DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU—AWAKING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The lambing season has commenced, and the “wee froUckers” of the district are numerous and doing well. The weather Is clear and fine—cold nights and bright sunny days. The annual meeting of the? Awakino Dairy Factory was held on August 24, when general business was dealt with. The . resignation of Mr. J. B. Carr, as secretary, was accepted with regret. Mr. Carr bad held the position for some years, and a hearty vote of thanks was extended to him for his services. Mr. Calvert was appointed secretary. The supply of creanx tc.the local butter factory, under the management of Mr. Balsorn, is steadily increasing. Skipper E. Lewes Is conveying the supply from the up-river settlers in‘the little “Sefton. ’* Whitebait are at present in the river some 8 or 9 miles up in. shoals. One lucky settler managed to net some’ two gallons of them a few days apo. Mrs. S. Whitehead has returned from New Plymouth, where a few weeks ago she went for medical treatment. She is, we are pleased to report, looking much better since her return. The Maoris of the Awaklno-Mokau district intend holding a grand concert some time in September. This is certain to be a big success. There are to be hakas, pol. dances, etc., besideX vocal and instrumental items and recitations. Particulars as to date, etc., will shortly be advertised in the-News. The mail coach narrowly escaped what anight ■ have easily proved a serious accident on Saturday last. -Coming down Mt. Messenger first the harness broke, then the swingle-tree. Only the driver’s adroitness in handling the situation (and the relna) averted a catastrophe. It was rather an unpleasant experience for the two lady passengers, both of whom showed exceeding presence of mind on the occasion. Mr. McKinney, organising teacher, visited the Mokftii river school last week. Miss Sape and Miss C. Sage are visiting Mr. and Mrs. G. Sage, Mokau river. The Awakino Orchestral Society's concert on Friday, September 1, promises to be one of the events of the year. The programme is excellent, and there is both outside and Icoal talent to provide a first class evening’s entertainment, and the Awakino library fund should benefit substantially by the function. Messrs. Tweedie Bros’, homestead on the coast has been leased to Mr. Geo. McMillan, of Awakino. There are still rumors floating round as to a proposed bacon factory for Mokau. “Admiral’’ Wilson, accompanied by Mr. Ross, Mokau river, wete in 'Mokau “city’' on MonThe country round about is quite yerdant, and feed for stock promises to be plentiful. The local school closed for the spring vacation on Friday, 25th inst. Miss Murray, teacher, has left on a trip to Christchurch. Awakino school also closed on the same date, when Mrs. Calvert, who is a hardworking and painstaking teacher, will enjoy a well-deserved Mrs J. McNlece’s fine orchard is showing promise of a plentiful supply of fruit. A great many residents of the district are going in for tomato-growing this season. These succulent “vegetable fruits” do well in this part of the world. Some of the Maoris have been very successful in pig hunting lately, having "hagged” some very fine specimens of the “poaka.” Mrs. S. Sheen, of Mohakatiho, has returned from a visit to New Plymouth. Messrs. G. and J. Waterson, of Mohakatino river, are doing well with their sawmill, which they started some little time ago. They have plenty of orders. TOKO ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The final meeting of tlie Debating Society was held on Tuesday night, a mock Parliament being followed by a mock banquet. The Bill discussed wsa a Social Improvement Bill. The officers were: Speaker of the House, Mr. E. Marfell (clothed in suitable robes for his high office); Premier. Rt. Hon W. Sedgwick; Minister in Charge of Ladles. Rt. Hon. L. Marfell ; Minister of Courtship, Rt. Hon. R. Binnie: Minister of Kissing. Rt. Hon. R. Carrier; Leader of Opposition. Mr. H. Kaye, M.D.S. The Premier explained the Bill in all its -’•i'hj The Oppoaltion then get te work

under the capable leadership of Mr. Kaye, but the Bill was too well framed by the Cabinet. When the dvilsion was called the votes for were 18 and against 11, and the Bill was declared duly carried by the Speaker of tho House. The House then adjourned for a sitdown supper, provided by the ladies. The prominent speakers of the evening were too numerous to mention, three ladies, taking the full time allotted. The mock banquet then took place, and a dance concluded the evening.