DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondence.) Very general regret is felt in this district at the death of Mr. Guy Cooper, who was so well known and highly respected by residents here. Deepest sympathy is extended to his widow and young son and daughter. The funeral was largely attended by friends from far and near. Colds and mild cases of influenza are prevalent here just now; no doubt the sudden atmospheric changes we experience are responsible for a deal of this sickness. The milk supply has lessened considerably owing to the recent hard frosts. The factory is only running every other day now. We are pleased to record that our factory was successful in winning the Taranaki Agricultural Society’s Cup for butter at the recent show held in New Plymouth last week, we congratu? late the company on their success and also the maker, Mr. Owen Webby. The young ladies of Mangatoki- met at Mrs. Perry’s residence on Friday last to arrange about their return ball, which they have decided to hold oh July 13. This function is generally the event of the season, being carried out on a very elaborate scale; it will need to be a great success to compete with the bachelors’ ball, which was held last month.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen and family, prior to -their leaving the Hunter Road, were entertained by a number of their friends at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, where a very enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were also tendered a farewell social at Matapu. They have taken up their residence at Okaiawa.

Nurse Rae, after a short stay with her sister, Mrs. W. E. Carter, has gone to Karitane Home to finish her training; she will then probably make her home in New Plymouth.

The appearance of Charlie. Chaplin walking the streets of Eltham on Saturday caused great excitement among the children. It was worth something to see “Charlie” followed by a crowd of happy boys and girls shrieking with merriment.

The tennis committee have been busy lately top-dressing the local courts, which should be in fine order for the coming season.

Mr. J. Penny has gone to Frankton for the winter, we hope his health will benefit greatly by the change. Mr. and Mrs. Claud Ball and their two little duaghters are at present, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Astbury. Mr. Hugh Lambie and Mr. Harold Clarke are away on a holiday trip to Auckland and Hamilton.

Mr. and Mrs. Corkill were surprised by a large number of friends appearing one evening last week, and a jolly >time was spent. Surprise parties are ■the order of the night just now.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Urenui Ladies’ Guild have every reason to feel gratified at the response made by the public to their appeal for funds in aid of the Anglican Church, the Urenui Hall being crowded on the occasion of the social apd danqe which was held on Thursday evening, whilst the audience were well pleased with the excellent programme. The Rev. Gavin, of Waitara. occupied the chair, and introduced the various performers, the first item being an overture on the piano by the Misses Freeth, followed by well rendered solos by Mr. Chris Smith and Mr. Des Forges, and a representation o-f eight Chinamen by the school boys was heartily encored. Mr. Rackley’s solo also pleased the audience, as did a duet by Mr. and Mrs. McKenney, as well as the solo by Miss Sheard. The duet by Misses Esme McKenney and Gibson was re-demanded, and Mr. Buckley (who is a singer new' to Urenui) w r as well received and had to respond to an encore for his solos. Ten minutes’ community singing concluded the first part of the programme, Mr. McKenney taking charge and led off the various popular airs which were sung. The second part opened with an overture by the Newton family, followed by a quartette “Old Mother Hubbard,” which had to be repeated. Solos by Messrs. McKenney and O’Neill and Misses Hick and Purchas were well received, and the duet by Miss Purchas and Mr. Buckley received an encore, as well as the recitation by Miss Esme McKenney, who is quite a favorite with the audience. The singing of the quartette “Good Night,” followed by the National Anthem, brought a most successful evening to a close. The various accompaniments were played by Mrs. A. Thompson, whilst the music for the. dance which followed was provided by Miss Edwin in her customary saitsfaetory manner, Mr. W. Pigott making an efficient M.C. A liberal supper was provided by the ladies, and it is pleasing to be able to state tha the takings amounted to some £l7. Though the recent cold snap has had the effect of considerably reducing the milk yield, the Wai-toi-toi dairy factory still continues to run on alternate days, and in addition to the local supply of milk and cream Pukearulie are sending their cream to be manufactured into butter, which no doubt will be more - economical than running- theirown factory, now that the supply is becoming limited. It has often been remarked that a great saving could be effected in many parts of Taranaki if more of the milk or cream were conveyed to central factories for manufacture into cheese or butter, as the greater the production under one roof the cheaper the cost should be to the producer.

A comparison of the amount of milk and cream received at the local factory for the month ending May, 1921, and the corresponding period in 1922, show's a marked difference in favor of the latter. although the number of cov/s being milked in the district is practically the same as last year. In May 1921, 40.033 lbs of milk were received and 4j9lbs of cream, there being 67 cheese made, 2161bs of whey butter, and 2271bs of creamery butter, whilst the average test being 5.07. When the factory discontinued running on May 31, the amount of milk being received was 18291b5, together with 501bs of cream. The figures for 1922 read: 102,5521bs of milk, with an average test of 5.39; the amount of butter manufactured being 10.2341b5. At the end of the month there were being received 40121bs of milk and 3051bs of cream.

In accordance with the new system of military training, which is being adopted by the Defence Department, of having seven days continuous drill in place of the fortnightly parades, which have formerly been held, there will be quite a busy time in Urenui next month. From June 29 until July 6, the mounted rifles will be required to attend every day from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.;

whilst from July 9 till the 17th, the cadets will have similar hours of instruction. Trainees will then be exempt from parades for a period of twelve months. The attitude taken by the Department in this matter is that this system will be more effective and economical, besides being much more convenient for parents and employers. ; This will probably be the case as far j as country centres are concerned, but ' with the towns it might be slightly different, and there is almost certain to be some dissatisfaction expressed, whilst it has been pointed out by many who understand these matters that the instructors would have more influence over their various troops by meeting them every fortnight than would be the ease if a year is allowed to elapse between parades. It is stated that a grand military ball will probably be held in the Urenui Hall during the period of encampment. Should the present fine weather continue the returned soldiers’ ball in the Urenui Hall on the 15th should attract a large number of visitors, as the commi tte are making energetic preparations to . ensure a successful evening. ‘ A most efficient orchestra has been eni gaged, and a sit-down supper will be provided. It has also been decided to donate handsome prizes for the best fancy dresses, of which it is anticipated there will be a large number. The teachers and pupils of the Mimi school would feel obliged if the owner of a couple of cows who utilised the school grounds as an accommodation paddock after Mr. Sutton’s sale on • Wednesday last would make it his business. to pay a visit to the school and repair damages, as the newly laid down tennis court has suffered rather severely through the beasts trampling • over it. It is rather disheartening after the ; trouble and expense that has been gone j to in this matter to have the work of i weeks damaged in this manner, more ■ especially as the young grass is coming ; on nicely. There was a good attendance on the recreation ground on Saturday last to witness the football match between the First Juniors and the Old Boys teams, and needless to say, the win o-f the former by 11 points to 3 caused considerable satisfaction to the supporters of the yellow and blacks. The second juniors were again unfortunate, as owing to a breakdown they were unable i to reach town in time to fulfil their | engagement with High School, and coni' sequently had to forfeit. j Those who attended the winter show j last week (and there were a large I number from this locality) speak in | high terms of the excellence of the i school exhibits, and every year greater interest seems to be evinced in this department. It is satisfactory to note that both the Urenui and Mimi schools j were amongst the prize winners.