). The dancers were kept moving by Mr. Joe

Shaw and Mr. Fred. Roebuck, and every one was well looked after. Many complaints were heard on the night of the Warea gala regarding the bad condition of the Warea Road. This road, if it can be called such (its more like a bog hole), is very badly in need of repair, and some settlers think if it is not soon done it will be absolutely impassable. At present it is nothing but mud holes and boulders, and it is also dangerous to drive or ride over. The road is noted as the worst by-road on the coast, and it is to be hoped the council will go out of its way and tear it up and regrade it. Miss Hodder is relieving teacher at the Puniho school. This is the fifth new .teacher we have had in two months. Miss McKeague (Hawera) is the guest lof Mrs. E. B. Cooke, Puniho. Mrs. Pearsoii is expected back in * Puniho this week.