DISTRICT NEWS,

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS,

WHAKEHUIA. (Front Our Own Correspondent.) The first of a series of euchre parties was held in the social hall last Friday evening, and proved to be a great success. Mrs. J. Trott and Mrs. W. Phillips tied for first place for' the ladies prize with ten games each, and had to play off, the former lady being successful in winning the game. Mr. L. Wheller won U)e gent’s prize with 11 games out of 12, Miss E- Wheller and Mr. T. Barleyman gaining the prizes for tl'e least □umber of games. After the euchre was brought to a close the tables were removed and a dainty supper handed round, after which dancing was indulged in until about 1 aan., the music being supplied by local and visiting players. The hall board propose holding about four euchre parties, and are then going to give a points prize for the lady and gentleman respectively who lave gained the most points for the four evenings. The ladies have now got the final arrangements well in hand for their dance on Friday evening, and all that remains- to help make the evening a thorough success is the clerk of the weather to send along a fine night. OMATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very successful plain and fancy-dress ball was held in the Omata hall on me night of the 11th insti Favored with a perfect night, visitors were present from far and near, Including a large number from New Plymouth, who- are always unore than welcome at our social gatherings. Despite the fact tl at the hall. r.was filled to overflowing, it was evident that everyone had come on pleasure bent, : and they were not disappointed. Among the vfattprs present were Mr. and Mrs. C. 11. Weston, wto had kindly consented to judge the fancy dresses, *"~for which prizes were given. When the competitors paraded it was at once seen that the judges had no easy problem to solve. That their decisions gave general satisfaction was evidenced by the Hearty applause which greeted the announce, ment of the following names as the winners S—Ladles’ fancy: First, Miss Crozier, Black Cat; second, Miss Batten, Flower. Ladies’ national: First, Miss Luxton, Spanish ; second. Miss Simpson, Indian. Gent’s fancy: First, Mr. Gilmour; second, Mr. Kendall. Gent’s national: First, Mr. Luxton Giris’ fancy: First, Ruth Luxton, Topsy; second, Isohel Batten, Dutcti Boy. The dresses of three other little girls, naxnely T. Curtz, C. Kendall and C. Luxton, were of snra merit that the judges offered to donate special prizes in each case, for which offer; and their kind services the members of the hall committee tender their heartiest thanks. The music, wricii was greatly appreciated, was supplied by Mr. Bolton's orchestra, while the duties of M.’sC. were ably carried out by Messrs. Hughes, Bayly, Penwardeu and Luxton. A word of praise is due to the band of workers under the direction of Mr. Hughes for the very tasteful way the hall had been decorated, and also for the excellent floor prepared. As usual, the ladies’ committee placed the success of the gathering beyond doubt by supplying a plentiful and substantial supper. Dancing was continued unui all were satisfied that this last ball was the best ever held in Oonata. The many friends of Mr. E. R. Bayly, who has for some time been an inmate of the New Plymouth Hospital, are pleased to learn that, he 'is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Eric Penwarden, who recently lost his only child, a bright little lad aged aix years. Quite a number of residents and visitors assembled on the old redoubt on Mr. Ansford’s property last Satwroay afternoon, the attraction being a meet of the North Taranaki Hunt Club. From their vantage point the spectators listened in vain to hear the huntsman’s “View halloo." In every case the vrily "bunny” made a secret get-away, leaving the hounds to follow on scent. Some good wire jumping was seen, the huntsman, especially, taking all before him in great

><• PUKENGAHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Since my last notes we have been having some remarkably fine weather, which has been a very great help to the producers of butterfat. Many fanmers are still milking twice a day, a most unusual thing, and although our factory branches are running every other day, the supply is likely to keep them running well into June, which will be a great kelp to the struggling farmers, and especially those who bought in at the high prices. It seems almost impossible for these men to make both ends meet when one knows that the older settlers, who bought in at less than half their price, are feeling the pinch, and by the look of the market at the present time the final pay-out is not likely to exceed one shilling per lb. butter-fat. In spite of hard times our settlers keep smiling and working, and at our fortnightly euchre parties turn up for a real social evening and for the time being forget mortgages and cows. We had a very good turnout at our first social, there being forty players and several non-players looking on. The ladies provided the supper, which was enjoyed by all, after which dancing commenced and was vigorously kept going till about. 2 a.m. Mr. Le Pine made a most capable M.C. The music was supplied by the ladies and Mr. Mehrtens. Special une*stlon- should be made of two of the Pukengahu school pupils, Doris O’Neil (violin), and Edie Coleman (piano), who played for some of the dances and gave great satisfaction. Pukengahu has not been without its visitors. During the school holidays Mrs. McKenzip and her youngest daughter, Florrie, from New Plymouth, were down for a week. Mrs. Pender, wife of the schoolmaster at Turiwiri, Dargaville, is paying her first visit to, Taranaki, and the few days she has been in it thinks Taranaki a long way ahead of the winterless north as a place to live in, which shows tbat Taranaki, when it is fine, js really fine. TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Saturday, May 13, an important meeting of the Tahora riding of the Whangainomona County Council was held in the Public Works Hall. A large number of settlers from all parts of the riding were present. Mr. Cleland presided. The chairman apologised for the short notice-given of the meeting, but as they wished to place important proposals before the council at its meeting on May 24, it was inevitable that the notice should be short. The main object of the meeting was to ask the Government to complete , the metalling of the road between Tahora and Kohuratahi without cost to the settlers. He (the chairman) had been in the district for 21 years, and during all that period he, along with others, had put up with roads that at times were almost impassable. The presence of that type of road was having a distinctly detrimental effect on the district. When the sons of settlers went out and saw the superior roads in other parts they did not feel inclined to come back and make their homes in these parts. It was time that the settlers demanded that common justice be done to those who had lived and labored so long in these roadless parts. Mr. Robertson asked what the cost per mile would be, the length to be metalled between Kohuratahi and Tahora being about 6% miles. The Government had already promised to metal 1% miles of the Tahora Saddle, and have promised £5OO for another portion, so there is about five miles to be arranged for. To put on this a coating of metal 12 inches deep and 12 feet wide will cost about 17/6 per yard, making the total cost for the five miles about £7700. In the event of the Government acceding to this reasonable request of the settlers they could probably arrange to secure the metal from the Te Wera pit, which is now being opened up for the purpose of ballasting the Kohuratahi-Tahora line. Mr. W. L. Kennedy suggested that the meeting urge the Government to set apaft a sufficient sum to speedily complete the metalling of the road between the Whangamomona and Ohura counties, as the traffic on this important road is becoming so heavy. However, as the Government has already promised to link up the railheads it was ultimately decided to limit the demand to the Kohuratahi-Tahora portion. Tba maeUug also discussed several other Im*

portant matters, which will be more fully -dealt -with at a future date. The chairman, Mr. Cleland, was appointed to personally bring the main resolution before the Hon, J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works. . If the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Works do not fulfil their promise to visit the district at an early date, Mr. Cleland will journey to Wellington. As the matter was so urgent it- was thought best to immediately bring it personally before the authorities. With the assistance of the New Plymouth and Stratford Chambers of Commerce the settlers are hoping to get something practical done in these parts. The school closed for the autumn recess on May 5, and opens again next week. On May 19 a school concert will be held in the Public Works Hall. The children are now preparing for the event, and all are looking forward to this important function. The committee of the school are arranging for a series of working bees to improve the school grounds. The first will probably be held on Saturday, May 20. The Tahora Settlers’ Association have applied to have a piece of land set aside for a cemetery. At present the nearest cemetery is at Whangamomona. Last week Messrs. McCartie and Kennedy met and completed the fencing of the Tahora Domain. At a near date it is intended to beautify the Domain and have it laid out in a more satisfactory manner, PUNIHO AND WAREA. : (From Our Own Correspondent.) The first of a series of danpes that are being held by the combined Newall Road social and school committees was held in Mr. O’Callaghan’s barn on the 4th inst. Although the weather was not very pleasant h very large number turned up. As usual with these dances, all arrangements were in first-class order, and everyone had a splendid time. Mr. Ralph Cassy and Mr. H. Larking fulfilled the duties of M.’sC. The music was provided by Mr. Pearson. Miss Connie Julian obliged with an extra. The supper was in the hands of the Newall Road ladies, and greatly added to the enjoyment of the evening. It is the intention of the committees to hold these dances about once a month, whilst short night dances will be held fortnightly. The dances will be advertised in the Daily News. The school com-

mittee is out to raise funds, for some very necessary improvements to the school and grounds, and with this object in view they have combined with, the social committee, who have promised to do their best to help them. No trouble should be experienced In raising this money, as the Newall Road dance hall is second to none on this coast, and when the committee has finished the improvements, which include the installing of an electric fan, the hall will be equal to any in town. Intending patrons are advised to go via Puniho Road, as this road is now in good repair, and is by far the best route to take.

A large number of dancing enthusiasts from this district went to the ball that was held at Oakura on the 9th inst., and spent a very enjoyable evening. The ball was voted the premier ball of die season on this coast, and the good impressions gained by the dancers was a good inducement to visit Oakura again. The Oakura Tennis Club held a "hard-up” social in the Hempton Hall on Thursday, 11th inst. In spite of the many attractions on the coast during the week, the floor was well filled with dancers, many being in "hard up” dress. Music was supplied by Mr. Pearson, and everyone experienced a good time. The judges of the "hard up” dresses decided in favor of Mr. Jenkins for the men’s prize, and Miss Wright for the ladies’ prize. The Warea ladies who spent such a lot of time in teaching the children to dance, have every reason to be well satisfied with their efforts after the children’s fancy dress ball in the Warea Hall on Friday last. Between fifty and sixty children turned up at the ball, many being in fancy dress, and, judging by the noise that issued from the hall, it was a veritable red-letter night for the kiddies. The grand march, led by Mrs. T. Larking, looked very pretty, and was a distinct credit to the teachers. Masters Frank Sole and "Snowy” Ward fulfilled the duties of M.’sC. in a very capable manner. Mrs. Bell provided excellent music, assisted by Misses Sole, Julian, and Pearson, and Mrs. Doyle. The children occupied the floor until midnight, when the adults took charge, Mr. Gordon Wells acting as M.C. The supper was In the hands of the Warea ladies, and was quite up to the usual Warea standard. It was well on towards daylight when —as a ‘‘coup de grace”—Mr. Will Lawrence sang "Let the Rest of the World Go By,” the dancers all joining in the chorus. The children in fancy dress were:—Misses M. Bell “Pierrot”; M. MeEldowney, *‘La Belle France”; M. Doyle, ‘Daffodil”; M. Wilson, "Night”; T. Corbett, "Fairy”; M. Sole, "Mother Goose"; L. Johns, "Japanese Girl”; J. Corbett, "Rose”; N. Bell,. ‘‘Ribbons and Laces”; A. Bell, "Young America”; E. Ward, "Butterfly”; N. Johns, ‘‘Good Luck”; M. Drayder, "Early Victorian”; T. Myers, "Japan"; Masters F. Sole, "Pierrot”; S. Ward, "Pierrot”; N. Coleman, "Elf"; D. Coleman, ‘‘Nigger"; C. Sole, "Pierrot"; S. Rayne, "Maori Chieftainess”; S. Hill, ‘‘Maori Chief”; V. Ward, "Pack of Cards." The judging of the fancy dresses was done by public voting, the winners among the elder children being Master Dennis Coleman and Miss Lily Johns. The winners among the small children were Miss Maisa Sole and Master Noel Coleman.

Rumor has it that the bachelors of Warea intend holding a grand ball early next month. The annual Warea library dance will be held shortly. It is expected It will be in the form of a plain and fancy dress ball. The Girls’ Friendly Society are now hard at work preparing for a "cobweb social," which tliey anticipate holding shortly. Mr. E. B. Cooke is out of hospital now and baek again in Puniho. We are all very pleased to see him back aggin, and hope he will soon fully recover from the effects of his rather severe operation.