DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1926, Page 13

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITOITOI-URENUI. (’From Our Own Correspondent.) Monday last was quite a busy day in Urenui, as in addition to the usual fortnightly cattle sale, the poll as to whether the ratepayers in the Taranaki Power Board’s area would avail themselves of the offer to instal electric light and power in this district, was being taken. As matters turned out the proposal was defeated by 82 votes to 00, and we will still remain in semi-dark-ness for an indefinite period. Pukearuhe was the only booth at which the votes showed any unanimity on the question, and it might be taken as a sign of the times that many farmers feel disinclined to incur any obligations other than those that are absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, it seems rather a pity that those who wished for this inestimable boon should he deprived of the means of obtaining it, and it is just possible that many of those who voted against it -were not fully aware of the terms upon whieh the light would have been installed. However, it is understood that this is the first district to turn down a proposal of this kind, and it may be many years before the opportunity arrives again. The unseasonable weather we have been experiencing lately is showing its effects upon the milk yield, as although most of the herds are doing well, the supply is most erratic, as is shown at the factory, where one day there will be 41 cheeses made and the next 38. Notwithstanding this there were twelve tons more cheese manufactured in October this season than was' the case for the corresponding period last year, whilst the average test (4.04) is better. The grading notes are also most satisfactory, and for the past six or seven weeks “superfine” has been obtained.

Both the Urenui and Waitoitai tennis clubs are making active preparations for the present season, and it would seem as if this popular pastime will flourish better than even when the weather becomes more settled. It is understood that the former have chosen a site for an asphalt court, and it is expected that the work of laying it down will be commenced shortly, whilst Waitoitoi have accepted the tender of Mr. D. Wiley to lay down their court, and this should be available in a month or so.

The Urenui Club held a highly successful dance on Thursday evening last in the hall. During the course of the ordinary dances a lucky spot waltz competition was won by Miss Kasper and Mr. J. Schinckel, and the balloon dance by Miss McCracken and partner, whilst the confetti dance was greatly enjoyed. Mt. W. Scott successfully carried out the role of M.C. and Miss Hannah Edwin supplied the music in her customary finished manner, whilst the supper was par excellence and, needless to say, thoroughly appreciated. Although up to the present 'the Ure-nui-Waitara cricket combination haye not made much of a showing against the strong opposition from New Plymouth, yet they may still show better form as the season advances, and it may be said in their favour that they have not as yet been able to place their full strength in the field. So far, they have lost both games in whieh they have been engaged, and next Saturday are due to meet Old Boys* when it is to be hoped they will show something of -their old form. In response to many requests the Ladies’ Chureh Committee will give another of their delightful social evenings in the Urenui Hall during the coining week, when an attractive programme will be provided. The last function was so entirely successful that patrons need ■have no fear that they will enjoy themselves thoroughly on this occasion, and when it is said that the energetic secretary (Mrs. A. G. Pigott) and her coworkers are making every effort in this direction, it may be confidently anticipated that success is assured, and the church funds benefit substantially by their efforts.

Mr. W. L. Larsen, of Uruti, has purchased the residence and motor garage at the Mimi Junction, formerly the property of Mr. Arthur Smith. It is understood that the prices offering by the freezing works down the line at present are: Ox beef, 30s per cwt; cow beef, 10s; wethers, ad per lb; lambs, 7|d per lb; and it is expected that the price for the latter will be slightly better when the market opens locally. Mr. Ballantyne, inspected for the North Taranaki Education Board, conducted the annual examination of the pupils of the Mimi School on Thursday last, and as far as can be gathered the latter acquitted themselves creditably. The Awakino Beach Racing Club are holding the annual gathering on Saturday, December 4. Last year’s races were so entirely suceesful that there is little doubt that the coming meeting will be equally enjoyable, and those who make the journey over the mountain may rest assured of a hearty welcome from the hospitable residents of that locality, and have the privilege of witnessing some interesting racing on the lovely stretch of beach upon whieh the various events are decided.

It is stated that boring operations for oil in the Okoke district will soon be in progress and that the plant will arrive shortly. The country has been thoroughly explored by experts, and is said to show every indication of oil being obtained in payable quantities. The many friends of Mrs. Hargreaves, who is a daughter of Mr. T. H. Lee, of Urenui, will be pleased to know that, she is now on the road to recovery after undergoing a serious operation for appendicitis and ether complications at Whangarei. In a letter to her father, Mrs. Hargreaves states that the heat has been terrific in that locality, and that she has had a most trying time.

There have been some very good sales of pedigree Jersey bulls and heifers in this portion of Taranaki recently, and last week Mr. W. J. Freeth, of Pukearuhe, despatched one bull by Silent Knight to Mr. J. R. White, Tokomarti; one to Mr. Robt. Thompson, Waikaaiae; two to Chapman Bros., Rahotu; one to Mr. H. Brewer, Hawera; one to Mr. J. Hamblyn, North Wairoa; seven yearlings and one three-year-old heifer, all by Silent Knight, to Mr. McLean, Whakatane, who recently purchased 250 grade heifers in North Taranaki with a view to establishing milking on a large scale on his estate in that locality. Mr. McLean states that he was induced to make this large purchase owing to the fact that some time ago a small line bought by him in this locality had easily beaten his mature cows, and in this connection it might be mentioned that during the past couple of months some 1200 grade Jersey heifers have been purchased in this province north of Stratford for the Waikato district. Most farmers have an aversion to having their stock inoculated against blackleg, but unconsciously it is one of the greatest advertisements the district ever possessed from the fact that the Taranaki

cattle do not lose their identity owing to the “8” brand whieh is put bn at the period of operation, and it is interesting to note that many of the leading herds in the Waikato Testing Association are composed of Taranaki stock. Further consignments during the present week, also from Mr. Freeth’s stud farm, have been six pedigree heifers and two bulls to Mr. C. R. Wilson, Whangarei. Three of these heifers were by Silent Knight, two by Royal Knight, and one by Ngahiwi’s Wager, who is by Grandmaster— Ferngrove’s Irene, 6601 b fat C.0.R., whilst the two bulls were by Silent Knight. The selection of these cattle was left entirely to Mr. Freeth’s own judgment, A bull, by Silent Knight was also disposed of to Mr. Jos. Thompson, Kaitaia, Bay of Islands. A somewhat amazing feat of cool nerve and strength occurred at Mokau one day last week. It appears a mob of bullocks were passing through the township, when one of them for some unaccountable reason became excited and practically took charge of the settlement, and nothing could be seen but heads viewing the situation from pointe of vantage. The exception, however, was a native of stalwart proportions and fine ohysique, who was casually strolling along the road when the infuriated animal charged him viciously. One friend, nothing daunted, stepped nimbly aside and. grasping both horns as the beast rushed past, brought it to a standstill. After holding it for some little time the Maori with a display of wonderful strength, gave the bullock’s neck a sudden twist and threw it upon its back, after which he calmly resumed his stroll and the chastened beast quietly rejoined the mob.