DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) South-west winds, with occasional rain squalls, are prevalent, and the weather is again cold, hut not sufficiently so to be unpleasant. Monday’s holiday (Labor Day) was observed by the school and stores, and there was a morning delivery of mail only, but the farmers are too busy at present to observe halfdays, and. Labor Day for them and theirs was a day of labor.

After being for rather more than twelve months on the land, some of the soldier settlers of Parihaka are finding out now that ‘‘all that glitters is not gold.” and that there is more work than money attached to farming, especially on land such as the Parihaka block. Many of the men have worked on hoping against hope that their luck would turn. and. they nt least would be nble to show a balance sheet with some credit, but, alas I their high hopes have fallen. In conversation with one of the returned men recently, the thought was expressed that the expenditure of about £2O per acre on' this land might, make it payable, otherwise it will hardly be possible to make interest. It can surely be hardly as poor as that, but still there is no doubt that after years of neglect by the natives, this block was almost dear at a. gift, especially when it is remembered that bad roads and bridgeless rivers have to be contended with. For the sake of these brave settlers, who are not easily discouraged, I would solicit help and encouragement from those farmers who have had long experience on this class of land. A word of cheer goes a. long way in this hard old world. To do to others, etc., or the golden rule is not put into practice, as often as it might be in some places that. I know, or those sneak thieves who have recently helped themselves to plants from residents’ gardens and from the school garden also, would have stayed their hands. This petty thieving is the cause of much annoyance, and is very deplorable.

Residents will regret to hear of the illness of the headmistress of the local school (Miss Morecraft). Possessed of indomitable courage and unusual energy, Miss Morecraft has given of her best to the school, not on five days of the week, but six and often seven. Three weeks ago she had a rather acute seizure, but refused to relinquish her duties, and at length was compelled to seek medical advice and obtain sick leave. All will hope that Miss Morecraft will soon be restored to* health and strength.

Mr. W. T. Guild, who for the past two years has very ably filled the position of chairman of the school committee, has tendered his resignation through pressure of work. This place will be rather hard to fill, notwithstanding that Pungarehu is a rising district, but unfortunately it is exceedingly difficult to get anyone to take any active part In community civics here. Mr. J. Jenkins, the bnttermaker of Cape Egmont Dairy Company, has recommenced work after his annual leave.

Friends of Mrs. Jenkins will regret to hear that she has been Indisposed, but is now improving. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have received word that their eldest daughter, accompanied by her husband and family, are passengers, to Sydney by the Orvleto, which is due at that port in November. Mr. and Mrs. Urlich have for the last eighteen months been touring Europe and England, and their parents are eagerly looking forward to their return. The party left Naples on October 8, and after spending a few weeks in Australia, they will return to New Zealand about the end of November.

Friends of Mr. Aubrey Taylor, who for the past five months has been a patient in the New Plymouth hospital, will be sorry to hear that his progress towards recovery is still very slow.

LOWGARTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Quite, an unusual incident, happened last week, when one of Mr. \V. G. Lister’s cows gave birth to a freak calf. The calf seemed to be perfectly normal and was born alive, but soon expired. One of the joints of the hind logs wau very peculiar, and there was no sign of any tail, not even the enlarged vertebrae where the tail usually joins the body. The bottom jaw projected about two or tnree inches beyond the top jaw, and the eyes were very unnaturally placed. The most peculiar part of the whole affair was that right on the top of the head was an open wound about two or three Inches deep, completely cximsing a part of the brain. Mr. R. Woods, Government veterinarian, gave a lecture at Lowgarth last week of a very interesting nature. Mr. E. A. Gray occupied the chair, and. briefly introduced tne speaker. Mr. Woods spoke on subjects generally interesting, particularly the cause, preventitive, and treatment of milk fever. Mr. Woods, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting and practical lecturers one could possibly listen to, and should he come along to Lowgarth again, he can be sure of a good attendance. At. the close of his lecture a number of questions were satisfactorily answered, after which Mr. Taylor moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Woods for his interesting' and instructive address, the vote being carried by acclamation. Mr. Johnston, of the Education Department of Agriculture, visited the Finnerty school, and demonstrated to the higher standards the good points of a dairy cow, and the points in order to qualify in the show ring. I understand several such demonstrations will be given the children, and then they will be able to take part in the children's judging at the Stratford show. I am pleased to report that Mrs. J. O’Brien is improving after her recent operation at (he Eltham hospital. Mrs. E. Kilbridge, who has been on the sick list for the past wek or so, has recovered sufficiently to be able to return to work again. The residents of this district were indeed sorry to learn of the death of Mr. .1. Penny, of Mangatoki, and extend their sincere sympathy to Mr. Penny and family.