DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

HURFORD ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The past week must be a record one for the road as far as meetings go. On Monday a deputation waited on the county council in support of a partition which had been sent in by settlers to endeavor to have the upper portion of the road formed and metalled, as settlers using that part were experiencing great difficulty in getting to and from their property, owing to the ruts and slippery state of the track, more especially during the wot weather we have had lately. The deputation received a very sympathetic hearing from the council, win promised to make further inquiries as to what could be done. The chairman (Mr. Connett) and Cr. Vickers arranged to meet the settlors on Saturday night, when they hoped to have some proposition to place before the settlers. The meeting was held on Saturday night, as arranged, and nearly all the settlers from tho bridge up attended. Mr. W. H. Smith was appointed to the chair, and after explaining why the meeting had been called, asked Mr Connett to place the proposal before the meeting. It was soon seen, as Mr. Connett proceeded, that the matter has been fully gone into, and to make a good job It would cost about £5OO, and the only way to obtain the money was to raise a loan for £250, and he was almost certain of a £ for £ subsidy. Spread over a fair area, this would not mean a very great increase in the rates. It was decided to raise the loan, and all present were in favor of paying their share. A rote of thanks was passed to Mr. Connett, Mr. Vickers and Mr. Meredith, for the trouble they had gone to ahd for coming out to the meeting that night. A similar vote was given the chairman for presiding. The settlers' association have taken the matter up and a list will soon be going the rounds for the necessary signatures.

Favored with a fine night, the settlers turned out in full force on Tuesday, 7th, to hear Mr. Bellringer. Mr. G. Morgan was voted to the chair, and briefly introduced the candidate, who gave his reasons for contesting the seat against Mr. Smith. Mr. Bellringer denied having "twisted” in anyway, as he was being accused of. Although he supported Mr. Massey, it was not Mr. Bellringer’s Intention to follow him (Mr. Massey) blindly in everything, should he be elected. Mr. Bellringer received a very attentive hearing,, and at the conclusion, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the Reform Party. On Thursday night we had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Smith. He was more unfortunate with the weather. Nevertheless, quite a fair number braved the elements. Mr. W. H. Smith was elected chairman and. after introducing Mr. S. G. Smith, asked him to give us the other side nf the question. Mr. Smith assured, us that Mr. Bellringer had turned considerably since he contested the Taranaki seat against Mr. S. G. Smith’s father. The j member dealt briefly with the Dairy Control | Bill, alleged mismanagement of land for returned soldiers, waste and loss of goods In the Defence Department, unnecessary luxury in the House of Parliament, and said this waste and extravagance must he stopped, as New Zealand could not stand it. A vote of thanks and confidence and confidence in Mr. Smith as M.P., was carried. The mover thought it advisable to keep a good man when we hn4 one. A vote of thanks to Mr. W. H. Smith for presiding, was carried by acclamation. ; Tho bachelors of the neighborhood held a I very successful euchre party and dance recently, and a movement Is on foot, by the ladles to hold a social evening on Friday, 24th, and every effort will be made to make tho evening a success. Mr. George Tweedie paid a visit to the road on Tuesday, 14th. and delivered an address. This was easily the largest attended meeting, the majority being young men. What, with grama phone music, step-dances, and I “flips.” tho audience was kept highly amused. Mr. Tweedie said he was no orator, but had . the gift of the gab. 1 Ploughing and all work connected with the soil has been practically nt a standstill for some time, owing to the continuous rain. A fine days will be greatly appreciated just.