DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather continues bright and sunshiny, though the river-wind is somewhat keen and biting. A meeting of householders was held in the Mokau school-room on April 24, Mr. S. Whitehead in the chair. After general business was concluded, a school committee for the year was formed, consisting of Messrs. S. Whitehead (chairman and -joint treasurer), Hansen, N. Clifton and H. Pike. We are pleased to report .that Mr. Robert Patterson, of Mokau, who was lately a patient in the New Plymouth Hospital, has made a gobd recovery, and -Is visiting friends in New Plymouth before returning to Mokau. The shooting season has begun, and Captain Victor Sjolund has been getting some goodly "bags” on -the Mokau River (not of ducks, though he thinks' they are likely to make "ducks andl drakes” bf his money).. Some of our . shooters have. been lucky enough to get some good bags of quail and pheasant. Fish, too, are very-plentiful just now, especially flounder. -Mr. Clark* has opened the blacksmith's shop in Awakino,, and seems, in a fair way to do good business, as there is plenty to do ’n that line for a steady, capable man. Lately we have had to send our horses as far as Urutl to be shod, which rather "took the gilt off the gingerbread,” so Mr. Clark ought to do well in -our village. Captain Eric Lewes’ launch, which has been laid up for repairs, is now completed, and is quite trim and watertight once more. Captain Eric runs our mail bi-weekly to the up-river settlers, and also carries passengers and cargo. He 13 a very popular skipper. A football match was held in Awakino on Sunday, April 30. Awakino team, being reinforced by some new blood, in the shape of some of the able-bodied lads from the works on the Valley Road, blds fair to carry off all the laurels again this season. The teams they will have to meet in the future will be combined ones (Maori and Pakeha) from Mahoenui, and the Tongaporutu Club’s team. The Mahoe made a trip to Awakino for wool last week. Some slight mishap occurred to her propeller, which necessitated an overhauling on her return to Waitara. Mr. Blaikie, Mokau’s "guardian of the peace”, had to seek medical advice in New Plymouth last week, but has returned to Mokau feeling quite "fit” again. Mrs. Herb. Kelly, of Waikawau (Awakino), and Mrs. Lew Jones, two of our popular hostesses, have returned to Awakino after a holiday trip. Miss H. Firth, who was a resident of Awakino for some fourteen months, and whose singing often delighted our audiences, is still having a good time in “good old Melbourne town”. She intends returning to New Zealand some time later on in the year. Mrs. F. Williscroft, senr., has gone to Feilding to visit her daughter. She expects to be away about two months. Mr. and Mrs. Sig. Erickson, till lately resident amongst us, are doing well in their new home (Suva, Fiji). Mrs. Erickson was very’ popular, and always to the fore in assisting at our local functions. Messrs. T. Chambers Bros, are still going on with Improvements on their different stations up the Mokau River, and ‘’Captain Bill” Wilson still has charge of their little "Home liner”, which carries their merchandise (stores, etc.), and brings their wool down to the Mokau wharf.

Mr. and Mrs. Ordish, of the Waikawau (Awakino) have left by motor on a visit to their other home in Carterton (Wairarapa). Mr. Les. Ordish has returned from New Plymouth. Mr. S. Fincham has returned to Mokau from a business visit to New Plymouth. Mr. Fraser's gang, being reinforced by several able-bodied workers, is doing splendid work on the Awakino Valley Road, as are also Mr. Towns!ey’s men on Mt. Messenger. Mrs. Chapman, junr., of Tongaporutu, is -M present visiting Mrs. Jim Rattenbury, Waitara. Mr. A. Hoskins, of "Happy Valley”, Ahititi, has returned from a business trip to New Plymouth. We are sorry to hear that Mr. T. Cummiiigs, junr. (one of our returned boys) has had to relinquish his section up the river. Preparations are being made for a grand bazaar to be held in the Awakino Hall in the near future. WAI-TOI-TOI—• URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The local dairy factory is still running every day, but as the weather is getting appreciably colder, and the raflk supply diminishing, it has been decided that milk and cream will be taken in on every alternate day after the 10th instant. To show how favorable the season has been for milk production as compared with last year, it might be mentioned that the milk and cream supply for the month of April was practically double that of the corresponding period in 1921, the figures reading:—l92l: 130,5761ba of milk and 9721bs of cream, from which were manufactured 212 cheese, 7371bs whey butter, and 12 boxes cream butter; whilst for 1922 the amount of milk received was 229,141ibs of milk and 13,9331bs of cream, the quantity of butter made being 340 boxes. Although some of the herds are now being milked only once a day, there are still quite a number who are continuing to milk twice dally, some of the cows averaging over a gallon of milk. However, there is the next season to be considered, and as many experienced farmers hold that milking cows should have at least eight or ten weeks’ rest before they again come into profit, no doubt by the end of the present month the majority of herds will have been dried off. Residents In the Tangltu settlement will note with satisfaction the assurance of the Minister of Public Works to Mr. R. H. Pigott (chairman of the Clifton County Council) that the Urutl—Tangltu tunnel is to be completed In the near future. This is one of the most important baekblocks works that have too long been delayed, and when finished will be of inestimable benefit to settiers in that locality. It is also satisfactory to see that tenders will be called for he building of the Mangamahoe bridge as soon as the necessary formalities have been complied with, as the large volume of traffic which passes along the Main North Road makes the erection of an up-to-date structure over this stream a matter of urgent necessity to both settlers and the travelling public.

During the week sportsmen in and around this locality have been quite busy with both dogs and guns. As the longtails are none too plentiful this season, it takes a fairly long day’s tramp to secure a decent bag, though hares and quail are much more in evidence. As usual, visitors from New Plymouth have passed through on their way to the back country for a few days’ sport, and no doubt as the season advances more will follow.

The many friends of Mrs. J. S. O’Neill, of the Urenui Hotel, who has been seriously Indisposed in New Plymouth recently, will be glad to learn that she is now progressing favorably towards recovery.

Quite a number of improvements are at present being carried out at the Mimi School, and the board's staff are busy enlarging the shelter shed, erecting a shelter between the shed and the school, and also removing the out-offices to a more convenient site. The committee have also employed labor for the formation of a tennis court for the children, it being now ready for laying down in suitable grass, so that by the time the summer comes round everything will be in readiness for this enervating pastime, which no doubt will be appreciated by both teachers and pupils. As showing how this district has progressed in the matter of population, it was remarked by one of the oldest residents at a recent meeting that it was quite a few years since there was only one child from this side of the Urenui River who attended the Urenui School, and he used to ride daily from the Mimi. Now there are between fifty and sixty children on the roll at the school at Wal-toi-toi, and this number should rather increase than diminish. No doubt this state of affairs has been been largely brought about by the rapid strides made in the dairying industry and the erection of an up-to-date factory in the district.

Despite the unfavorable weather on Friday evening last, there was a large attendance at the Pukearuhe schoolroom, when the first of a series of fortnightly euchre parties was held. After some interesting play the ladies’ prize was won by Mrs. A. Kapinga, with 11 games, girs, Bush securing the booby prize with three

/games to her credit. Amongst the gentlemen Mr. B. Luxton, with 10 games, was first, whilst Mr. H. Welts was allotted the booby 'trophy with three games. After an excellent supper, provided by the ladies in their customary hospitable manner, a few hours dancing was indulged in, the music being supplied by Mrs. T. White and Miss Ivy Moeller (piano), and Messrs. Tom Martin and Wakefield Kapu (accordeon). As M.C., Mr. N. Stewart was most attentive and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of those present. There are severe’ valuable points prizes to be allocated at the end of the series, so no doubt competition will become keen, and eager interest evinced as the season progresses. Gatherings such as these deserve support, as they are the only means that residents, who if they feel so Inclined have the opportunity cf attending amusements ever}’ evening in the week, and although the authorities are not too keen on the use of the various schoolrooms for this purpose, still, if every care is taken of the school furniture, it Is hardly likely that any drastic measures will be adopted. On Saturday last the local second grade football fifteen journeyed to New Plymouth to try conclusions with the Star team, and succeeded in making a draw, which must be considered satisfactory when it is remembered this is their first season, and many of the players are absolutely new to the game. Mr. A. Smith, in his usual sporting manner, conveyed the team and their supporters to town at greatly reduced fares, and his action in this matter is much appreciated by the Club. WHAREHUIA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The milk supply is now beginning to go down very fast, in fact If the present wintry weather continues the winter holiday for all dairy herds will be starting in a few days. The local creamery is now running every other day, and the casein plant has been closed for some weeks, so the end of this season is now in sight.

Owing to the drop in the price of butter-fat, several of the local farmers were finding it rather difficult to meet their interest or rent, as the case may be, but it is understood that most of them have made satisfactory arrangements with the mortgagees and land-owners, and will now be able to carry on again.

The local school is at preseent closed for the winter holidays. No doubt the teachers are glad of a spell from their arduous duties, and will find the vacation not half long enough, although some of the mothers are thinking it a bit too long as it is, and will be glad when next Tuesday morning comes.

The shooting season is here once more, but so far as this district is concerned the game is very scarce; one might walk all day and only get a hare or two, and perhaps see an odd quail in the distance. A party of local sports journeyed to Te Popo one day last week and were lucky to secure a fairly good bag.. .

The first of a series of dances under the auspices of the Hall Board was held in the social hail on Friday night last, there being quite a good attendance. The music, which was supplied by Mrs. Bianchi (piano) and Mr. Maitland (violin), was up to their usual standard, extras being supplied by local players. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. Chard.

Last night the first of a series of social evenings was held in the local church, and proved to be a great success, quite an enjoyable time being spent in games, competitions, etc., after which a dainty supper was handed round. These socials in connection with the church are to be held at intervals during the winter months, and will no doubt help to enliven the long winter evenings, as well as being a benefit to the church, both spiritually and financially. The ladies have now got arrangements well in hand for their forthcoming dance, which is being held in the social hall on Friday, May 19. This 13 to be a return dance to the bachelors, who gave a dance some time ago. No pains are being spared to help make tire evening a success,and visitors may rest assured that a thoroughly good time is in store for them, as the M.C.'s are very efficient young ladies, and the floor is one of the best for many miles around. Mrs. Bianchi’s orchestra has been engaged, and the supper is beii*- , supplied by the ladies themselves, so tht items of the evening are sure to be firstrate. RIVERLEA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The ranks of the early settlers have been reduced by the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Penny, which took place at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. J. Stubbs, on Wednesday last. The late Mrs. Penny arrived in Riverlea with her husband and family In the year 1888, when tarred roads and other conveniences we have were never dreamt of, and picking fungus was the chief industry. The late Mrs. Penny, who had reached the age of 88, used to tell some very interesting tales of the early days In Riverlea, when bullock drays, and not motor cars, were the chief means of transport. The funeral, which took place at the Kaponga Cemetery on Friday, was largely attended, the service at the graveside being conducted by the Rev. Slmlnster, of Opunake.

Mr. A. J. Glasson, of the Agricultural Department, judged the children's mangold plots on Wednesday last. Master Harold Gardiner’s plot secured first place with 91 tons 6 cwt per acre. The same boy was first last year with 61 tons, so thaat there has been a big improvement this, the second, year of the boys’ and girls’ plots.

Tire fancy dress ball in aid of the school prize fund took place on Thursday night, and waa a huge success. The prizes for the best costumes were awarded to Miss Olive Symes (first) and Eileen Goigan (second) for whilst the boys’ prizes went to Cameron Sadler and Cedric Gardiner. The following children were in fancy dress:—Olive Symes, "Cowgirl”; Eileen Gaigan, ’‘Gipsy Fortune Teller”; Tressle Sadler; "Oranges and Lemons”; Marny Webby, "Daffodil”; Nina Rothe, "Sailor Giri”; Hazel Jacobson, "Starlight Fairy”; Mavis Jacobson, “Sunflower” ; Ruby Jacobson, ‘‘Nurse"; Molly Richards. “Cap and Bells”; Edith Hey, "Poppy”; Beulah Reid, "Scotch Lassie”; Mary Carbis, "Black Cat”; Eileen Nickel, "Witch": Gladys McLean, "Good Luck"; Myrtle Symes, "Red Riding Hood”; Ethel Julian, "Japanese Girl”; Ivy Julian,. ‘‘Stars and Stripes”; Cameron Sadler, "Swagger”; Cedric Gardiner, “Butler” ; Harold Gardiner, "Pirate" ; Clive Webby, "Pierrot”; Harold Humphries, "Sailor" ; Edward Jacobson, "Sailor”; Herbert Lonsdale, “Brown Boy.” The following adults were In fancy costume:—Misses W. Schmidt, ’’Night"; G. Schmidt, "Ruination”; M. Julian, •'Night”; M. Larkin, "Irish Colleen"; M. Mahnke, “Good Luck"; E. Sanson, "Weldon’s Fashions”; B. Richards, "Taranaki Herald”; E. Hey, "Sunflower"; Messrs. C. Cassidy, "Toreador” ; V. Richards, "Clown”; W. Hey, “English Gentleman”; J. Hooper, "Gentleman.” The music, which was excellent, was supplied by Mr. W. Oakenfull’s orchestra, extras being played by Misses B. Hill, M. Humphries, B. Richards and Mrs. J. J. Slater. Mr. E. Wills, as usual, carried out the duties of M.C. in a perfect manner. The supper was provided by the ladies of the district, and for quality and quantity could not hove been beaten. Mesdames Sadler, Webby, Rothe, Gardiner and Jacobson had charge of the supper room, and were kept busy attending to the wants of the large crowd present. The hall was prettil}’ decorated with ferns and flowers by members of the school committee. I am sorry to have to report that Mr. H. Johns is still an inmate of the Hawera Hospital, and that Mr. Page was taken into the hospital for medical treatment last Monday. Mrs. J. W. H. Gardiner has gone to Feilding for a short holiday. Mlsg B. Hill is spending the school holidays with her parents at Kohuratahi. Mr. A. E. Mills is spending his holidays in Riverlea, training hard for the boxing tournament to be held in Eltham on Wednesday night. We are all looking forward to him having another win. NGAERE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) At the annual meeting of the Ngaere branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the election of officers for the ensuing year resulted: — President, Mr. B. Orr; vice-president, Mr. A. D. Walker; executive, Messrs. W. Morison, T. E. Coleman, T. R. Orr, N. B. Fryday, F. Tecofsky, and L. K. Tarrant (secretary). The election of auditor was held over, Mr. W. A. Brown, who has acted as auditor, going to Waverley. In the course of his address the president stated :—While the Union has made some propress in a few of its branches, there has been a marked decline of interest in a number of others, and the executive have devoted a considerable amount of thought tQ.Uow top

interest of farmers may be sustained in the union. In these days, when unionism and combination is being almdst universally adopted by every branch of labor and industry, it behoves the farmers of the Dominion to organise their own industry, so that they may be in the position to stand up against other organisations which may endeavor to take advantage of the unorganised farmer. The only organisation which farmers have in New Zealand that can in any way protect their interests is the Farmers’ Union, and the support given to that by the farmers is no credit to the farming community as a whole. Unless the farmers of New Zealand are prepared to take a real live interest in the affairs of their union they will assuredly one clay, probably in the very near future, awake, when it may be too late, to the fact that others who have been more wide awake, have obtained the advantage over them. The executive have tried various methods, from time to time, to induce farmers to support the efforts of the executive, and to keep the union actively organised In each district, but I must admit that I am by no means satisfied with the results we have so far obtained, and I trust that this coming year we may meet with much greater success. A few of the branches have taken up the suggestion of the executive to hold root-growing competitions, etc.,, but the number has been small. The only branch that has achieved any tangible result so far from these competitions has been the Otakeho branch, which has held a successful lucerne-growing competition. These competitions have proved of immense benefit to farmers in other parts of the world where they have been tried, and similar results have followed in this district. I am of opinion that, by extending these competitions throughout the province, we can arouse very much keener interest in the union amongst farmers, and, in addition, reap considerable advantage by increasing production, by inculcating better methods of farming, and by adding greater attractiveness to farm life. LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr. and Mrs. T. Hall, of Hastings Road, returned home last week from their honeymoon, and were given a splendid welcome. A large and representative gathering of the residents of Mangatoki and Lowgarth mustered in strong force, and spent an enjoyable evening with singing and dancing, not. forgetting the tin-can band and the usual toasts. Mr. A. G. Glasson, field instructor in connection with the boys’ and girls* agricultural club, visited the local school last week to judge the carrot and mangold plots. The committee are again grateful to those gentlemen who placed their cars at their service. Mr. Glasson was accompanied by the local supervisor, head teacher, and the children competing. The plots on the whole showed great improvement since the previous visit, and weighed out fairly well, the results of which are as follows: Carrots, Ren Ewans, 17 tons 18 cwt. 3 qrs.; Dorothy McDonald, 13 tons 17 cwt.; Ernie Jones, 32 tons 16 cwt.; Clarence Christensen,

16 tons 8 cwt. Mangolds: Ivy Burkitt, 62 tons 3 cwt. ; Joe Jones, 27 tons 10 cwt.; Ernie Christensen, 21 tons 13 cwt.; Pat Savage, 30 tons 7 cwt.