DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOITOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) I have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a complimentary ticket from the Urenul Football Club for their smoke concert, which takes place on the 11th inst. It is stated that a number of visitors from other clubs and also the Taranaki Rugby Union, have expressed their intention of attending, sc, that a large and representative gathering of footballers and their friends may be anticipated. It goes without saying that the club will do their visitors well, and that those intending to be present may be assured of a hearty welcome and an enjoyable evening. The contractors for the erection of the Mangamahoe bridge arrived on the scene of operation last week, and it is anticipated a start will be made shortly. Drivers of motor lorries, buses, etc., are reminded that the County Council have decided that the maximum weight allowed to pass over the Onaerc bridge in one trip is to be five tons. Including the weight of the vehicle. In the case of some of the larger lorries, one would imagine the load carried over would be a very small one.

Mr. Geo. Pascoe, truant inspector to the Education Board, paid his periodical visit to the Mimi school on Thursday last, but I understand the attendance of pupils Is fairly regular, and little cause was found for complaint.

Miss Hazel Phillips, of Wai-tol-toi, was amongst the successful candidates in the primary division at the examination held at Waitara last week, under the auspices cf Associated Board of the 11.A.M. and R.C. of Music.

Amongst other improvements contemplated by the Urenui Cricket Club during the corning season is that of an efficient scoring board, the absence of which has proved rather inconvenient in past years. A practice wicket in the township is also being arranged for, ; which will enable members to secure more j frequent visits to the nets than if they had to walk to the recreation ground to obtain regular practice. For the mangold and carrot growing competitions to be held in connection with the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, eleven entries have been forwarded from the Mimi school, which provided the winners of the championships last season. Amongst other settlers in this district who have gone in rather extensively for tree planting this season is Mr. Wilkinson, of Wai-iti, wlio has made considerable improvements in this direction at his seaside residence in that locality. When these grow up they will add greatly to the beauty, of this picturesque locality. In regard to wild pig menace, (reference to which has recently been made in the House) by which unany shee£ farmers in the Taranaki blackblocks have suffered ' severely through their lambs being killed, fences uprooted, etc., it might be mentioned that the State Forestry Department during August conducted experiments with phosphorous poisoned pollard in the Whangamomona and Ohura counties, and also with strychnine poison, both of these, however, proved unsuccessful, as the pigs simply walked through the areas laid down and took no notice of the baU, which was consequents buried. It has been suggested by settlers and others interested that if a sum of money were set aside, and a royalty of say one shilling per snout offered, there would soon be an appreciable diminution in the number of Captain Cooks. The social and dance held under the auspices of the Urenui Football Club in the hall on Thursday evening last was in everyway a pronounced success, there being a large and representative attendance, including -visitors from. New Plymouth, Waitara, Pukearuhe, Uruti, Wai-toi-tol, Okoke, and the localities in the immediate vicinity of the township. The room .’had been tastefully decorated with streamers, etc., the club’s colours (amber e and black) showing up prominently, and the thanks of the committee are due to those ladies who assisted in this matter, and also in dispensing the excellent supper which had been provided. Interspersed amongst the dances were a number of well-rendered items, including pianoforte solos by Misses Smith and Gibson, songs by Miss Purchas, Messrs. Smith, Des Forges and ,T. S. O’Neill, duets by Messrs Smith and Des. Forges and Misses Esme McKinney and E. Gibson. Mr. Martin also gave a one string violin solo in good style. The various accompaniments were tastefully played by Mrs. A. Thompson, whilst. Miss Edwin successfully contributed the dance music, extras being given by Messrs Breddo and Rlkihana. Messrs G. N. Fuller and Geoff. Fitzgerald, as M’s. C. left nothing to be desired, and worked well to ensure the evening passing pleasantly. It might also be mentioned that in honor of the occasion the club had issued an invitation to all . those ladles who wished to be present to attend as guests, no charge for admittance being made—a courtesy which was greatly appreciated, as it is now a considerable period since the fair sex have enjoyed this privilege. Durine the course of the proceedings Mr. ,1. S. O'Neill (the president of the club) thanked ajl those present for their attendance, more especially the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the evening’s enjoyment in the matter of singing etc., and in dispensing the supper. Taken altogether, the gathering was a fitting close to a most successful season, and the interest taken in the club wrfs evidenced by the large assemblage present.

TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent). Recently the Tahora Settlers’ Association held their annual gathering in the Public Hall. There was a representative gathering from all parts of the district. The arrangements for the evening were' well carried out by the following committee: Mesdames Konnadj", Kerr, Mantle. Selby and McCutchen: also Messrs R. Kennedy, W. Kerr. G. and E. Mantle. T. Selby and C. Cutchan. The musicians were Messrs Jmmes. McGilllary, Jepson and Carter; extras being played by Mesdames Kennedy, Carter. McCutchan and Kerr. The duties of M.C. were well carried out by Mr. R. Kennedy. The Hall was most tastefully decorated for the occasion, and during the evening supper was provided by the ladies. The Tahora Settlers’ Association is a very progressive body, and takes live interest in everything that tends to the advancement of the district. Through the association, the Railway station had a very necessary addition made to it. and recently it has been instrumental in securing a carriage for the Tahora-Kohuratahi line. The President, (Mr. W. L. Kennedy), has lately been in Wellington as a delegate from the association.

before the authorities the great need of metalling the road between the two rail-heads, and it is also using its Influence in connection with a much needed rural mail service. In the absence of the President, Mr. W. Kerr, (secretary), briefly outlined the objec c of the association. He referred to what h, had done for the Domain, the Tennis Club, th Mall Service, the Road and Railway faclllti- - He made special reference to the fact that th • president was in Wellington to forward the interests of the district and province. The Rev. John Craig congratulated the association upon the splendid work It was doing for the district. It was fortunate in having at its head men of ability and foresight. He referred in appreciative terms to the time and work Messrs W. L. Kennedy and W. Kerr put into the association. After a period of exceptionally dry weather for this season of the year, rain commenced to fall on Friday night and continued all Saturday. As the pastures and gardens were beginning to suffer on account of the dry spell, the rain was very welcome indeed. Already the beneficial effect of the change is

Mr Hine addresses the Tahora electors on Tuesday, October 10. in the Tahora Public Works Hall. As there has been no political meeting in Tahora for some time, it is anticipated that there will 'be a good turn-out. On Saturday the holies owned by the Tahora Saw-milling Co., were sold in Stratford ; this caused great local disappointment, as it was hoped that the mill would commence operations again soon. However, the selling of the horses seems to indefinitely postpone this newasary work being gone on with.