DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1926, Page 12

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITOITOI—URENUI. The annua! meeting cf the Uruti Beach Picnic Club it advertised to take place in Urenui on the 30th irist., when the report and balance-sheet in connection with the last races will be presented and discussed. It is worthy of note that the club have had a highly successful season, as in addition to a credit balance, they have erected a building on the course at a cost of some £3O, on which there exists no liability. A feature of last year’s gathering was the introduction of a couple of trots (both open) which were well patronised; and in this connection it has been suggested that it might be a good plan to confine one of the events to local horses, as under present conditions these have not much chance with outsiders. Although this is a most busy season of the year, it is to be hoped there will be a good attendance of members and others desirous of taking part in this timehonoured picnic gathering. A slight collision occurred on the Uremii Maori pah hill on Sunday last between cars driven by Mr. R. Musker, of Waitoitoi. and Air. A. Lile, of New Plymouth. Fortunately no one was hurt, and beyond a beiit axle and injured mudguards not a great deal of damage was incurred, and both cars resumed their journey. The beautiful weather which prevailed on Sunday last drew quite a number of visitors 'from New Plymouth and elsewhere to the banks of the Mimi river, with the intention of securing a few catches of whitebait. This delicacy has not been too plentiful this season, although one enthusiastic devotee of the sport had rather a good haul recently. Six of the pupils attending the Mimi, school have entered in the calf rearing competition, which is being held under the auspices of the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society, and it is understood that most of the competitors are taking a keen interest in the welfare of their exhibits, and when the time arrives for judging it is to be hoped they will be amongst the prize winners. As will be seen by advertisement, elsewhere. Messrs. Fitzgerald and O’Neill, of Urenui, have opened a branch store at Uru'ti, and have thus filled th© .gap caused by the recent fire, when Mr. Marshall’s premises were totally destroyed. The Mimi school children are now busily engaged in preparing for the annual school concert, which will take place before breaking up for the summer vocation. These functions are always looked forward to with feelings of pleasure by the parents and others, and no doubt tinder the tuition of the teacher (Miss Drader) the forthcoming event will be equally as successful as those of former years. In referring to the fact that there were no entries for the root-growing competition owing to the pupils being too young, Mr. C. Musker (chairman) at the last meeting of the Mimi school committe made a very good suggestion as to the desirability of inaugurating similar competitions for youths between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age, to be carried out on scientific principles and under capable instructors on the various farms in the district, the fact that the knowledge so gained would be of invaluable assistance to the competitors, Who would be the farmers of the future. In view of the statemnt made by the director of the Stratford Technical High School, that a large number of boys bad left the school in order to work on their parent’s farms,-some such movement as this should be of considerable value. Another matter that could with advantage to given attention to is that of top-dressing our pastures,- which would not only benefit the younger generation, but would also be of considerable assistance to the present day farmer, if an experimental field were taken in the different localities and expert advice given as to the most beneficial method of manuring, a great deal of money which is now often wasted through the want of knowledge as to the requirements of the land, would be saved, and greater profits accrue from the correct application of suitable manures. With the scoring board showing- all out for the insignificant total of 25 runs, the Urenui-Waitara cricket combination probably created a record follow scoring in their match against High School on the recreation ground on Saturday last. It was evidently a bowler’s wicket, as in their first strike Ifigh School could only beat this total by 20 runs. 'The home team certainly made a little better showing in their second innings and have lost 9 wickets for some 56 runs, but the chances are that the School will win the match with something in hand upon the resumption of play to-day. However, nothing is certain in cricket, and a game is never lost until it is won, so, 'buck up. Urenui. MATAU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very pleasant and enjoyable time was spent by all who attended the dance last Friday night in aid of the children’s Christmas tree. Music was supplied by Mr. Jack Moody, extras being played by Mr. A. W. Smellie, Mr. Hal Larsen acted as M.C. The day and Sunday schools are having a joint entertainment next month. There will be the usual annual prizegiving, followed by a big Christmas tree organised on behalf of the Sunday School scholars by the local members of the Anglican vestry. It. should prove a gala night for the children. Shearing operations are progressing apace now that the fine weather has started in earnest. Four roads converge at Matau. running respectively from Stratford, Inglewood, Wliangamomona and Pehu. There are no signposts, and consequently motorists occasionally go astray. It would be a great convenience were signposts erected. Mrs. J. S. Fletcher is spending a few days with her parents in this district.