DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The ladies’ ball, held in Warea last week was a splendid success, despite the very uncertain weather. The orchestra was a very great deal towards the enjoyment of all present, visitors from all parts of the district being present. A circus made its appearance here a couple of weeks back, and was regarded as a huge joke, as there was nothing but a few buck jumping events, a tiny girl contortionist, two lions with terrific voices, 20 or 30 very varied specimens of horses, mules and donkeys. As the -preparations for . the Maori ball were in progress, the hall was used for dancing until 10 p.ra., the rest of the neighborhood being entertained at intervals by the lions roaring during the night. The next evening the Maori ball was in full swing, and proved a huge success, visitors, both white and Maori, being present from ail parts. A dance in aid of the Warea school football club was a great success, held on August 4. Mr. Richards made a very handsome present of a football for the best fancy dress for boys, and Miss Moore donated a jewel casket as a prize for the girls. The ratepayers’ meeting to be held shortly will have a luncheon provided in the hall. Plans are being put forward for a fresh effort by the Puniho-Warea Guild for a Christmas fair to be held at Punlho, which will be advertised fully later on. PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) An unfortunate accident befel Master Olliver Marshall, of Lower Parihaka Road, on a recent evening. The lad was engaged in chopping firewood, when the axe slipped, inflicting a nasty wound in his foot. He was driven to Opunake and attended by Dr. Watt. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have the sympathy of residents In the illness of their little daughter. Miss Doreen, who is at present in the New Plymouth hospital suffering from scarletina.

Mr. Aubrey Taylor, of the Parihaka soldier settlement, is still in the New Plymouth hospital, and it is expected he will not be home for some weeks yet.

Miss K. Fleming, of the Masterton post office staff, has been visiting her parents on the Cape road.

Friends of Mrs. M. Fleming will be pleased to hear that her health has improved considerably.

The school broke up for the spring vacation on the 25th, and the head mistress (Miss Moreeraft) left on Saturday morning to spend her holidays with friends in New Plymouth, Hawera, and Okaiawa.

Mrs. Joseph, of New Plymouth, spent a few days in Pungarehu this week, being the guest of Mrs. Martin.

The local domain board intend to have the park ploughed and sown with permanent grass. This will gaeatly improve the contour of the land, and the ground should then be in first class order for the holding of sports, etc.

The pay-out of the factory for the 1921-22 season has been something in the vicinity of thirteen pence per lb of butter-fat, but it is expected thgt the final payments for the season will reach a little over fifteen pence, as stated in the company’s annual balance sheet.

The busy season is once more upon us, and the call of young calves is everywhere to be heard. The familiar sound is not altogether unwelcome (although we all enjoy the spell from milking), as our pockets will again wax full with each recurring and golden 20th.

The Oregon pine trees ordered by the school committee are to hand, and the ground is being prepared for their reception. When grown they will provide a needed shelter from the prevailing winds, and a shady retreat for the boys and girls during the heat of summer, as well as timber for fencing posts, etc.

As the date of the bachelors’ ball drew near speculation was rife among the young people as to the state of the weather for the auspicious occasion, and very general approval was accorded the clerk of the weather when the evening broke beautifully fine and starlight. The hall was a vision of beauty with its wonderful decorations, the color scheme being red and white with a back-ground of green. A number of young ladies chaperoned, of course, by the more sedate matrons, might have been seen on Wednesday afternoon not only encouraging the bachelors with winsome smiles, but aiding them also, until as time wore on the interior of the hall took on quite a new and fascinating appearance. The committee, including Messrs. R. J. Fleming, F. Smith, S. Corbett, B. Hickey, H. Gilhaoly, T. Barrett. J. Sullivan, and N V. Taylor, worked liked Trojans to ensure success, while the ladies. Misses Fleming. Corbett. Gilhoolv, Grenfell and Pennington, made preparations for the sit-down supper, the first of its kind to be held here. Lik* the hall, the supperroom was beautifully decorated with ferns and greenery, brightened with colored streamers, red camelias, arum lilies and jonquils, while Chinese lanterns filled the intervening spaces and made a very pretty display. The same colors were in evidence for the table decorations. while the tables fairly groaned with the good things provided by the committee, and which included cakes of every description, sandwiches, jellies, trifles, and fruit salads galore

The many dancers were in merry mood, and tripped in time to the delightful music of piano, violin and cornet, manipulated by Messrs. Parker, Norris and Humphrey, in the graceful mazes of the opening item, the grand march. About fifty couples, it is es:'mated, were present, besides numerous on-lookers.

The piano for rhe occasion was kindly lent by Mr. W. T. Guild. Mr. A. Layard’s artistic touches in decorating had to be seen to be fully appreciated. The Indies’ committee tender very sincere thanks to Mesdames Corbett, Martin, and Hessenbuttle, and also to Miss Barrett, for the’.r kind assistance. Quite a number of natives were present. All thoroughly enjoyed the music and gaiety, and among the youths who tripped the light fantastic. I noticed Wi Kupe, a gay young fellow of something like sixty summers. The waltzing competition was an interesting item, the dancers being very keen. In the final round three couples took the floor, the prize being finally awarded to Mr. Hopkins and his partner. UPPER DURHAM ROAD. Having heard of a very enjoyable evening being spent at Durham Road School on Friday last, 18th inst., your Inglewood correspondent. by enquiry, found out that during the past winter, the teacher and pupils of the school had twice entertained the parents and friends of the pupils at social gatherings in the school. The guests of those gatherings, desirous to show their proper appreciation of the same, decided to arrange a return function, so a committee, consisting of Mesdames F. J. Hodges, A. M. Johnston, A. Marshall, A. McEwan, W. Robinson, and J. B. Simpson took the matter in hand, with such good results that the fame Thereof reached the ears of your correspondent aa stated. The children were entertained with such games as were suitable to the occasion and with dancing, the elder folk heartily participating, for it was evident from the that all hands were set on giving the youngsters a. royal good time. Members of the school committee also were indefatigable in their efforts to assist. Pianoforte solos and duets were played by the Misses Dombroski, who also, with the help of Mrs. J. W. Paterson, of Kaimiro, provided music for all the dances. Vocal items, solos, trios, and duets were also contributed by various ladies. Mrs. Paterson’s efforts being specially appreciated. The audience also Indulged very heartily in 'a community sing song for the first occasion in this district. There is a rumor current that a repetition will be given shortly, in aid of church funds, of which no doubt due notice will appear. However, the eye-opener of the evening tindei review was provided by what was l\rmed a "jazz band,” into which various and sundry instruments were pressed for service, an which, under the baton of Mr. Burton as conductor, provided, it is alleged, a volume or harmony totally unexpected, nearly unexcelled. On inquiry into the composition of this harmonious coalition it turns out to haye been. Piano. Miss Dombroski : drum. Mr. J. Do ™* broski: trumpet (tin or otherwise not stated), Mr Simpson; r.nt’le. Mr. Salisbury: bells. Mesdames Dean, Paterson, and Mr. Robinson,

with Misses Dombroski, Simpson and Mr. Dean as performers on “buzzers” a contraption fashioned by wrapping a. common hair comb in tissue paper. The effort of this combination may be imagined but cannot be described, except by the statment that it thoroughly entranced the whole audience, and effectually silenced any attempt at carping criticism. That the whole function was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present is abundantly proved by the appreciative remarks to be heard on all sides regarding it. As to refreshments, when it is stated that the ladies of Upper Durham Road were on their mettle to excel, it is needless to say their efforts were heartily appreciated and left nothing to be desired. Youngsters were there so probably there was nothing left, to be desired or otherwise. One feels like winding up an account of such happenings as this with a. paraphrase on the ending of the old ballad, John Gilpin. "When it next eventuates, may I be there to see.” OMATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) That the rising r ■•ration in Omata intend to keep in line witn other important centres is evidenced by the fact that the young men and maidens have taken to fox-trotting, and the schoolboys to football. As an outlet for their energies, as a spectator, I venture to predict the boys will arrive first. While the young men seem to be obsessed with the idea that the proper control of their feet depends on how they hold their faces, the boys have entered into the game with a reckless abandon that augurs well for future proficiency. Indeed, they have already adopted the good old amber and black jersey, just to get used to the feel of it against the time when they will be entitled to wear the black and gold cap. In their first school match recently played against a West End team, the local boys justified their teacher’s confidence in them by winning a hard fought game against a heavier and more experienced team, on which occasion faces were held anyhow, so that they expressed the joy the young battlers felt in tasting first blood. Already they have learned how to play hard. May they learn to always play the game against which appearances count for little.

In common with other parts around New Plymouth, the village of Omata has recently shown signs of advancement. Mace Bros., who recently went Into the butchery business, have erected a very nice shop facing the main road. Mesdames Swanick and Kidd have also made considerable additions to their residence, while the Royal Oak Dairy Company have just had built a very nice bungalow residence for their manager. This company has also just put in hand the construction of a concrete reservoir of four thousand gallon capacity, also extensive additions to their butter-making plant. Our next, and greatest need, is electric power. Speaking of building propositions reminds me that the Omata Hall is no longer able to accommodate the very large number who 1 patronise the social functions held there. It 1s pleasing to learn the hall committee intend moving at an early date with a view to having additions mad*. Tn the meantime 1 would suggest that all those who favor the project put on their caps and think out ways and means of achieving the desired end. Signs of the ravages wrought by that arch fiend, the grass grub, are apparent in many parts of this district. The writer has noticed an appreciable diminution in the number of starlings waging war on this pest as compared with previous years. Is it that the work being carried on about the sugar loaves has driven them from their common roosting ground and caused them to migrate, or is some other cause militating against their increase? Without a doubt they are the farmer’s friend, and their departure would be calamitous. After her annual vacation the cow has resumed activities, looking, I regret to say. not very greatly benefited by her rest. Nevertheless. I understand farmers are associating for the purpose of bringing her to judgment by applying the acid test. Meanwhile the cow sadly ruminates. In some cases one Is inclined to wonder where she got her cud: perhaps it is the proverbial one of bitter reflection. PUNIHO & WAREA. (From Our Own Correspondent.)' Good progress is being made with the new Puniho-Warea church. The land, which was kindly given by Mr. Chas. Wells, has been transferred to the trustees. Messrs. C. W. Corbett (Warea), R. J. B*ll (Puniho), and the Rev. H. A. Coleman. The surveyor and architect have pegged off the land ready for levelling. and a meeting will be called shortly to consider ways and means of doing this. We would like to haye the foundation stone ready when the Bishop visits us later in the year. This is in accordance with a wish expressed by the Bishop (Dr. Avrill) on his last visit. The pony-gig fund, which the ladles of the G.F.S. are working for, is also stendiiv increasing. A gig has already heen secured, ths owner generously allowing the girls an unlimited time in which to pay for it. All that is required now Is the ponv. sufficient funds being in hand for the same.

The coastal residents will shortly have the chance of seeing for the first time an operetta by all local talent at Okato. Considerable expense has been gone to ensure a successful play by both performers, of whidi there are forty, and the Rev.-and Mrs. H. A. Coleman, who are managing the affair. It is hoped that the public will turn out in full force to see the local artists, and also help swell the church funds, to which the funds will he donated. The name of the operetta is “The Burgomaster’s Daughter.” Full particulars will he advertised in the News. The ladies of Warea are to be complimented upon the successful return ball which was held at Warea on the 18 th inst. This function was undoubtedly the premier function on the coast This year, evervthing being so splendidly arranged, reflecting great credit upon the committee/ of which Mrs. C. W. Corbett was the head. The floor was in tip-top order, and although the floor was over-crowded, dancing was indeed a pleasure. The M.C.’s (Messrs. Gordon Wells, Will. Lawrence and Hector Wells) were very obliging, and everyone was well attended to. The music was in the capable bands of Mr. Pearson, assisted by Mr. McLeod (cornet) and Mr. Rennie (violin). Those who assisted with extras were Mesdames Ellis and Doyle. Misses C. Julian and Isabel Sole, and Mr. Barrett. Th* supper arrangements were in the hands of Corbett and Fowles, assisted by Mesdar -#• Donald, Sole (2), Johns (2). and Mrs. L. Dnnald. A whole host of good things were provided, and we must congratulate the ladies upon the splendid cookThe dairying season has just started on the coast, and with it the busy time of the year for us farmers. Most of the factories are running every day. the balance are expecting to start in a few days. The prospects for the season appear to he a little brighter than last year, and dairy cattle have shown a slight rise of late. An early spring is expected. The grass is showing a tendency to grow already (a month earlier than usual). The rough weather of late has been rather bard on cows already in profit. but there is still plentv of good hay about, and this will help them through. A very severe storm visited us on Saturday night and early Sunday morning last. The hall stones were as large as shilling pieces. The rattle caused by them on the roofs made it impossible to hear one another. It is said to be the heaviest storm experienced here for eleven years. Rumor has it that we folks on the Puniho Road are at last to be connected up with telephone.