DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

DOUGLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather being propitious, those indulging in sport or travelling during the Easter holidays were enabled to enjoy themselves more fully than they would under other circumstances. A number of our athletes, who have been competing at the various sports meetings in surrounding districts, have met with a fair amount of success. Mr. B. Wilson was again successful in winning the 120 yards Taranaki Championship at Patea, and deserves congratulations on such a commendable performance. Quite a number of Douglas people journeyed to Hawera for the trotting meeting, and report a very enjoyable day’s outing, although, as far as I can hear, no foreign capital made the return trip with them. A very painful accident befell little Rene Chapman on Easter Monday, as a consequence of which she Is how in the Stratford Hospital with a broken arm, but is, I am pleased to say, progressing satisfactorily. Another accident, which might have been attended with very serious results, happened on Saturday laAt, when Mr. Emeny’s car overturned down a bank, Fortunately Mr. Emeny was by himself at the time, and escaped with bruises and a severe shaking. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have returned from a very pleasant Easter, spent in the “windy city.” Mr. and Miss Wilmshurst enjoyed a few pleasant days in New Plymouth. Mr. B. Wilmshurst returned to Wellington last Monday, after his holidays, spent with his parents. Mrs. E. Walter, who has been ill, is now quite recovered.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Wai-to-i.toi dairy advanced Is per lb for butter-fat for the month of March, and have disposed of their butter output for April and May at a satisfactory figure, considering the fluctuating state of the market. The purchasers liave expressed great satisfaction at the quality of the article producefl, and It is stated that a considerable quantity is being retained for local consumption. The North Taranaki company are also now solely manufacturing butter, and are reported to be turning out some fifty boxes daily, which must be considerably in advance of the quantity being made at this period last season, though, of course, they have the additional supply from the Uruti dis. trict. The grade notes, as is the case of Wai-toi-toi. are also most satisfactory. Although the milk supply is now declining, the cows are holding up well, and are still being milked twice daily, whereas alt this time last year many herds were practically dry. Amongst other improvements which are being contemplated at the Mimi School, it was reported at the last meet, ing of the Taranaki Education Board by the architect (Mr. C. H. Moore) that it had been pointed out to the committee the urgent need of protecting thi? shelter trees with a fence. The question of putting in a permanent plantation at the back boundary of the school was discussed, with the understanding that the committee will keen this in view. The extension of the shel-ter-shed, removal of out-offices, and providing iron for shelter between the school and shed are other matters that are to receive attention. Keen interest is still being maintained by the children in the nursery which has been established, and a large number of seedlings have been placed in tins, and will be ready for transplantation when the proper time arrives. They will have no difeulty in disposing of the fruits of their labor, as orders are already being received for the trees when they are ready. No doubt next season they will take the matter up on a larger scale, and once interest gets thoroughly awakened, it will be the means of assisting afforestation in this district. Already there are signs that the good work being carried out by the Forestry Department is taking effect, and a number of settlers have expressed their intention of making a start in the direction of planting trees under forest conditions during the coming season.

The Urenui School Committee received a word of commendation from the chairman of the Education Board (Mr. P. J. H. White) at its recent meet, ing, for the manner in which they had taken up the matter of improving thi school grounds, and he also recommended that the offer of the committee to pay half ths cost o£ the removal of the boys’ shelter shed and nsnovation be accepted. On Monday evening rtert. 24th inst.. householders will be called upon to elect committees to carry out the business in connection with the schools in their various districts for the ensuing twelve months.

W T ith the approach of the long winter evenings, euchre parties are now being held, and Pukearuhe, who held such a successful series last year, opened the season with a euchre party and dance on Tueday evening last. There was a good attendance, visitors being present from Bell Block, Wai-toi-toi, and Uruti, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Ten tables were filled, and when the final bell rang the result showed Mrs. Luxton to have won the ladies’ prize, consisting of a tray cloth, and Mrs. Walker to have secured the booby prize, which, was a box of stationery. Amongst the gentlemen. Mr. Edmund White headed the list, and took possession of the half-dozen pocket handkerchiefs, whilst Mr. A. Zimmerman received a pencil for winning the least number of games. For the dance which followed, Mr. V. Wells was quite efficient as M.C., the music benig supplied by Messrs. Martin, L. Spurr and Wakefield Kapu. An enjoyable supper, provided by the ladies, was handed round. The funds are to be devoted to school purposes. That the visit of the Springboks to the Dominion last season has been the means of accelerating the interest taken by both players and the public in Rugby football is proved by the large number of teams which have entered for the various competitions which are to commence on Saturday next, under the auspices of the Taranaki Rugby Union, and also by the manner in which the chances of (he different clubs are discussed by their supporters. Locally both the second and th ini grade teams which have been nominated are endeavoring to make themselves as fit as possible by serum practices and training through the week, and have already had a couple of friendly games as a preliminary for the more serious business. Tnkapa are to visit Urenui on Saturday in the second grade, and the debut of our local players will be watched with interest. The former team are reported to be a strong combination, as the senior ranks

have been reinforced by the inclusion of several first-class players, which no doubt will help tq strengthen the juniors. Should the local men put up a good .fight in this match it will be an encouragement to them to keep going. The third grade are to travel to New Plymouth, and will try conclusions with the Old Boys on the racecourse.