COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 62, 15 March 1910, Page 5

COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

[own correspondents.] PI Ri P! RI. Since writing my last notes our district Jias been favored with several days i)f refreshing and much-r.eoded rain, it has had the effect of freshening up the feed, and oo:i._vjuontJy the supply of milk at the local cheese factory has hardened, it having fallen steadily during the previous dry spell. Many of the settlers are busy with their holdings, more especially those who are not yet residing on them. Messrs Maycack Bros. and Mr E. Gregg are busy carting timber for their residences, outbuildings, e&c. Messrs Anderson, Sons and Co., one of whom drew the section on which the firm's mill is situated, have not let the grass grow under their feet, and already have had erected a fine, roomy stable for the horses, besides which they have also a large amount of fencing erected and repaired. J. M'Millan has completed the metalling of Piri Piriroad. Coy and Co. have made very fair progress with their contract on Torarua-road. Two or three days' carting will see this job completed, after which a start will be made with Kotare-road. A meeting of settlers, who had guaranteed to supply milk to a factory to be erected on the block by Mr Mugli JBlack, was held in Messrs Varlow Bros.' residence on the 4th instant. The meeting was called by Mr JBlack, who found that the creamery site at the junction of Tataramoa and Torarua roads was not suitable for the purpose, there not being facilities for drainage, nor for a good supply of water. Mr Black said that ho had inspected several sites, and found a most suitable one on Mr J. l-tule's section, on Tataramoa-road. Several settlers thought that the site was too far up the road, and it would not suit those of fararoa-road. One of the latter gentlemen mentioned a site which he considered suitable, a short distance from the junction. Mr Black had not previously seen the spot, but expressed willingness to be guided solely by the settlers. Then the question arose as to whether tho meeting should adjourn, so as to en-, able him to inspect the site, and another meeting be held on a subsequent date. Mr Black, however, with his usuaT business-like manner, offered to. view the site there and'then, so as they could get on with the business. A lantern was procured, and a party set out for the spot, and then ensued the curious spectacle of hunting for a factory site by lantern light. Since the meeting, Mr Black has availed himself of the services of a "water diviner," Wid tlie latter was successful, I believe, in finding water on the place inspected, and it is almost sure that the factory will be erected at this spot. It is the intention of the younger portion of the settlers to hold a ball at an early date, that of April 1 being mentioned. Several preliminary meetings have been held, at which matters in this connection were advanced several stages. A number of the young people met together on Wednesday evening last, in the Piri Piri Hall, when a most enjoyable time was spent in dancing. The music was supplied by Mr J. A. Stratford, sen. (accordeon), and Mr JDarian carried out the duties of M.C. During an interval Mr Bai contributed a comic song.

KIRITAKI. It is with very great regret that we heard the news of tlie death of Mr C. Christison, which took place at the Dannevirke Hospital during Friday night. For the past five years Mr Christison lias. resided among us, having at first leased some of Ma" Knight's Omataroa property,, and latterly living on Mr II en die's land, where he and his family have been engaged milking on shares for that gentleman. For some years Mr Christison. sat on the School Committee, where he proved a very useful member, being always willing to assist in all their undertakings. The deepest sympathy is expressed fox the bereaved wife, who is now left with eight sanall children—the eldest being only 14 years old—to fight, the battle of life alone.

Kiritaki property would appear to be in demand. Following on the exchange of properties effected by Mr W'hibiey, we hear tliat Mr J Ebbett has sold his compact little farm to Mrs Brosnan, of Woodville, who is expected here a.t the end of the month. Mr Ebbett and family will reside on their Te llehunga. section, where building operations are now in course of progress. Mr II on berg has bought back his old farm, lately owned by Mr Gra'haan, and I understand it is for immediate sale. Mr Lawson, of Woodville, t'he new owner of Mr Whibley's farm, is expected to take possession this week. The telephone office lias been much in request all this year. During Christmas week I hear 40 messages were put through, and the weekly average since has been between 20 and 30. We still think we should have a connection with Dannevirke through Te Rehunga, when several more messages could be sent.

ORMONDVILLE. The telephone bureau, with twelve subscribers, was opened yesterday. This is a further step ahead for the township, and the residents who have taken up the matter deserve the thanks of the community. Now we can speak direct with Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier without first being conii-eoted with Dannevirke, which always meant a long delay hefore a connection was made right through. I believe that now the matter of telephones has received a start, that others are soon likely to be joining. I hear of one Waikapiro man already who intends 1 to get connected 1 with the Ormondville bureau. There is also a movement, I understand, in Norsewood to establish a. bureau. There is a. proposal on foot in Ormondville to form a tennis club and a meeting in furtherance of the object is to be held on Friday evening. A very good piece of ground in a central position is at the service of a club if formed, on which three or four courts could be laid down. Several members of the various Friendly Societies have asked me lately ais to what has become of the annual hospital demonstrations which used to make a very attractive Sunday once in the year and the hospitals used to benefit to a considerable extent thereby. Another thing in its favor was that it- brought the societies into prominence and showed the young men of the district that there 'was such a. thing in their midst. _ I am given to understand that recruits to the various lodges and tents are not rolling, in too well of late, so a

.demonstration might be useful in two ways. The following team has been selected to represent the Ormondville Club in the match against the Dannevirke A team at Diannevirke on Saturday : t/ L. Vivian, H. aaid J. Fayen, 'H. ! White, J. Barrie, F. Sliarpin, W. Norris, C. Wennink, 11. Freeman, D. M'Fa.rlane, T. Ollington, and D. Bodward. The team will leave by the express. NORSEWOOD. On Saturday afternoon a.nd evening next the annual bazaar in connection with the Methodist Church, harvest festival takes place in the Foresters' Hall. The bazaar this year promises to eclipse all others For six weeks past the members of the Ladies' Guild 'have been 'assiduously working and now have a fine display as a. result of their labors. There are to be fancy, painting, plain sewing, flower, produce, sweet and refreshment stalls; a- doll competition, in which, I understand, great interest is being taken by the children; and numerous side shows" and competitions. Y"our representative has been favored with a. glimpse of some of the goods, and will take it on himself to say that there is a great variety of exceedingly pretty and useful articles. Some watercolor paintings should sell particularly well. The opening takes place at 2 p.m., when the admission is free. In the evening a charge of 6d will be made.