DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAI MATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The long spell of dry weather came to an end last Wednesday, when a fine rain set in and lasted for many hours. We are all glad of it around these parts, because it is a good grass growing rain, and will do a world of good. Already the pastures are looking greener, and I noticed the cockies all smiling at the factory that morning, so I guessed it must have been the rain.

Speaking about the weather, we were all sorry the rain came quite sb soon. One more fine day and night would have meant a great many more turning up at- Kalmata Hall to the R.S. ball last Wednesday night. Nevertheless a very fair crowd caune. In all, about 60 couples took the floor, and they were kept fairly busy iuit.il 2 a.m. Mrs. Bianchi’s orchestra from Stratford was engaged to play, and everyone spoke very highly of their playing, and really it was lovely to sit and listen to. At any rate, I am told they are to be engaged again next ball, so that should be good enough. The energetic) ladies' committee, who worked so hard and prepared all the good tilings for the inner <man, should be complimented on the splendid supper, and also upon tlie way the tables were laid, which enhanced the effect.

Mr. John Dobson, of Kaitnata, intends milking a big herd of cows on his Suffolk Road farm, and for that purpose he has installed an up-to-date milking plant, driven by a ten-foot water wheel, and all is working O.K, Mr. L. Dobson, junr., has been placed in command, and I am sure all KaSmata joins me in wishing Mr. Len every success up there. Mr. J._ Collingwood, of this district, has made most of us cast enviable glances at his brand new gate on the Main Road. Mr. George Collingwood, of Eltham, has been spending a short holiday in Kalmata, being the guest of Mr. and Mrs. John Dobson. Everyone will be pleased to hear Mt. and Mrs. Taylor’s little girl is well on the way to recovery now.

Mrs. Roycroft, of this district, is, I believe, progressing as well as can be expected.

I heard some tall stories of cattle hunting, etc., but this was given to me for "fair dinkum," and I will give it to you for what it is worth. A young man, not a hundred miles from Kaimata, thought he would like to shoot his bull for some reason or other, so he procured a gun and did a slow march to where the angry gent was grazing. Careful aim was taken, and both barrels were allowed to go forth Into old bull’s napper. Of course he bit the dust after two shots, and the gunman turned about and! walked home. Next day he was chased out of the paddock by a half-mad bull. Home he goes* once more, gets down the gun, and does another slow march to where the old bull had taken cover. At. l»st some more shots were fired. Next day he was supposed to be dead alright. He was stretched out In the paddock a good way from a fence. No one has been right up to htm yet, as far as I can hear, but he is sure to be dead. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) After a long spell of cold and windy weather some very welcome showers have fallen, which have started the grass, and the pastures are beginning to show signa of an early spring, or, as a farmer remarked, "the rain has washed the frost away already.” Very few lambs have so far put in an appearance here, but cows are coming Into profit, and increased activity and less time spent in "Blanket Bay" is now the order of the "boss” of the farm.

Some remarkably fine crops of swede turnips on this coast compare very favorably, so far as condition goes, with those on the other side of the mountain.

Baker’s menagerie of wild animals was exhibited here on Tuesday evening last, to the enjoyment of the children and young people, who have very few chances of seeing a real live lion. The king of beasts also gave the audience a sample of his "roar,” which filled some with fear, but was appreciated by the majority of the kiddies, and spoken of as "just it." The show also included bears, zebras, jaguars, baboons and mules, according to the placards, but they were not exhibited here.

Social events have been almost nil In Pungarehu this winter, but there is a rumor abroad that the bachelors intend holding a ball in the near future.

The secretary of the Education Board (Mr. Tnsull). the board’s architect (Mr. C. Moore) and Mr. Dempsey visited the local school on Friday, tbe 11th, and in conjunction with Messrs. Guild and Mathews, members of the school committee, investigated matters concerning the school generally, and the proposed technical school classes in particular. Quite a number of Pungarehuites attended the concert at Rahotu on Tuesday evening, being conveyed there and back In Hughson’s van. The programme was thoroughly enjoyed by those present, who say that the concert was really good and deserved a much bigger patronage.

Mr. Pennington, the newly appointed manager of the Cape Egmont Co-op. store, is now well In harness, and has been joined by his wife and family.

Miss Blackburn, of Te Aroha, Is visiting her sister, Mrs. H. Campbell, of Cape Road. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Don Cameron, of Centre Island lighthouse (and recently of Cape Ejwnont), will be pleased to hear that Mrs. Cameron is making a rapid recovery from her rather serious illness, but will regret to hear of the death of their infant daughter. Writing from Alexandria to a. friend, Mr. Cameron in a recent letter, says that they expect to be back in New Zealand in September. However, the s.s. Athenic, by which Mr. and Mrs. Cameron may return, is due in Auckland very, shortly, and friends may see them home again before that date.