DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Last Friday week’s euchre party and dance was very poorly attended on account of the very wet night. No euchre took place, only dancing. The final function is to take place next Friday evening, 20th Inst., when the prizes will be given out to the winners. A "franchise” social was given last Friday by the lady members of the bowling club, asr sisted by others. A most enjoyable time was spent. The music, consisting of piano, violin, bagpipes and accordeon, was given gratis, as was the supper. Mrs. Lowery and Miss Johnston were M.’sC., and kept things going brightly. Miss Looney recited "The Farmer’s Troubles,” and Miss McLeod danced to the accompaniment of the bagpipes. Mrs. Chapman took charge of the door, and had it been a very nice night many more would have been present.

The memorial gates at the school in aid of the fallen are about completed, and will soon be opened. They are of very fine construction, and the grounds look very pretty.

A meeting was held on Saturday night to consider arrangements for a tennis club. Another meeting to be held next Wednesday night.

The G.F.S. arc holding a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, at Mrs. Butler’s, when Mrs. Coleman, the vicar’s wife, will be presents Mr. C. Stevenson, of the Government cneese department, is assisting at the local cheese factory for a few days.

Mr. Gibson has returned from Wellington, but it Is thought that Messrs. Maxwell and Green will not be back before Thursday nt the latest.

The cycle road race was watched with interest as It pasesd through here. The local rider (Mr. "Togo” Maxwell) had something *go wrong with his bike along the route, which was hard luck for him.

PUNGAREHU.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Rain, rain, rain, and still more rain, with a pool of water at each gateway, seas of mud in the cow-yards, and the women-folk grumbling each time the men set foot inside about the dirt they carry in’ the poor fanmers are having a sorry time, and it’s no wonder the “grouchers” grouch. But her ladyship the cow is filling the milk-pail, and, with soaring prices on the Home market, we are looking forward hopefully for better things than ever this season, it is estimated that more cheese is being made now at the local factory than has been made in the "flush'’ of past sea--3 Keen local interest was evinced in the circular road race, and the village on Saturday was the scene of unusual life and bustle, vehicles of all descriptions being in evidence. Milk waggons, carts laden with goods and chattels belonging to Maoris shifting camp, motor-bikes, push-bikes, motor cars, gigs, equestrians and pedestrians, were collected in front of the post office and stores, the occupants all busy chatting and discussing the "round the mountain” race. A party of small boys and youths occupied a prominent position on a hill in Wi Kupi’s, apd from- their vantageground kept a close watch on the road to catch the first glimpse of the cyclists. CrieS of: “Hi, there I keep that kuri off the road I were frequently given by loe Tamaka, a keen sport, who did not want Pungarehu canines to spoil the race, and more than once the small bovs were responsible tor raising the cry: "Here they cornel" Everybody rushed forward. craning Ms or her neek eagerly, but lo the cry was false, and the onlookers had perforce to further wait. Close up to eleven o'clock the first three men came steadily ridIng bv, and from then on to nearly noon they came—now singly, now in twos or threes, then In a batch of seven or eight, and then again singly, and as each passed the crowd discussed his chances of winning. A mischievous fox-terrier was all but responsible for an accident to one man. w to, riding singly, was much admired, when he little brute ran out on to the of the road The machine swerved and tottered, but the rider regained his balance, and passed on °'Much Si rtghteous Indignation was given vent to when it became known later m the day that a dog north of Rahotu had upset the two first men, and their machines were so much damaged that a ear had to be requisitioned to convey the men and their .bicycles to New Plymouth. Quite a number of local spoils went hi to town to see the finish In lhe " f The o °teelli® of a I ”’’’ uninlttes

getting near, and with socials, technical classes, church services, picture plays and meetings of various kinds so often held there, it is to be hoped that a keener interest will be taken in the election, and that an energetic committee o* young people will next hold sway. We older ones begin to feel that we ought to be pensioned off now, and would willingly give place to younger and better men if these would only come forward and take their share in the comununity civics.

It is somewhat surprising that community singing is not more popular in the country districts, especially where there are young people. These sings afe so popular in the towns, and are the means of whiling away what might otherwise be dull hours.

Another of our young men has recently joined the ranks of the benedicts, Mr. Fred Harvey having married Miss Florence Miers, of Palmerston. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey!

Residents will be sorry to hear that the trotting mare owned by Mr. R. Fleming, of Cape Road, died suddenly at Auckland on Monday, whither she was sent in charge of Mr. W. Fleming to take part in the “trots” on Saturday. Mr. Fleming’s loss will be deplored by local sports. A small boy, evidently imitating the "bike race” of Saturday, was seen on Monday morning to be riding a bicycle right in the very teeth of milk carts and waggons on their way to the factory. The amateur rider apparently had no fear, and went wobbling on his way until a friendly heap of stones blocked his passage. Parents would do well to warn their children of this very bad habit some of them have of running or cycling carelessly when the carts are coming to the factory, or some day there will be broken limbs or a mangled body carried home.

MOK AU—AWAKINO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The soft rains which have fallen the last few days have been very welcome to our farmers, and really the country round about is looking absolutely beautiful. The only thing the rain is not good for is our roads, especially that part on this side of Mt. Messenger, where for about half a mile there is a very bad piece, which, it ts to be hoped, will be attended to this summer, for at present a driver’s life on that route is not a happy

That reminds us that Mr. “Bill” Welch, driver at Awakino end, is at present away with his wife and little daughter on a wellearned holiday.

Mr. H. L. Northern, of Awakino, has purchased the Mokau store, and Mr. S. Fincham, the retiring proprietor, leaves at the end of the month. Let us “speed the parting” and “welcome the coming” and wish them both success, Mrs. Flnchant and family left on Thursday last. The going was such as to give no time for farewell functions of any kind. The monthly meeting of the Mokau dairy factory was held on October 12. The factory Is at present putting out about 1% tons of Al butter weekly, under the capable direction of Mr. Ross (who is temporary manager during Mr. Balsom’s absence in Taranaki), and Mr. Syd Whiteherfd, his assistant.

The Awakino Racing Club held their annual ball on Friday, October G, and it was voted a very enjoyable function. It was masquerade fancy dress, but very few wore fancy costumes. The music was supplied by the Awakino orchestra, extras being contributed by Mesdames W. D. Thomson, A. Sole. Christofferson, and Mr. F. Northern. An excellent supper wrfs provided by the ladies. Mr. H. Skelton made a courteous M.C. The hall decorations were very’ pretty.

Those who wore fancy costumes were as follows: ’i Fraser, Swedish Lady; Mrs. Carter, Persian Princess; Mrs. J. McNeice, Dark and the Kingfisher; Mrs. Calvert, Scarlet Butterfly; Miss M. Avery, Fascination; Miss N. Thomson, Swiss Peasant; Miss Lake. Gypsy Dancer; Miss Woods, Scarlet Poppy; Miss F. Northern, Gypsy Queen: Mr. F. Northern, Five O’clock in the Morning; Mr. Al. Carter, American Cowboy; Mr. Arnold Foster, Indian Rajah.

Special mention must be made of Mrs. Carter and Mr. Foster, whose costumes and getup were simply gorgeous. Other ladies present who were evening dress only were: Mrs. W. Avery, henna charmeuse: Mrs. W. D. Thomson, gown of grey embroidered silk voile; Mrs. A. Sole, black charmeuse with gold trimmings ; Mrs. H. L. Northern, nigger brown georgette; Mrs. McGregor, pale hlue silk voile ; Mrs. Wolfe, navy blue silk; Mrs. E. Carrington, black velvet; Miss Howard, gown of white silk net; Miss C. Scott, white silk voile; Mlsa Madge Wolfe, white voile ; Miss L. Wlniata, white silk with claret trimmings; Miss A. Brown, white silk.

Mrs. W. D. Black, who lately underwent an operation in New Plymouth, has, we are glad to report, quite, recovered, and returned to Mokau on Tuesday last.

Miss Hodder, the newly-appointed assistant at Awakino school, has arrived, and commenced duty this week, for which .we are sure Mrs. Calvert, will be duly thankful. The Tainui troupe of Maori entertainers repeated their enjoyable concert programme at Tongaporutu on Saturday, October 14, when, in spite of the very inclement weather, they had a large audience, and a very appreciative one. Every item received a vociferous encore, and the Tongaporutians were so delighted with the entertainment that they have extended a hearty Invitation to the troupe to return nt ftn early date, and to advance their prices. An excellent supper was followed by a. most enjoyable dance, for which tip-top music was provided by an orchestra of three Mrs. Christofferson (piano) and Messrs. J. L. Macdonald and A. G. Sampson (violins). Extras for the dance were kindly contributed by Misses E. O’Sullivan, M. O’Halloran, and Smith. Messrs. H. P. Dickson and L Toss made capable stage managers and M.C.’s. Special mention must be made of the singing and acting of little Miss Queenie Toss and Master George Macdonald, both of whom, if trained, would undoubtedly have a future before them on any stage. We believe that very shortly Mr. Stan Clare, of Waitara, is to visit Tongaporutu, Mokau and Awakino. At present Mr. Clare shows at Ureiiui twice a week, where his pictures are much appreciated by large audiences. We wish Mr. Clare success in his venture, and trust that' when he visits here he will have the support he deserves. Messrs. W. Avery and A. G. Sampson are on a business trip to New Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. N. Clifton have returned from a holiday trip to New Plymouth. Mr. McKinney, our popular organising teacher, has been with us this week. He has visited Mokau, Mokau River, and Awakino schools.

RIVERLEA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) “All hands and the cook” had an hour off on Saturday to watch the bike riders pass and give them a cheer as they raced on towards New Plymouth, with a good strong wind behind them. The local factory is receiving over four thousand gallons of milk each day, which is a great deal more than was received this time last year, and I think we will need some new and bigger vats .in the factory before they can make cheese, which it is rumored they~intend doing on November 1. I haven’t heard of any big catches of trout being token from our river this year, hut Mr. Malone had a good catch one morning last week. When he was going to start his milking machine, he discovered a big eel in the water race, and, with the aid of the garden fork he succeeded in landing it, and you can guess it was “some eel” when it turned the scale at 231bs. Our blacksmith has had a busy time welding axles lately, no less than three farmers having the misfortune to break their axles within a week. I don’t know whether the cause was an over-load of milk or whether It was furious driving 1