DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1922, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) This district is not a "dry” area yet- by any means and enquiries are made re the whereabouts of Mr. Clement Wragge, as the cockles are anxious to know just how manj' more sun spots are visible, and whether there is any likelihood of them getting the turnips in this side of Christmas. The ladies also are feeling a bit worried as to the drying of the clothes, and, are seriously thinking of starting a new fashion for the cow-yard garb, viz., knee breeched and gum boots. Some folks are fond of saying that they take off their hats to the cow, but we farmer's wives say it is the milkers and not the cow that should be thus honored. The usual unorning greeting now is: "Have you got any mud?’” We forbear to mention the weather, which has evidently voted "continuance," although farmers are complaining that the cows are going “dry.” The solemn and reverent silence of Armistice Day was duly observed here, and in imagination we saw where "In Flanders fields the poppies grow, between the crosses row on row," and we believe that "Their names sh?/l live for evermore." Political candidates have announc-d the opening of their electioneering campaign here, both pakeha and Maori. Mr. Hawken will open fire on Wednesday evening, with Mr. Astbury following closely in the war path, and the latter Is due to announce the planks of his platform on Friday evening in the local hall. There are only a limited number of the class known as Labor in this district, but quite a number of farmers are inclined to Liberalism, and no doubt these candidates will be accorded a fair hearing. Toko Ratana and the Hon. Maul Pomare are both candidates for the Western Maori electorate, and have accordingly visited Parihaka and propounded their views to the constituents. A third campaigner has now entered the arena, and will be present in th© village on the 19th, when the natives are celebrating their monthly Sunday. Whether this gentleman, who halls from Palmerston North, is representing "labor” has not been divulged in his letters to the rahgitiras of the pah, but they have already decided to ask Rang! Mewhata when he arrives on the 19th to retire in favor of the present member, Dr. Ponnare. There Is certain to be a big korero on the 19th, and, like the pakeha, the Maoris are getting excited as the date of the election draws near.

Social functions in this district are nil at present, but we have not lost sight of the fact that funds are badly needed for hall improvement, and also for the memorial, and, like all other deputations, etc., we must agitate until the necessary money is raised. The visit of Bishop Averill to this part of his diocese is eagerly looked forward to, and there is no doubt a large congregation will assemble at tS. Nicholas’ Church, Rahotu, on Sunday next, when the Bishop will preach. On Saturday the foundation stone of the Warea-Puniho church will be laid by His Lordship. A number of local residents journeyed to Okato on Sunday afternoon to be present- at the unveiling of the memorial to fallen soldiers. The Rev. H. A. Coleman conducted the service of Holy Communion on Sunday morning, when a large number of communicants participated. The Roman Catholic Church celebrated mass at 9 a.m. on Sunday, the usual congregation being present. Parents of schoolchildren will be pleased to hear that Miss Morecraft continues to improve, and hopes to resume teaching on the 20th of the month. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. P. Grenfell will be delighted to hear that Mr. Grenfell Z being promoted to the Customs, and Is shortly to leave Centre Island lighthouse for Auckland, where they will In future reside. Mrs. Grenfell has taken . active part in social affairs here, and will he very much missed. However. our loss will be someone else’s gain, and we tender Mr. and Mrs. Grenfell our b&st wishes for a long and continued period of happiness and usefulness in their new home. Mr. Don. Cameron Is also to shortly leave Centre Island, having been promoted to a new position as principal keeper. We hold very affectionate regard for Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, as they 'were always to the fore in community civics when stationed at Cape Egmont, and we extend to them our congratulations. TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Since last writing the long promised carriage for the Tahora-Kohuratahi line has arrived. It Is a very comfortable double carriage. With the guard's van and carriage the line is now quite convenient to travel on. Ballast operations are being constantly pushed ahead, and the time when this section will be handed over to the permanent way is now in sight. We are at present experiencing an exceptionally wet period. . The glass Is very low at present, but there is a slight upward tendency. The wet weather is Interfering with shearing operations. Some have finished, but others are waiting for the weather to clear. The annual school examination was conducted by the senior inspector on November 1. There are 73 scholars on the roll, and all were present. Seven scholars were presented in Standard VI., and these all gained proficiency certificates. The committee have decided to have the annual prize distribution and picnic on break-up day, December 20. For some time the prizes have been awarded early in the year, but as some scholars leave at, the end of the year it is considered best to give out th<? prizes and attendance certificates on break-up day. If funds permit the committee may also have a Christmas tree on December 20. As the house at present occupied by the master may not be long available. the committee have decided to ask the board to erect a school residence at an early date. The tennis club have recently acquired a pavilion for the tennis courts. This will be a great convenience to the members.