DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The pupils of the Mimi School, who last year established a small nursery with several species of seeds presented by the State Forests Department, through Mr. Page, who was on a lecturing tour on afforestation through this district, are further Indebted to the department (through Mr. N. Uren) for four more packets, chiefly eucalypti, to plant this' season. It might be mentioned, in view of the large number of seedlings which have failed to grow this year, through frosts and other causes, that Mr. Uren,- during his recent visit, expressed th© opinion that It is not yet too late to plant more trees, and that -they have every chance of progressing favorably’; so that those who have experienced bad luck need not be afraid to make another attempt.

Those members of the Urenui Football Club who journeyed to New Plymouth on the occasion of the Tukapa Club’s smoke concert last Thursday evening, speak in high terms of praise as to the manner in which the arrangements were carried out, having enjoyed themselves thoroughly. These re-unions amongst the various clubs, patronised as they are by the officials of the Rugby Union and Referees' Association, are all in the interests of the national game, and must go a long way towards promoting a feeling of good fellowship amongst the players. With the curtain rung down upon football for the season, cricket now claims attention, and although the weather was the reverse from ideal for this summer pastime, a start was made in the cup competitions on Saturday, when our local eleven met and were defeated by Western Park by over 40 runs on the Urenui Recreation Ground. However, they have another home match next Saturday, and probably will make a better showing against Waitara. The lady supporters of the club, following their usual custom, provided a most welcome afternoon tea, for which the club wish to express their thanks and appreciation.

The billiard tournament, which has been carried on for the past month or so at Messrs. Fitzgerald and O’Neill’s rooms at Urenui, was brought to a conclusion last week, and resulted in a win for Mr. Terence O’Neill, after playing off with Mr. R. Wyllie. There were over forty contestants, and considerable excitement was caused as the final stages of the tourney were reached. The winner receives a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, in honor of the occasion. A snooker tournament is also In progress in Mr. C. Dunbar’s rooms, and this also is causing a considerable amount of interest.

A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced at Wal-toi-toi in the early hours cf Saturday morning last. Mr. C. Stevenson, Government dairy instructor. has recently been paying his periodical visit to the various factories In this district, giving the staffs the benefit of .his advice and experience in cheese and butter manufacture. On Wednesday evening last a very enjoyable evening party was given by Mrs. J. Rockett to celebrate the completion of her new residence at Wai-tol-toi. There were a large number of guests present, who spent, a most pleasant time, singing, music, cards, dancing, etc., being Indulged in. The house, which is built in wood and concrete, is a most, up-to-date structure, there being five spacious rooms, together with a bathroom, scullery, wash-house, hot water service, etc., and a deep verandah some Bft. wide running round the greater portion of the building, which is excellently finished both inside and out, and does every credit to the contractor, Mr. Lucas, of Waitara, and the builder, Mr. L. Tate. It might also be mentioned that the residence was designed by Mrs. Rockett, who is to be complimented upon the taste displayed, and Is a decided acquisition to the settlement.

Amongst the amounts placed on the Estimates in the Public Works Statement brought down In the House last week for roads and bridges construction, those of local Interest mav bo mentioned: Kalpikari (£1 for £1), £500; Okoke (£1 for £1). £143; Okcke Extension, £150; Piko (on account £1 for £1), £500; Pukearuhe (on account of £lOOO £1 for £1 10s), £3OO. The substantial amount voted for the metalling of Mt. Messenger (£14,000) and £15,000 for the Awnkino Valley Road, though long overdue, are none the less gratifying, and probably no small credit is due to our member (Mr. W. T. Jennings), and also the members of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, who, in making periodical tours through the backblocks, observe the absolute necessity for these works, and what is more to the point, unake strong representations to the authorities for their fulfilment.

It is stated that hares are at present more numerous in this district than for many years past, and threaten to become somewhat of a pest, as they are most destructive to root crops, such as turnips and mangolds, besides getting away with a certain amount of grass. What with wild pigs in the back country and hares and small birds in the open (to say nothing of uncertain markets for his produce) the life of the farmer, whether In sheep or dairying, is far from one of unalloyed bliss. The local dairy factory have for the month of September advanced Is 4d per lb. for but-ter-fat. and it is understood there is still a further payment to be made on last season’s cheese, the final returns for which are now coming to hand. Some twenty-four cheeses and several boxes of butter are being manufactured dally, and no doubt next month this amount will be considerably increased. White Cliffs are now manufacturing cheese, but North Taranaki is still at present continuing with butter, the milk suppliers to both these factories being on the increase. A good supply of grass is now practically assured, as a fair quantity of rain has fallen during the past few weeks, and as a matter of fact, many farmers would welcome few fine, wanm days to enable them to get their paddocks in order for sowing for autumn and winter feed. Hay paddocks are also being closed up, and from present. Indications there should again be a large quantity saved, whilst as before stated, there are more farmers turning their attention to ensilage every year, as being a safer proposition than swedes, etc.