TARIKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1922, Page 7

TARIKI.

(From Our Own. Correspondent.) The nervous tension and excitement ■ incidental to the general election, from which many of the good folks <sf Ta--1 riki and probably other districts have been suffering of late, is now, I am pleased to note, beginning to show signs L of evaporating, and just now it is not nearly ,so risky for one to mildly sug- , gest to his neighbor that it might still be possible to make a living in Taranaki even though “Syd.” Smith should lose hie seat in Parliament as Taranaki’s representative and ehampion politician, or, on the other hand, notwithstanding the fact that “Bob” Masters did get back as chosen battler for the Stratford electorate with a substantial majority. Thursday, December 7, will doubtless be handed down (to posterity) as ( a notable day in the history of Tariki. The morning broke fine and clear, looking brighter and more promising than many another of late. The old schoolroom, which had recently received a brand new coat of paint, appeared in its gayest mood, and was the scene of the greatest activity. At each corner of the crossroads adjacent thereto, was stationed a human sign-post, who politely directed the eager electors to the polling booth. Then at the main entrance, another business-like gentleman kindly furnished all and sundry with any information required, such as number on the roll, etc. Business began well on time, and never before, we believe, have the general electors of Tariki been treated to so much polite and kindly consideration from those who believed themselves capable of giving them sound and generous “free” advice on the matter of how to vote and whom to vote for, so as to ensure their own future welfare and prosperity, and though after talking to three or four one became just a little bit confused as to how he could be -sure of doing the right thing, he always had the gratification of feeling that at last he had been recognised as a man of some importance in the community. Just outside the polling booth one might, if he was a close observer, have noticed some of the greatest in our midst, even to the illustrious “Von,” graciously ministering to the comfort of the lowliest by bringing them to the poll in their splendidly equipped Ford, and respectfully assisting them to alight therefrom or ascend thereto, as the case may be before, and after duly registering their vote, and once again the amazing levelling effect of war—even political warfare—was noticeable. In the afternoon of the same day a few of' the older campaigners, who in their time had seen enough of strife, got together and had a very enjoyable game of bowls. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, which very materially added to the pleasure of the occasion. The tennis court was fully occupied by a number of young people, and in the evening quite a number went into Stratford to see and hear the state of the poll. I am sorry to have to report the death of a well-known settler of the Tariki Road, in the person of Mrs. Long. Mrs. Long, who suffered a very protracted and painful illness, passed away early on Thursday morning, and was buried in the T? Henui cemetery on Saturday. She leaves a grown up family, two of whom are residents of this district, viz., Mrs. G. Knowles, and Mr. Long, both of Tariki Road.

We are all pleased to hear that Mrs. Frewin, who has been an inmate of the New Plymouth public hospital for about a month, has recovered sufficiently to allow her to return to her home. Mr. Chas. Therkleson is still in New Plymouth under medical treatment for a poisoned hand, but we are pleased to hear that he seems now to be on the right road to recovery, and we will all be glad to see him in our midst again. I am sorry to say that in my notes of the Inglewood people’s concert given in Tariki a short time ago. I omitted to state that Wilson’s orchestra was in attendance, and played the opening overture, as well as contributing several other very fine musical items. I also omitted to state that Mrs. W. Jameson, of Tariki, officiated at the piano, playing the accompaniments. Mrs. Jameson is a pianist of whom Tariki is very proud, and who, we believe, is second to none in Taranaki. Mrs. Galbraith, of Auckland, and late of Wellington, is at present spending a short holiday with her niece, Mrs. Stevens, of this place. Mr. Jack Twig, of Tariki Road, who has recently disposed of his interest in the farm he was occupying, is about to leave the district, and will be entertained at a farewell social on Friday next. Jack and his violin will be a decided loss to Tariki, Ratepiko and other places. We all join in wishing him the best of luck for the future. The weather at present, though inclined to be stormy, is warmer and more summer-like. The year 1922 i« fast drawing to a close, and in passing I would take this opportunity to thank the editor, operators and others connected with the Daily News for the care they must have exercised in deciphering my scribbles. T also thank my readers, especially those of Tariki, for their expressions of appreciation and the encouragement given, and finally wish them j all a joyous and merry Christmas time |with a prosperous and happy New Year ,to follow.