DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

I PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) We are experiencing a cold snap at nresent, which is having a had effect en the milk supply, lessening it considerably. The cold south wind, with frequent heavy showers, is bad for man and beast alike, and makes us wish we belonged to the class called labor-ers—eight-hours-a-rday men, and less slush and mud. We’re not grousing, Mr. Editor, but when we remember that the fanmer, his wife and children, are all working about fourteen hours per day and seven days of the week, and receive the magnificent wage of about fourpence per hour, well, it makes us think hard, and we begin to see that "Jack is better off than his master,” although the Jack on the farm puts in long hours and has no half-holiday like his city friends enjoy. During Tuesday night’s storm a couple of chimneys -on the Pungarehu Road were blown down, otherwise no damage is reported. Housewives on this coast will now cease to wonder why mutton is so expensive, and Mr. Butcher must find us a substitute for it. as we can’t, afford to eat meat which has been fed on gold. Of course, the baa-lambs mentioned in a recent issue of the News as having gold in their teeth miay have had to pay the dentist, a..visit, but quite a number of farmers now wilAie sure to turn their attention to sheep. I wonder how many farms feed the sheep in this way? Anyway, the discovery is most interesting, and not a few hope the reef (If one there be) will extend to their property. One of the Parlhaka soldier settlers (Mr. S. L. Goodin) Is now identified as the "Village Blacksmith” of Pungarehu. "Syd.” is well and favorably known on the coast, as In pre-war days he was in this line with his brothers in the district. The young man is to be commended for his enterprising spirit, and residents wish him every success In his new undertaking. Mr. Goodin will still carry on his farm at Parihaka, and on alternate days will be found busy with the horseshoes in the. smithy. Egmont. pictures had a full house for their opening play on Friday evening, patrons being well satisfied with the pictures screened. The tiime-honored bonfire and display of | fireworks was in evidence on Saturday even- i ing. when Guy Fawkes received the usual , homage of the youngsters, and even pater I familias is still juvenile enough to enjoy the fun. Poor old Guido, when shall his memory fade?

Many of the local flower gardens are looking their best, at present, and the beautiful blooms with their delightful perfume are a source of comfort and pleasure to some of their owners who have little time for any other recreation than a quiet walk in the garden. Residents will be pleased to hear that although unable to get up at the time of writing. Miss Moreeraft is improving, and hopes to soon be quite herself again. The milk tests are always very eagerly scanned hy suppliers to the factory, and not a little good-humored banter is occasionally indulged in hy one and another. A soldiersettler’s farm is said to be responsible for the highest test at. the local factory, and a native asked, "How you get him? By golly, what you feed the cows on?” A wag replied: “Oh, gorse and blackberries.” “By korry, I fink I’ll grow so-met” answered the Maori. Needles to say the native’s farm could supply most all in the district with cuttings and seed, and still have some to spare. The natives are making great preparations. I am informed, for the visit of Sir Maui Pomare, 'the present representative for tills Maori electorate, who is expected at Parlhaka for his usual electioneering campaign this week. Fourteen men are now employed in the factory, and all the vats are In use. I understand Ue diraeU&R of the GaJT?

tory have sold the output for three months at something like 9d per lb of cheese. Since doing so the market has again advanced considerably, and so, “here we are again I" bound to he in hot water. If the output is consigned, somebody says, "Why didn’t you sell?” and when it is sold and the market price goes up, someone growls, "Why on earth didn’t you consign.” Human nature is never satisfied, anyway! The seeds and manure for the carrot and mangold competitions for school children are to hand, and the entrants are somewhat concerned that weather conditions are not nt all suitable for sowing the seed. The youngsters will be kept busy later on with the hoe, and won’t, have quite so much tlinc to spare hunting for thrush and blackbird nests. KAIMATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather for sometime past has boon very rough and wintry, and the cows have gone off in their milk to some extent. We have been having quite a gay tiune in Kaimata lately._ There is to bo a social and dance In the hall on Friday night, 10th Inst. The ladies of the district have sot the wheels in motion, and I say, "jolly good luck to them.” It shows at anyrate that they wish to see the hall made use of. It is to be hoped they have a fine night. Some good singers have promised to-sing, and the Ratapiko orchestra has been engaged to play for the dance. I have it one good auhtority that two car-loads are coming from Ratapiko, and quite a good lot from Inglewood, so that a good crowd should be present If the night is fine.