DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1922, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Some rather heavy frosts, followed by beautiful sunny days, have been experienced here lately, and the cold nights have checked the growth of the grass somewhat. Advantage Is being taken of the fine weather by farmers, who are as busy as bees tripoding, chainharrowing, and top-dressing the pastures, and from early morning until late evening thq teams are kept going. The schoolboys are playing no small part in the ordinary work of the farm, and in one field I saw a lad of twelve or thirteen handling a team as to the manner born, while others are giving "dad” a spell from the factory work. That there are some good farmers in the making is very evident, and the boys of to-day will be farmers of the future. Hurrah for the school holidays! While the brain is relaxing a little the muscles are developing, and the boys are enjoying the change to the full.

The door takings at the Cape Egmont bachelors ball amounted to the creditable sum of £l5. Congratulations, bachelors!

The ladies are making a great effort to outdo the bachelors, and next Wednesday evening wlil see the hall again the scene of festivity and mirth. No pains will be spared to contribute to the comfort and pleasure of patrons, and, of course, the ladies are out to win. Now, bachelors, the girls "smiled” for your encouragement, so please bring along gladdest "gladeye” on Wednesday next and have a good time at the Cape Egmont ladies' return ball.

Several of the Parihaka soldier settlers have installed milking machines for the coming season, and already are finding them a saver of labor. Among those who acquired sections since the first 'ballot must be mentioned Mr. C. K. Forrester, who has several men felling bush on his section, which comprises 156 acres. In spite of the many injuries received while at the front which partly incapacitated him. Mr. Forrester is out to win, and turning his ability to good account. "Charlie” is quite an established identity in Pungarehu, and his jovial speech and ready smile are everywhere welcome—whether it be at lecture or social.

The new curing room of the factory is completed, and the work of installing the machinery proceeds apace. At present two separators are in use in the butter room, and about half a ton of butter per day is being made, so that the management wilt be more than pleased when tile new room is quite ready for use, as operations arc somewhat cramped at present.

If in other districts as here, the present season is a criterion, there will be an acute shortage of heifers and dairy cows in the near future, the percentage of heifer calves even this season being very small, about one heifer in twenty calves being the average, with a consequent huge slaughter of bullies, and the stocking of the market with calfskins. An extraordinary meeting of shareholders of the factory was held in the hall on Monday, 28th, to confirm a special resolution in regard to article 3 of the articles, of association. Sufficient shareholders were present for the purpose, for which the meeting was called. General regret is felt by customers to the store department at the continued indisposition of Mr, Brennan, and all sincerely regret that ill-health compels him to relinquish his position for the time being. Mr. Brennan has the best wishes of residents for a speedy return to' health and strength. Sergeant-Major Stevens, tvho has charge of the Rahotu Mounted Rifles, was present on Thursday, August 24, when about twenty-five troopers were put through their pacings at a compulsory parade.