DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 September 1922, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The last euchre party and dance was again well attended. Mrs. Buttle was again successful in gaining the lady’s prize, while Mr. Jury received the gentleman’s prize, which Mr. G. Bell donated. The Rahotu footballers are holding a grand ball on Friday, September 22. The territorials hope to have a ball soon too. The McEwan gave a free entertainment on the street on Saturday afternoon, and the entertainment held in the evening was well attended. A considerable number of Maoris have passed through Rahotu en route to Parihaka to attend a meeting. Ratana, his secretaries and party arrived at Parihaka last Wednesday, and were welcomed by a large gathering of local Maoris, while a number of white people were present, and were well treated. Luncheon was given to guests free of charge. Thursday was set aside for Maoris only. A few white people went to Parihaka with the hope of seeing Ratana, but it seems he was not on a healing mission, either in respect of the Maoris or the whites, but he was thought to be on a political visit. His son Is intending to stand foi Parliament. Ratana and his party departed for Opunake at 2 p.m. on Friday. Mrs. Joseph, of New Plymouth, is a guest of/Mrs. H. G. Clarke. Mrs. L. Evans is visiting friends up the Ngarlki road for a few days. Taranaki is having unusual weather without wind or rain, so large numbers are beginning to make excursions to the beach. WHAREHUIA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Al! roads led to Wharehuia on Thursday last, or at least so it seemed, for vehicles of all descriptions were all making in tne one direction, the attraction being the home industries exhibition and gift auction, which proved to be a huge success both socially and financially. Generally speaking, Wharehuia has been very fortunate indeed as far as the weather is concerned, for ever since the hall was'commenced practically every function held has been favored with glorious weather, Thursday not being an exception to the rule. Glorious sunshine prevailed throughout the day, while the evening was perfect. The large crowd which gathered outside the hall prior to the opening of the show doubtless was tempted out by the beautiful weather and the manner In which the whole affair was organised, there ' being visitors froun as far distant as Hawera ted New Plymouth,

The quality of the exhibits was equal to, if not better than, those at a good many shows held in the neighboring towns and districts, the largest section being the cookery, which had a varied and vers’ choice display, the judge having no easy task to place the winners. The cup which was donated for the exhibitor gaining the most points in this class was won by Mrs. S. Slater, of Te Popo, with Mrs. H. Wheller as runner-.up. The decorative and floral . sections were a treat to behold, the prizes being keenly contested. The flowers for this section, which were most generously given by Mrs. A. H. Carter (New Plymouth), Messrs. Gibson and Besley (New Plymouth), and Messrs. Corkill and Webster, of Stratford, made a gorgeous display. The school children's exhibits were well represented, there being some fine work in all corners of this section, especially from the Ohangai school, who serif in a very fine display of weeds and grasses, both mounted and named. The vegetable and produce sections were not so well represented, this time of the year being the off-season for both of these items. Nevertheless, what; were exhibited were a credit to the growers. One of the daintiest classes of the show was the fancy work display, there being some beautiful needlework exhibited in this section. A full list of the prize winners appeared in the News a few days ago, so it is not necessary for me to go into detail, but doubtless there are some who are interested in the results of the several competitions which were held during the day. The correct weight of the sheep was guessed by Mrs. H. Newland and Mr. V. Smith, Mr. Smith graciously giving way to the lady. Mrs. S. Slater and Miss Hart tied for the competition in the tea room, and, on the ladies drawing, Mrs. Slater was successful. Mr. G. S. Strack guessed the correct weight of the cake, while Mr. V. Smith won both the nail driving and the chain stepping. The show closed at 9.30 In the evening, when all donations and surplus goods were auctioned by Mr. G. Pugh, this, the final item of a thoroughly successful day, bringing in quite a satisfactory amount. On Friday evening of last week an impromptu dance was held in the hall, and, despite the fact that it had not been advertised, quite a fair crowd turned up, everyone enjoying themselves immensely. The music, which was supplied by several local and visiting players, was voted as very good indeed. The duties of M.C.’s were ably carried out by Messrs. C. Phillips and A. Chard. One of the chief attractions of the day at the show was the football -match between Midhirst and Wharehuia, which was played on the school football field. The visiting team proved to be the victors, P. Anderson scoring towards the end of the second half, and thus a fast and interesting game ended with the score 3 to nil in favor of the visitors. Mr. R. Hogg, of Wellington, capably carried out the duties of referee. A short time ago there seemed to be quite a keen interest being taken in the bellbird by several naturalists in and around Taranaki, and at intervals quite a number of paragraphs have appeared in the columns of the News re the habits and movements of these birds and how one and another of them have wandered into different gardens and made that their temporary home. Wharehuia is not to be left out of the running, for I aim informed that one of these birds has made its home near the residence of Mr. H. H. Murray, on the Cross Hoad, for the last four or five months. Part of the time it spent in the bush a short distance from the house, but latterly it has spent the time in sucking the honey from the flowers of a tree lucerne quite close to the house. This little corner of the globe has always been known as a lively spot, and, judging by the talk at the local creamery of a morning, it is likely to remain pretty lively to the end of this year at any rate. The main topic this week has been the disappearance of the whey. Practically all the local farmers reckon that whey is no good for pigs or calves, yet it is disappearing somewhere, and he who waits to have his breakfast before going to the creamery shall surely go home without any whey. It is to be hoped that this state of affairs will soon be rectified, as I am sure it will and the next we will hear will be a notice compelling all suppliers to take their whey away. Another topic being .greatly discussed by some of the younger members of the factory cart drivers is the round the mountain road race, for which one or two local cyclists are entering. Bs’ the time these two topics have run their course there will be looming up on the horizon the great question of the year, the general election. If previous election campaigners are anything to go by half an hour at the creamery in a morning, for the thrse last months of this year, will be a treat for any unbiassed individual*