DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

TAT AR. AIMAK A. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Owing, no doubt, to the attractions of show week, the euchre party on Friday, the 9th, was not very well attended. Mrs. Marsh (Oakura) won the ladies’ prize, and Mr. Bell and Mr. Percy Smith, tied for the gentlemen’s prize, and had to play off for it, Mr. Bell finally winning. Mr. and Mrs. F. McGovern, of Te Awamutu, have been visiting relatives in the district. Mr. McGovern was a purchaser of one of Mr. Hale’s highclass bulls at his recent sale. It is intended to promote a plain and fancy dress social next month, in aid of the show funds, if the Oakura Hall is available. We have been experiencing spme very severe frosts lately, as a result of which the grass is disappearing. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.)' Things are moving along very quietly in this district, social events being at a discount these cold evenings. It takes a very attractive programme now to draw a crowd and the few amusements which have eventuated recently have been, rather poorly attended, mainly for the above reason. “The last of the Mohicans,” •which was screened by the cinema company last Friday evening drew only a moderate number of patrons, certainly not so big an audience as the picture deserved. Those who faced the cold wind and attended at the hall had an enjoyable and profitable time. Coastal residents received quite a shock when it became known that Mr. A. Stewart, of Okato, had passed away. Mr. Stewart was -formerly in business at Rahotu and his sudden death at a comparatively early age is much deplored by residents there, who extend very sincere sympathy to his widow and children. That hard times are being felt everywhere is evidenced by the number of people passing to and fro looking for employment, and it is also noticeable that only a small proportion of farmers are now employing labor. Of course this is the “off-season,” putting sharemilkers out of work, which has swelled the ranks of the unemployed. A very bad form of “colds” is very prevalent here and almost every second person seems to be afflicted. The annual examination of the local school is somewhat earlier this year, notice having been received by the head mistress that it will take place next week. I understand that the school committee intend to have the gravel pit in the horse paddock blown up — or blown down (which is the correct term, Mr. Editor?), so that it will no longer be a menace to the children’s ponies. Friends of Mr.’ Aubrey Taylor, of Parihaka, will be pleased to hear that his condition is improving and hopes are entertained for an early and complete recovery. Mr. W. T. Guild, who has been to Dunedin to visit his mother, is expected to return this week. Miss Ruby Smith, who has been spending several weeks at her old home here, has now returned to Fitzroy. Mrs. James, of Auckland, is visiting Pungarehu, and is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Martin. Mrs. Joseph, of New Plymouth, is also the guest of Mrs. Martin. Miss Clara Corbett is holidaying in town. Local residents who visited the winter show were pleased with the numerous exhibits, the ladies being especially struck with the preserves, cookery and fancy work entries, and all were more than satisfied that they had their money’s worth and the time was well spent. Service was held in two of the local churches on Sunday last, the eleven o’clock service at the Roman Catholic Church being well attended, while an appreciative congregation attended the Anglican service in the hall. The Rev. T. Flower will conduct the usual fortnightly service at the Methodist Church on Sunday next, at 2 p.m. Master Freddy Taylor is an inmate of the New Plymouth hospital. Mr. Eric Raynor is at present incapacitated through a poisoned hand. The death which was reported to have taken place at Parihaka during the progress of a tangi, but which, however, did not then occur, did take place in reality a few days later, the victim being the little daughter of a native called Rangi. The board of directors of the Pungarehu domain decided last spring to crop the land with swedes. The scheme has proved a payable one, as the record price of £8 odd per acre was tendered for the crop. This will refill the coffers of the domain board, who anticipate putting down a permanent pasture in the near future. OKATO. Another very successful ball was held at Okato on Wednesday, June 7, being the second this season organised by the spinsters and bachelors of the district, and the committee, comprising Misses. A. D. and P. Corbett, W. and K. Wooldridge, A. Pearse, B. Wadsworth, and W. Wright, secretary, Messrs. J. and L. O’Sullivan. L. Corbett, L. Wadsworth, and E. Roebuck deserve to be congratulated on the results attained. Mr. J. O’Sullivan carried out the duties of M.C. excellently, and was assisted by Messrs. L. O’Sullivan and L. Wadsworth. The music was supplied by Mrs. George’s orchestra and the hall was crowded with dancers until about 2 a.m., several people being present I from New Plymouth. The hall was very prettily ' decorated with nikau palms, gigis and fancy colored papers. , The ladies’ dresses were very pretty and provided a great variety of color. ' Supper was all that could be desired, 1 delicious trifles, salads and jellies be- j ing made by the ladies’ committee and i excellent small goods supplied by Mr. I Hawkin, baker for Mr. J. S. Fox. A soft drinks stall was very well managed by Mr. G. Ansley. Mrs. W. Corbett, senr., very kindly took the management of the supper table and carried out this arduous task in a most capable manner, reflecting great credit on herself and the young men who so generously assisted her. namely Messrs. E. Corbett. R. Rookes, G. Roebuck. Les. Wadsworth, and P. O’Sullivan. As a result of this, and the fancy dress ball held on April 7, the committee have in hand the sum of £ll 13s 7d, which will be handed over to the hall committee towards lining the supper room