DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The butter factory is still going strong, and is not likely to close down before time. Our dairy farmers, and even the cows, wear a broader smile since the rise In butter prices. There is abundance of winter feed, so once more our barque seems bound towards the shores of prosperity, and what means prosperity to the farm also means prosperity to the whole country. I regret to report that Mf. Robert Patterson, one of dur oldest Identities, is seriously ill in the New Plymouth hospital. Mr. Patterson has been ailing for some time. He is well versed in all the traditions of our district, both Maori and pakeha, especially the former, and he was much sought after by tourists and visitors to> Mokau, being a well-learned and educated gentleman, whose conversation was much enjoyed. Everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. During the loading of the Mahoe with wool. Captain Gibson was unfortunate to injure his leg by a bale of wool falling front the Mokau wharf to the ship’s hold. Captain Gibson, however, bravely bore up till the loading was finished, but had to take the car to Waitara next day for medical advice. He is, ITOwever, ,we are glad to say, ,at time of writing, much improved, and able to resume duty. Captain Laing had to take command of our little "Home liner” on the return journey to Waitara. Mr. and Mrs. T. Radford, of Mokau River, have returned from Taranaki. Mr. Radford, had the mlafortune to poison his band whi.e cutting a boxthorn hedge some time ago, and, thinking it only a minor affair, neglected giving It any serious attention. However, it turned out more serious than he thought, and he had to go to New Plymouth to have it seen to. However, the doctor made a good job of it, and he tas returned, looking just as genial as ever. The snagging punt for operations on the Mokau river is nearing completion, and Mr.) Allan Sampson, the contractor for the building of it, is to ■ be congratulated on the good job made of it. Mr. Dave Scott, of Mokau Ferry, has launched his new boat, and it is quite an acquisition to the cattle swimming over our Mr. Fred Northern and his brother, of Awakino, have returned from a most enjoyable trip to Wellington. Mr. Harold Philpott, of Wellington, son of Mrs. S. Whitehead, of Mokau, has been visiting here. Mr. Philpott’s visits are always looked forward to, as he is a finished musician. His forte is the classical, and his pianoforte renderings of Liszt and Chopin favorite composers) are delightful to listen to. Anzac Day here was observed as a Sunday. No trains (of tho future), no trams (also -of the future) running. A two minutes' silence was ■ held in memory of our fallen t eroes, of which even our little district can lay claim to a fair number. A basket social and dance was held at Tongapurutu, and was very successful. Quite a number of guests turned up to enjoy the good floor, and music, and dainty supper. Great praise is due to the committee of management for the able way the arrangements for the function were carried out. Some very beautiful baskets were provided, and brought good prices. Mrs. Townley has returned to Tongapurutu from New Plymouth, where she had been visiting her another, Mrs. Eyre. Mrs. Townley .was hostess at a very enjoyable evening party on Wednesday, April 19, the guest of honor being Miss Wilson, of Wellington. TAHOKA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) This district has just experienced a very wet period. However, the weather has taken up again, and we are hoping to have a fine spell before the roads really break up. When the roads get really muddy about this time of the year there is little prospect of any appreciable improvement for the winter. The last two nigtts there have been Tairly hard frosts. On April 24 there was a meeting of householders in the public school. Although the attendance was not as large as it should have been, yet it showed a considerable improvement on the previous year or so. After the report of the out-going committee tad been adopted, Mr. W. L. Kennedy was voted to the chair. The following were appointed a. committee for the ensuing year:—Mesdames Kennedy and Mantle, and Messrs. T. Selby, E. Mantle, and H. Taylor. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr. T. Selby was appointed chairman and Mrs. Kennedy secretary and treasurer. As there are many matters in connection with school comonlttee business that ladies are specially fitted to deal with, i£ was considered a mqie in the right direction to appoint two ladies to the committee. On Anzac Day a large number journeyed to Koturatahi to be present at the unveiling of a soldiers’ memorial. A special Public Wbrks train conveyed the people from Tahora and Whangaunomona. Most of the school children between Tahora and Whangamomona were present. The ladies provided refreshments at a small cost. The proceeds

went to the memorial fund. The monument, with the names of 40 fallen soldiers from Tahora, Kohurntahi, and Whangaonomona, is near the railway station. The unveiling address was given by Mr. R. Masters, M.P. Suitable addresses were also given by Messrs. Cleland and Stockwell. The following hymns were sung by the assembled children and adults: —“o God Our Help.” "Onward Christian Soldiers,” and "Abide With Me.” A number of returned soldiers fired volleys, and the "Dast Post” was sounded. The success of the function was largely due to the work of the secretary (Mr. Perry). Tooth-brush drill has recently been commenced in connection with the Tahora public school. LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather of late has been very wintry and cold, with plenty of rain, and in consequence the milk at the local factory has gone down considerably, and with hard times upon us a payout of tenpence does not make matters any cnore cheerful. Mr. Percy Nairn, of the Stuart Road, joined the ranks of the benedicts last week, and we wish him every success and guarantee’ him a good time when he returns home. The other local gentleman who did likewise some time ago, must shortly lie coming home, ■ the young folks are gathering up the drum and fife band for the occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Haycock and family have shifted from the Stuart Road, and are living in Eltham. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have also left this district, and axe at present living in Ngaere. It is with deep regret that I record the death of Mrs. Lister, of this district. Mr. and Mrs. Lister have only been in the district just a few weeks, living witfr their son, Mr. W. Lister, and it is to be regretted that her demise has taken place so soon. To Mr. Lister and all the relatives I tender I sincere sympathy on behalf of the district.. Quite a gloom was cast over the district, when we learned of the death of Mrs. Taylor, wife of Mr. T. Taylor, of Wai-toi-loi. (Mr. Taylor, who is a brother of our local factory manager, is well-known in this district, and I also, on behalf of tie people of ' this district, tender him our heartfelt, sympathy in his sad bereavement. PUKENGAHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) At the householders’ meeting on Monday evening, the 24th., only fifteen turned up, including four ladies. The report stated that there are at the present time fortytwo on the roll. It seems a pity that more interest in the school is not taken by - the parents, considering the fine school we have, also the great amount of labor the various comm it■tees have done since the school was built. The grounds are well fenced and hedges ■planted, a lawn has been laid down in front of the school, shelter built, floors concreted, with concrete walk to large square of concrete in front of doors, and this last

year all the playground has been ploughed and levelled and resown and swings erected. The committees have put in a lot of hard work and spent a. sum of money in improvements, and surely the householders ought to roll up to the annual meeting and show by their presence their appreciation of what has been done. The balance sheet showed a etedit. The retiring chairman (Mr. Mehrtens) declined nomination, as also did Messrs. Moore and Rowe. However, after some persuasion a committee was elected, consisting of Messrs. Harris, Harper, Wilson, Murphy, aud Blackstock. At the meeting following, Mr. Blackstock was elected chairman and Mr. Harper senretary and treasurer. Mr. O’Neill moved a hearty vote of thanks to the out-going committee, and paid a high tribute to the late chairman for all he had done for the school. Following on the householders' meeting, those present formed themselves into a social committee, to carry on the socials and euchre parties during the coming winter. This is the fifth winter that these socials tave been held, and the school benefited to the extent of about £7O. It was resolved to carry them on as usual, the first to be held on May 5, and thereafter fortnightly, till the cows come in again, and it is to be hoped they' will be as well patronised as in the past. Mr. Blackstock was elected chairman, secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Harris assistant secretary.