DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A torrential rain storm, accompanied by heavy thunder and sheet lightning broke over this district on - Tuesday evening, and was evidently the culminating point of the recent wet spell, the weather now being beautifully fine and mild. The pastures have put on the green tints of spring and the growth of the grass has been most marked. Quite a unique change in the routine of the annual meeting of the Cape Egmont Dairy Company’s shareholders was the nomination of two persons to oppose the retiring directors, Messrs. Smith and Neilson. The Parihaka. soldier settlers a.nd the small farmers of the district had felt that the small man was not represented on the board of directors, and consequently it was thought wise to put up a man to represent this section. The move was unsuccessful.

The smaller men are looking forward to "one man one vote” system of ballot before many more annual meetings pass by. The man who milks twenty cows, they hold, has an equal right to be considered as he who milks a hundred and twenty because in each case it represents the owners’ living, no more, and no less. The farmer milking the greater number of cows, they contend, may have a ftiller purse, but this ought not to give him any more power than his neighbor of a smaller herd and purse.

It is gratifying to find that, at last our young people are taking an active part in the well-being of the district, and Messrs. T. Barrett and R. J. Fleming, are deserving of every assistance in their efforts to raise funds for improving the local hall, especially as the building is to be used for the technical school classes in the near future. A social committee, with Mr. Fleming as secretary, have decided to hold a grand ball on Wednesday, the 23rd. I understand that the Opunake orchestra will provide the music for the dance, while a strong committee of ladles, including Mesdames Grenfell, Pennington, Mathews, Misses D. Grenfell N. and B. Fleming and A. Corbett will have charge of the sit-down, supper. All those who suffer from corns, rheumatism, chilblains, or that "t’red feeling” are invited to come along, as the bachelors’ ball is guaranteed an antidote for all such ills.

Miss Heck, of Waitara, is visiting this district, being the guest of Mrs. P. C. Smith. The supply of milk at the factory is daily increasing. Butter is still being manufactured, and I hear the output has been sold at a satisfactory figure until the end of Septem-

Some comment has been censed by the print- > ed report of the Cape Egmont Dairy Company’s balance sheet which recently appeared in the columns of the News, and which says that including interest on share capital, suppliers have received something over fifteen pence per lb for butterfat for the season. This is surely a printer’s error! (or a balance sheet error), as some farmers assert that the payout to date does not amount to Is 3d. "Your Own” has not gone Into figures, but I£ this is a mistake it should be rectified, as mortgagees and others interested may take these figures for fact. HURFORD ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Weather conditions the other night were nil that could be desired for the school concert, and there was a very good attendance. A word of praise is due to Miss Collier and her pupils for the pretty decorations to the school, as well as the splendid programme. All present spoke In the highest terms of the various items, and expressed surprise considering most «f the pupils were infants. It was undoubtedly one of the best concerts held in the Burford i school. Everything went off splendidly, and practically no time was lost between the items. The lengthy programme came to an end shortly after 10 p.m. The opening item was a welcome recitation by seven of the pupils. A recitation by Courtenary Kyngdon was somewhat amusing, and caused considerable laughter. Lilian Williams and Dr. David Lvnch were very good in the dialogue, "Dolly’s Doctor,” in which Dr. Lynch found the complaint to be “a-p!n-dicitif».” Colin McDowall • and Jack Lynch received a well deserved encore for their song, which was very pretty, j their voices blending nicely. "Wanted a Companion” was a good item, given by Florence Higgins, Ruby Loveridge, and Daisy and Lena Badland, The song, "Stars,” by the children, was pretty, the stage being appropriately decorated with stars hanging from the ceiling The closing item, "Good Night.” by all the pupils was exceptionally pretty, each child wearing his or her night attire, and holding a lighted candle, the other lights being out. This Item received a well deserved encore. There were several adult items, Including a piano and tiolin solo by Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Uhlenburg, Mrs. R. D. Spence, Mr. H. Smith, and Mr. Williams (songs), and Mr. Lynch and Mr. Bradland (recitations). The former had -to respond to an encore. After the concert full justice was done to a dainty supper provided by the ladles. The school was cleared for dancing, which was kept up until the calves were calling out for either late supper or early breakfast.

NORFOLK ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Much regret has been felt locally at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. E. Davis from the Durham Road to continue farming on the Albert Road, near New Plymouth. For several years Mr. Davis has been the energetic secretary of the Norfolk school committee, and Mrs. Davis has also been a keen worker In nil matters pertaining to the welfare of school and district. Before leaving they were tendered by a large gathering a farewell social, at which dancing and community singing made up a very pleasant evening. Prior to supper, appreciative speeches were made by Mr. Simmons (chairman of the school committee) and Mr. Wagstaff (head teacher), and the former, on behalf of the local residents, presented Mr. and Mrs. Davis with a cheque for ten pounds. Mr. Davis modestly responded, stating that the work done by him for the school had always given him the greatest pleasure, and that he considered it. to be the duty of all parents to take a keen interest in the school, as the centre of the community.

The newly forged link with the outside world, the telephone, has now been installed for more than a. week in the form of a party line along the lower Norfolk Road, and is proving itself to be a very great boon. The following are subscribers at present: Messrs. J. W. Harding. W. Corney, F. Voitrekovsky, B. Fisher, and W. Wagstaff. A calf-rearing competition in connection with the school children is taking on well. Messrs. H. Trimble and W. Marshall are acting as supervisors. Preparations are well ahead for a school fancy dress ball on the 25th inst. This is an annual event, and always popular among both adults and children. One or two novel features are to be included this year, and the ball will undoubtedly be the attraction of the season. KAIMATA. (From A Correspondent.) The returned soldiers’ ball was one of the most, enjoyable functions of its kind ever held in Kafcnata. The floor was In excellent order, and Mrs. Bianchi’s orchestra supplied delightful music. The decorations were appropriate. A dainty supper was catered for by the ladies of the district. Among those present were:—Mrs. Roberts, black net. silver trimming: Mrs. Sisley, red satin black ninon overdress; Mrs. Thorby, blue silk; Mrs. T. Casey, rose crepe de chene; Mrs. W. Casey, grey taffeta ; Mrs. Peters, pink crone de chene blouse, black silk skirt; Mrs. O’Shannessy. eau de nile crene de plis; Mrs. Guthrie, peacock blue silk: Mrs. Klenner, grev silk: Mrs. Gunderson, emerald green silk blouse, black silk skirt; Mrs. Salisbury, brown silk: Mrs. Bocok, pink silk blouse, grey skirt; Miss M. Leech, pink silk net overdress; Miss Phillips (Stratford), black and kingfisher blue brocade: Miss Roberts, pink satin net overdress silver girdle: Miss Bracegirdle, lemon s :i k net overdress: Miss Butler, yellow silk blouse, black silk skirt; Miss Lile. dress of oriental and black crepe do chene; Miss V. T.ife, black crepe de chene; Miss Beadle, pale blue silk, white net overdress; Miss G.

por.dle. r»d silk; Miss Clegg, black and white Mias Johnston, silk lace tnrwdrsss lemon

charmeuso; Miss Capper, wedgewood blue and silver; Miss M. Capper, lemon georgette; Miss Martin, grey silk; Miss Burkhart, vieux rose crepe de chene; Miss F. Martin, floral voile; Miss L. Dobson, shell pink crepe de chene; Miss Death, apricot silk; Miss R. Death, pale blue georgette; Miss A. Mace, apricot satin; Miss Z. Mace, apricot satin; Miss Burkett, pale blue satin; Miss Burkett, white muslin; Miss Collingwood, pink and black crepe do chene; Miss D. Burkhart, black velvet; Miss Schofield, dress of pink and black; Miss Wilson, cream silk; Miss F. Collingwood, pink silk; Miss Klenner, white silk muslin; and Misses Sattlers, white dresses. WAI-TO I-TO I—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Should the weather conditions prove favori able on Thursday evening, there should be a large assemblage in the Urenul Hall on the occasion of the concert and dance in. aid of the hall Improvement fund. This 18 more especially the case as if is expected several talented performers will be present from both New Plymouth and Waitara. and these, in addition to the local talent, should ensure an attractive programme being presented. The matter of securing a suitable piano for the various accompaniments is not being overlooked, as the present instrument, (though having rendered good service in the years that have passed) is rather an indifferent aid to any vocalist.

During the past week Mr. Stanley Beauchamp and family departed for their new home at Waltul, he having disposed of his farm to its former owner, Mr. Arnold Carr, who has been residing in New Plymouth. During the two or three years in which he has resided in this district Mr. Beauchamp has proved himself a good settler and both he and Mrs. Beauchamp and family have formed a large circle of friends, who will wish them every prosperity in their future home. Mr. Carr and family arc also well and favorably known in this locality, and doubtless a warm welcome will bo extended to them from many old friends. Mr. Carr was formerly a director of the Wai-toi-toi Dairy Company and always evinced a warm interest in the progress of the factory.

Mr. Synne. agricultural instructor under the Taranaki Education Board, was in this district during the week and paid his periodical visit to the local Schools. Mr. Syme Informed the prize winners in the recent, carrot and mangold growing competition that they would be required to be present in New Plymouth to receive medals and prizes, and, needless to say. this event is being eagerly looked forward to by the successful competitors, who are also most enthusiastic as regards next year’s competition.

For some considerable time past it has been no unusual matter for visitors to the Urenui Hall on the occasion of a ball or other function to have overcoats, hats, or boots stolen. Recently matters have become somewhat more serious, and various sums of money have been abstracted from two or three business premises in the township, and steps have been taken to endeavor to bring the culprits to justice by the aid of the police, authorities.

Mr. G. Graham, sole teacher of the Okoke school, has been granted leave of absence, and the position is being temporarily filled by Mr. Moss.

Some surprise and not a little disappointment has been expressed by those using the ' main north road at the fact, that not a single tender was received by the Clifton Council at its recent meeting for the erection of the new Mangamahoe bridge. However, doubtless, by the next meeting, steps will hare been taken to have the work undertaken.

Several mild cases of the Waihi disease, which was so prevalent in portions of Taranaki last season, have been reported in this locality. If taker! in time and the affected animals fed on chaff and bran, with a judicious change of pasture, a recovery is generally effected.

It is stated that one or two farmers in this district Intend to sow small areas of linseed during the coming season. That it can be successfully grown here has already heen proved. and when it is considered what a valuable adjunct linseed is in the matter of rearing calves and for tmilk production in the early spring it is surprising that more of it is not grown in the North Island, as the south has practically ‘held the monopoly in this respect in past years.

A cribbage match is being arranged between teams representing Urenui and Wai-toi-toi and will probably taken place in the township during the present week. As Urenui has already defeated Onaero twice, and Wai-toi-toi possesses some fairly good players, a keen contest should result.

The dairy season for 1922-23 has now pretty generally commenced in this district,' and the local factory is at present receiving milk and cream on every alternate day, whilst it is stated the new Uruti buildings will be completed and in running order by the 20th inst. The North Taranaki company have heen running all the winter and the supply is increasing daily. Many fanmers have quite a large number of cows in profit, and speaking generally the herds are in good condition, thanks to the mildness of the winter and a good supply of hay and ensilage stacks. For the time of the year the weather is exceptionally warm, and though there is probably not too much grass about, .accounted for in a measure by the numerous frosts experienced. during the past two months or so, there are many paddocks of oats and rye grass cominc on and these will greatly advance the jnillc flush.

The of price for both cheese and butter for the coming season would • seem to be somewhat uncertain, and very few offers for the outputs have been recorded, but it seems to be the general opinion of those who should know something about the matter that though it would be unwise to build upon prices as compared with those ruling during the previous two or three months, still there is every reason to anticipate a fair demand, and a steady market is much more .satisfactory to the producer than the rapid rises and declines which were experienced last season. One matter that may he borne in mind with advantage is the recent statement made by Mr. Robertson, the Home and Continental buyer for Messrs. Nathan and Co., that Eng-

land is prepared to consume all JLhnt we can produce—at a price. If that price Is at all a reasonable one, every endeavor should be made to make up in extra production the amount that is likely to be lost through the fall in market rates as compared with those prevailing through the war period. OKATO. FOOTBALL CLUB'S BALL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual ball held under the auspices of the Okato Football Club is always looked forward to with anticipation by residents of the district, as the club has a well deserved reputation for doing things well. This year’s function, which took place in the Hetnpton Hall, Okato, on the 11th inst., further enhanced the reputation of the club, for thanks to the generous assistance rendered by the ladies and other well wishers of the club it nuite eclipsed all previous efforts and set a higher standard than ever. After several wet days, Dame Nature came kindly to the fore with a beautiful night, which doubtless contributed largely to the splendid attendance—over 250 being present, visitors from as far afield as Opunake and New 'Plymouth shared in the joys of the evening. The M.C.. Mr. E. D. Corbett, assisted by iMesssrs. J. and L. O’Sullivan and P. Roebuck, carried out their duty in an able manner. the floor being crowded for each dance. The hall was beautifully decorated with nikau palm, kie kie and wattle' blossom, while black and green streamers, hanging from a prettily arranged centre, completed the effect. A feature of the evening was the splendid orchestral music, supplied by Mrs. George’s orchestra of six instriuments. The supper room was in charge of the tireless worker, Mrs. Will Corbett, and she and her assistants, Mrs. A. Roebuck and Messrs. Rook, Eustace, O’Sullivan, Corbett and Woodward are to be congratulated on the splendid manner in which they attended to this very important part of the programme. The catering was in the very able hands of Mr. Frank Ansley, and left nothing to be desired. To those ladies who so kindly assisted during the afternoon, and also to that old "diamond,” Mr. Fred Leedom, the club is very grateful. During the evening, the president of the club, Mr. P. N. Corbett, presented to Messrs. E. Roebuck and W. Julian a gold medal, for the most improved player iu the senior and junior grades respectively. The medals were donated hy the popular host at Stoney River, Mr. J. Mills, and by Mr. Dick ArfJdrsvK,.