DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Frontiersmen are reminded that the customary monthly meeting of the Ati Awa troop takes place in the Urenui library on Friday evening next, 31st inst., when, no doubt, now that the busy season Is practically over, there will be a Sood attendance of members. Messrs. Ballantyne and Griffin (school inspectors for the Taranaki Education Board) have been engaged in visiting the various schools in this locality during the past, few Mr. Kedgley, who has succeeded Mr. Gould, of the Presbyterian Church, Waitara, paid a visit to Wai-toi-toi on Friday evening last, and addressed a good attendance of settlers In the schoolroom. No doubt Mr. Kedgley will be equally as popular as his predecessor, and will continue with the good work carried on by Mr. Gould, more especially amongst the younger members of the congregation, who always look forward to these fortnightly visits with keen interest.

A recent visitor to Wai-toi-tol remarked upon the rapid growth made by the settlement during the past few years, as besides the up-to-date dairy factory and school, to say nothing of other buildings, there were evidences of many improvements on. the various farms In and around the locality. That this is the case is undoubtedly due to the large development of the dairying industry, and the consequent cutting-up of the land into smaller areas, and although the effects of the present slump are being felt here equally with other centres, there is little doubt that when matters right themselves (as they assuredly will in a year or so) such a wellfavored district is certain to progress. When Mr. Glasson, the supervisor of the mangold and carrot growing competition, which is being carried out under the auspices of the Farmers’ Union, was in this district some little time ago, it was rather unfortunate that owing to the Urenui sports being held on the same day, most of the children were away, and consequently Mr. Glasson was unable to Inspect their plots and give them the benefit of his advice and experience. However there are evidences that the competitors are not neglecting other crops, and, it is stated, that several of these are looking really well, and show that some of the boys and girls are not taking the matter up half-heart-edly. No doubt, as the date of judging approaches, keen Interest in the result will be felt, and although all cannot win, rhe experience gained will, in after life, well repay the youthful farmers for th,e trouble they have taken, besides awakening an interest in this important branch of agricultural study which must have beneficial results. That the union have met with such a hearty response to their appeal for entries must be a source of congratulation, and should in a measure compensate them for the trouble they have taken in inaugurating the competition. The Urenui Football Club have made a start towards getting into form for the forthcoming season, and despite the wretched weather there was a good attendance of members at scrum practice on Tuesday evening last. Practice has also commenced on the recreation ground, and interest in the game will soon become general. A match between a picked team and the rest of the club would probably be of advantage to the selectors in sorting out the most likely players, so that a regular team could get into training before the competitions commehce, the entries for which are due at the end of the present month. The fortnightly socials, which com--nience on May 6, will also serve to keep members of the club together, and to be the means of augmenting the funds.

The interesting address delivered by the president of the Chamber of Commerce to the public meeting held in New Plymouth on Thursday evening last amply proves that the gentlemen composing the recent touring party were not out on a pleasure trip, and have the interests of those settlers residing in the backblocks thoroughlj’ at heart, as well as endeavoring to make them identical with those of the capital town of the province. The resolution to invite the Premier and the Minister of Public Works to the district is a further Indication of the desire of the Chamber to do their utmost to improve the unfair conditions under which many settlers are struggling, and to whom efficient railway and road communication would prove nothing short of salvation. With the limited time at their disposal it was Impossible for the party to visit all localities, but could they have extended their trip to the Tangitu they would have met with furher evidence of hardship. They would have seen a tunnel, within a few feet of completion, abandoned and completely filled with water. The completion of this tunnel would have given a number of settlers a good wide road to pack their cream, etc., instead of which they have tad to traverse a dangerous bridle track over a hili, and go a mile or so further than would otherwise have, been the case. It is stated the work is to be resumed, but with the tunnel full of water, it is hard to estimate what damage may have occurred, and It seems a very short-sighted policy knocking men off when so little had to be done to ensure its completion. There is also another matter m which the Chaunber of Commerce might be able to render valuable assistance if approached on the matter, viz., the forthr- ..iug reduction of the daily mail service to triweekly, which will affect quite a large area. We all know that retrenchment in Government expenditure is absolutely necessary in view of the- financial crisis which we are now passing through; but this step seems rather too much of a retrogressive policy, and it is questionable if inefficiency is essential io true economy. At any- rate, there should still be other methods left of cutting down expenditure without depriving a large section of settlers (including business men) of their daily mail.

The Wai-toi-toi Dairy Company have advanced Is per lb for butter-fat for the month of February. As the recent cable reports regarding the price of cheese seem to be of an encouraging nature, with a prospect of the market hardening, there should be every reason to expect a further payment gt the end of ti e season—how much at present it .’s hard to estimate. Butter, t oo. Is distinctly on tlie rise, and it would seem as if this were anticipated by some of the larger firms, as it is stated that offers have been floating round of Is 2%d for the April and May output. of this commodity. It is satisfactory to note, as far as the local factory is concerned, that according to the latest advices received from the agents at Home, the shipments of cheese have opened up splendidly, being well flavored and silky in texture, and this being so the article should soon make a name for itself. Another pleasing feature Is that the supplies of dairy requisites for the forthcoming season .are being purchased at a substantial reduction on those of the present, year, and this will help to decrease the cost of production. The reported removal of the duties on artificial manures is also welcome news to farmers and should help to cheapen this most necessary adjunct t 6 milk production. Undoubtedly there is a hard winter facing a large number, but the outlook is gradually becoming brighter, and with a reduction in ti e price of land, together with strict economy, there is every reason to believe that in the near future matters may be somewhat on a pre-war level. For the month of March we are having considerably more than the usual amount of moisture, and the contrast between this and the similar period last season Is most pronounced. Farmers would welcome a few fine days in order to enable them to get on with tlelr ploughing and sowing operations, but at the time of writing cliunutic conditions are far from showing any signs of improvement. The cyclonic disturbances reported in New Plymouth during the week were in a small measure reflected in Urenui, when a resident hid his verand.-li removed and deposited some chains away from its original position. The bridge recently erected at the Mangaunahoc. stream was reported as being under water during the heaviest of tie rain, but it has stood the strain well, and practically, so far. no further damage to the road is reMr. A. Smith’s large bus was crowded with visitors to the cycle sports at New Plymouth on Saturday last, and a large number of private cars made the trip as well. Visitors speak in high terms of the exciting nature of the sport provided, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr. Glasson, of the Agricultural Department, recently paid a visit to the Warea school to inspect the agricultural plots in the school ground. He expressed himself as hi-i.iv nUaaed with the children’s Ten

of .the...senior scholars have joined the North Taranaki Boys’ and Girls' Agricultural Club, seven growing tmangolds, and three carrote. The plots of 1-40 acre each are a credit to the children. After the visit of inspection Mr. Glasson gave an interesting address on carrot and mangold growing. Mr. T. Julian, the supervisor, deserves the greatest praise and thanks for his valuable help and advice. He has not only given his time gratis, but he has also provided fencing material, and fenced the plots which are now quite an asset to the school. The pupils are looking forward to the children’s fancy dress ball which is to take place early in May, nt a date to be advertised later on. A children's dancing class will be held in the Warea Hall on Saturdays from 1.30 to 3 p.m., the young ladies of the district kindly undertaking to provide the music and to teach the children the various dances. The Harvest Festival dance, which is usually. held after the Harvest Thanksgiving, will this year be held during Easter week. WHAREHUIA (From Our Own Correspondent.) Despite the inclemency of the weather, quite a good crowd attended the local school picnic and sports held in Mr. W. Hosking’s paddock on Thursday last. For several years Mr. Hooking has kindly given the free use of his paddock, which has proved over and over again to be an ideal spot for a picnic, being sheltered on all sides from any offensive winds. These good qualities were made more noticeable this y.ear, especially when it commenced to rain, for the large pine trees along the back of the ground were almost as good as a tent] During the day many races and competitions were held for both young and old, the report of which appeared in these columns some days ago.

Several weight guessing competitions were carried on during the day, the results of which were:—Sheep, Mrs. C. Lathan guessed the correct weight, 1091bs. The school children also had a guess at the sheep, Emma Botten coming first with 1191bs, and Clem Phillips a good second with 1201bs. The correct weight of the two lambs was 1221b5, Mrs. R. Forbes coming nearest to this with 1211bs.

Quite an exciting few minutes occurred over a chose by the school boys for the pig and the rooster. The former, which was donated by Mr. Marr, was caught by Erie . Chard and George Songster, whilst the latter, given by Mrs. P. Jones, was made prisoner by Tom Botten. When the day’s fun had come to an end Mr. C. Mlddlemljss sold by TJutch auction’ the following live stock: Sheep (given by Mr. G. Sangster), bought by Mr. Darragh, of Stratford, several times and returned, to be finally sold to Mr. J. J. Phillips. Lamb (gift of Mr. J. Ward) was bought by Mr. Darragh, and returned to be bought by Mr. Latham, and again returned to be sold to Mr. vV. V. Hosking. Lamb (gift of Mr. W. V. Hosking) was bought by Mr. Kelly, of Stratford, and returned, bought by Miss Sartori, returned again, then finally sold to Miss Cartori. Goose (donated by Mrs. Breen) was bought by Mr. J. J. Phillips. Goat (gift of Colin Sangster) was bought by Mr. W. V. Hosking.

A very enjoyable dance was held in the social hall in the evening, the music, which was voted very good, being supplied by several of the local musicians, th.e duties of M.C. being ably carried out by Mr. C. Phillips and Mr. A. Chard.

Quite a glooa was cast over the district by the death of one of our most highly respected residents, Mrs. Reg. Wellington, who passed away last Wednesday evening after a very short illness. Mrs. Wellington was the eldest daughter of Mr. A. Fenwick (New Plymouth), a late resident of this district. Her presence amongst us will be greatly missed, as she was a willing helper in all social functions. On Sunday afternoon the local church was filled to overflowing, the occasion being a memorial service to the late Mrs. Wellington, who was a prominent worker in all church, matters, for many years holding the positions of organist and Sunday school teacher. The Rev. L. B. Neale preached, making feeling reference to the loss Sustained by the husband and little sons, as well as the district generally.

A short time ago a meeting was held by members of the social club to consider the advisability of forming a. library in connection with the club. At that meeting it was decided to push on with the scheme, and get as many books as possible donated for a start, and also to hold a social to raise sufficient funds to start off. It is hoped that about three hundred books will be available to begin with. The annual fee, winch Is very low Indeed, is well within the reach of everyone. Anyone wishing to donate books to the library or become members are asked to conmunicate with the secretary of the library, Mr. C. Phillips.