KAPONGA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1922, Page 5

KAPONGA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The sale of pedigree Friesians on account of Mr. R. T. B. Mellow was held on August 24, in Messrs. Newton King, LtcL’s Kaponga yards, and attracted a large number of buyers from outside districts, practically every Friesian breeder of note being represented, and a splendid sale resulted. Everything ran without a hitch, thanks to the staff of Newton King, Ltd., Kaponga, who had made very complete arrangements. It seems a pity to see such a fine herd dispersed, and it is a distinct loss to Taranaki for all the best animals of the herd to go out of the province.

Another important industry is rapidly being built up in Taranaki, and it is one that is shortly going to bring in huge sums of money. I refer, of course, to the breeding of pedigree cattle. For some time Taranaki has undoubtedly led in the exportation of pedigree jersey cattle, and from now on pedigree Friesians will help to swell the list. The number of pedigree animals that have been exported from this province to date must be very large, and is rapidly increasing. There is no limit to the market, as the Australians are interesting themselves, and buying our cattle, and it behoves Taranaki breeders to aim at still further improvements. The local school is still under the charge of Mr. Metcalf, the relieving teacher. The newly-appointed master has not yet arrivedI regret to have to report the death of Mrs. Thos. Whyte, of Kapuni, which occurred rather suddenly on August 24. Mrs. Whyte, although of a retiring disposition, was well known and respected by a large circle of friends, and the family have the sympathy of all the district.

The monthly meeting of the Kaponga Town Board was held in the board’s office on the 15th inst., the business being mostly of a routine nature. Whilst on Town Board matters, it is very gratifying to know that the electric light department is quickly becoming of some importance. The total nujnber of motors connected is 22, equal to about 76 horse-power, whilst the total number of lighting connections is 181. These figures will soon be considerably increased when the board finishes its new lines and money becomes a little easier.

The Football Club Committee held a meeting on Tuesday evening and decided that, owing to the more pressing business of dairying, it could not finish the rest of the season's matches. It is impossible to get teams together here after the second week in August.

Dr. and Mrs. Boyd, who have been on a visit to Auckland, returned home yesterday. During Dr. Boyd’s absence, Dr. McGill has been acting for him. A considerable amount of top-dressing of pastures has been done lateiy by farmers, and many arguments have taken place regarding the relative values of the various manures used. However, the general opinion semes to be that a mixture of basic slag and kainit is most suited to our soils; next in favour come basic super and kainit, then super. Mrs. Fitzgerald, who has been on an extended visit to Wellington and Blenheim. returned home last week much benefited in health oy her holiday. Local tennis players are now commencing practice, and from all appearances Kaponga should put forth a strong team this coming summer.

The annual meeting of the Kaponga Dairy Company takes place on Monday. The chairman (Mr. A. V. Tait) is not seeking re-election, which is rather unfortunate, as he has done splendid work the last two years, and displayed sound judgment during that difficult time.