DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Favored with fine weather, the Urenul Returned Soldiers’ Ball on Thursday evening last attracted a large attendance, visitors being present from New Plymouth, Waitara, and the surrounding country districts. The committee had worked hard and made extensive preparations for the enjoyment and convenience of their guests, a couple of marquees being erected at the rear of the hallone to serve as a supper room, and a smaller one for the purpose of washing’ up the dishes, etc., whilst once more the opinion was fairly forcibly expressed- that the sooner some steps are taken in the matter of arranging for increased accommodation as regards supper, the more satisfactory it will be for those ladies and gentlemen who have , to, do such a large amount of unnecessary work in this respect. The hall had been tastefully decorated with nlkau palms, etc., and the scene during the grand march was very pretty Indeed. The music, as supplied by Mr. Murray Fowler's orchestra from Waitara, left nothing to be desired in this respect. Messrs. Roy Fitzgerald and «T. O’Neill, assisted by Mr. S. Johnson, fulfilled the role of masters of ceremonies most creditably, and got through an arduous evening satisfactorily.. The supper, which was more . than sufficient for a large number of visitors, was excellent, and beautifully laid out, reflecting every credit pn the ladies, who so willingly, as on former occasions, gave invaluable assistance in this respect. The committee desire to express their hearty appreciation of these kindly actions, which go so far towards making their re-unions so. enjoyable. It was rather disappointing that there were not more fancy costumes, but, neverthelessj there were many handsome evening dresses worn, and etidefatly the wearers had gone to no Inconsiderable amount of trouble and expense to do honor to the occasion, whilst the result justified their efforts. Amongst those appearing in fancy dress were:—‘Mrs. P. Spurr, “The Seasons”; Misses Honeyfield, "Al addin's Lamp”; Sheard, "Japanese Lady” . Dorothy Cole, “Gypsy”; and Smith, "Red, White and Blue”; Mr. L. Burke, "Ye Old English," and Air. R. Spurr, ''‘Maori Chief.”’ The judges. (Mr. A. H. Halcomhe and Mrs. T. Waite) awarded the ladies’ prize to .Miss Honeyfield, and that for the gentlemen .to. Mr. L. Burke. Tat er. altogether, the "diggers” are to be complimented upon the manner in which the whole of the arrangeunents were carried out, and it may safely be predicted that as the years pass by their annual ball will be looked upon as pne of the events of. the year. As there was a considerable amount of food unused at the ball, the children of the Ureniii school were invited to attend the hall on Friday and partake of afternoon tea, at the conclusion of which Master McKinney, on behalf of his schoolmates, expressed their appreciation of the kindness.

It is stated that preparations are shortly to be made for a children’s grand fancy dress ball, to be held in lhe Urenuj Hall on August 4, the proceeds of which are intended to be devoted to the Urenui School Improvement Fund. The school committee are taking a live interest in the matter of adding to the appearance of the school surroundings, and the results of their efforts are becoming most noticeable—a fact which was favorably commented upon by the chairman of the Education Board recently. It is now some years since a function of this description was held in Urenui, and all those who remember how successful the last one was will look forward with interest to the forthcoming event, and no doubt there will be a record attendance.

Last week Mr. J. Buckley, who has been a resident of Wai-toi-toi for the past twelve monihs, and has made many friends both in this locality and Urenui, departed for his farm at Kaimlro. During his residence here, Mr. Buckley has occupied ; portion of Mr. J. Zimmerman’s Wai-toi-toi estate, and has been milking thereon and supplying the local factory. Besides being a- good settler, Mr. Buckley will be missed socially, being the possessor of a voice far above the average, ,as those who heard him sing at . the recent concert in Urenui can testify, as well as being a finished pianist, and had he remained in the district his services would have been frequently his services would have beea frequently rereqiristtioned and appreciated. It is reported that Mr. Zimmerman has disposed of the upper portion of his estate, recently occupied by Mr. Buckley, to Mr. W. Corcoran, the former owner. The very sensible suggestion made by your correspondent, A.L.1.V.E., In regard to the condition of the Urenui cemetery, that your previous correspondent, J.G., In addition tn calling attention to the matter, should lead the way, either by a subscription list or a slasher, will no doubt meet with public approval, and no doubt a move in either direction would ensure hearty support, and be the means of removing an eyesore to our otherwise attractive township. Another matter which would also receive assistance would ne ap effort to provide adequate supper room accommodation at the public hall, and any meeting called to consult with the trustees on the matter would be well attended. Very genera) satisfaction has been expressed amongst dairy farmers at the sudden rise in the Home market for both butter and cheese. There is still a large quantity of the latter in the cool stores yet awaiting shipment, and it is to be hoped that some, .effort will be made in future to ensure a more regular delivery, as the cost of storage and loss through shrinkage will be a serious item to many companies. RIVERLEA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Education Board carpenters were here last week to put In a new wash basin, new blinds, and frosted the school windows, work that has been needed for a long time. The school hockey team walked to Kaponga on Thursday and played a drawn game with the Kaponga school team, the score being two goals each. The children quite enjoyed the outing, and are looking forward to a return match to be played at Riverlea. The farmers’ root crops were judged by Mr. A. J. Glasson last week. ‘The mangold and carrot crops were better than last year, whilst the swedes were not as ;"ood owing to the dry rot being very bad this season. The detailed results are not yet to hand, though I think Mr, J. W. H. Gardiner’s crop of mangolds, weigh*! ing 88 tons per acre, will be easily first. The judge passed some severe remarks regarding the lack of shelter on most of the farms. It Is really a wonder that there is not more shelter grown, as good shelter from the cold south and west winds is as good as feed to the cattle.

The hall is at present being lined by the willing workers of the district, who'gather in full 'force about three nights a week and work and talk till midnight. They now only have the two dressing rooms to do, so we are in hopes of the job being finished by the end of the month.

The dance held last Tuesday night in aid of the liall funds was a great success. The music waS supplied by Messrs. Oakenfill, Jacobson and Gibbons. Mr. A. Gibson was the M.C., and kept things moving with a swing till 1 a.m. The supper was supplied by the ladies.

Two clearing sales were held in Riverlea last week, .but the prices for both cattle and sundries were very small. Of course it Is rather early yet for people to pay big prices for cattle, as they will have them to winter.