DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather conditions during the past week have been, to say the least of it, somewhat wintry, cold winds, accompanied by heavy rain, from nearly every quarter of the globe being the order of the day, and at the thine of writing it docs not seem as if much improvement is to be expected immediately. Naturally, sowing operations have been at a standstill, though a certain amount of ploughing has been accomplished, and the area under cultivation this season would seem to be equal to, if not in excess of, that of former seasons.

These climatic changes are also far from being appreciated by the dairy cows, and in some of tl\e herds in the 1 unore exposed localities a decrease in the milk supply has been the result, which, however, is probably only teunporary, and as soon as the weather lifts, normal conditions will again prevail. Those dairy factories which have been and are manufacturing cheese, have every reason to feel hopeful as to the prices likely to be realised for their produce, the state of the Home market at present indicating an early quittance of the first shipments, at any rate, at a remunerative figure. The rise In prices in the Old Country is being reflected locally, and during the past few mays offers of B%d and 9d have been floating round, some being for one and some for two months’ make. The lot of dairy factory directors in regard to the disposal of produce is not by any means an enviable one, as whatever course they pursue, they are liable to criticism (which is generally fairly outspoken) from the rest of the suppliers, and a properly constituted Board of Control would relieve them, of a heavy responsibility. Many argue that if the wholesale firms can afford to offer a certain price and make a profit it is worth the risk of placing the produce in the open market in order to secure a higher figure. Others, again, maintain that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and that it is unwise to turn down a payable offer, and that the market is not altogether regulated by the rule of supply and demand. So between these and other opinions it is often a very difficult matter to decide what to do for the best. The children attending the different schools in this district had a royal time in the Urenui Hall on Tuesday last, when they were given the opportunity of witnessing the picture film of the famous Charlie Chaplin, and the proprietor (Mr. S. Clare) is to be complimented upon his enterprise in affording them such a treat. The average boy and girl in the country (especially those on dairy farms) deserve all the amusement they can obtain, as what between their scholastic and home duties they do not have a great of leisure, and even in tho midsummer holidays they are generally occupied assisting in haymaking, etc., whilst many of them have extra work to do in connection with the agricultural club competitions, music lessons, etc. There was the usual display of fireworks in connection with Gujj Fawkes Day in Urenui and Wai-toi-toi on Saturday evening, whilst the reflection ot Ute burning ot probably an effigy in Waitara could plainly be observed along the coast. As showing the increasing interest in treeplanting in this end ot Taranaki, it mgm be mentioned that Mr. S. Topless, ot Moarangi, who this season had some 30,«00 macrocarpa seedlings disposed ot all not mu red for use on the tarm, and could have fl led orders tor many more had he had sufficient “Severe colds and mild forms ot Influenza have been very prevalent in this district during the past lew weeks. Tho Awaldno races, which arc booked to take place In December, are now being discussed amongst our local snertlng men, recollections ot a pleasant day spent in that Lallty “st year win no doubt induce many to again make the trip. Several horses from this district competed at the gathering 11 * » and from all accounts, win endeavor to score a win or two at the forthcoming A euchre party and dance In aid ot the school improvement fund was held in We

Pukearuhe schoolroom on Friday evening last, when there was a good attendance. After an hour or so of Interesting Play, in which Mrs. C. Thompson secured the first prize of crockery for Indies, and Mr. Jerry Thompson the box of cigarettes for gentlemen, a pleasant dance was held and an enjoyable supper, provided by thp ladies, disposed of. It is stated that Miss Brightwell, of Huirangl, has been appointed permanent teacher of tho Pukearuhe school.