RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 28, 2 January 1942, Page 7

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) At a meeting of tho E.P.S., on Monday night, presided over by Mr W. A. Churchill there were 32 preach and several apologies for absence were received. Consideration was given the question of how to notify residents in this area of a black-out and the best method of seeing thai instructions are oboyed. Warning by siren in the event of an emergency is out of the question ill this widely-scattered community, whore many homes aic a considerable distance from a centre, and also far back from the road. Citizens differ very widely in their readiness to respond to a public need, and so it comes that in a time of crises such as cxistis at present it is left to a minority to plan on behalf of many who should be linked up with tho E.P.S. and thus keep themselves informed of the steps it is proposed to take. The local committee has appointed the following members as block wardens, each to have charge of a length of road, and who are making themselves responsible for passing the word along in the event of a black-out, or other operatio'ii being made necessary by enemy action: Messrs 11. N. Howe, J. C. Gibbons, E. R. Gcnnills, W. J. Davis, A N. Morcom, W. li. Woodham (Tangim'oana), J. Mossop, 11. Fieldhousc, 11. Ransom, J.McCutchan and J. L)a c ter. A census of residents has been taken by tho committee, also of motor-cars that will be available, and it is confidently expected that any orders given by the defence authorities could be carried out at short notice, but r"e essential need is for c.iry eligible man to enrol in tho E.P.S. The make of butter at the Rongotea Coop Factory for December is 83 tons, states the manager (Mr \V. J. Read). Production is holding up very well, and if this continues it will help to make up for the poor flush period. Last year there was a considerable drop in production at this time, from 142 tons in November to 128 tons in December. This year in the same months the decrease is from 84 to 83 tons; although the intermittent rain at this season assists the growth of grass and helps maintain production, it is a serious worry to sheep men with shearing to be done, and to the dairy fanner who is in the midst of harvesting operations. It is no uncommon thing for milking not to be hnkhed before 9 p.m., the serious shortage of labour, and uncertainty regarding the weather, drive men to put in extremely long hours in an effort to save the hay crop. In an effort to keep pace with tho workone local farmer has had more machines installed to enable him to milk two cows in a time that one was being milked before and no stripping is being done by hand following the machine milking. So far (contrary to accepted belief) the cows show no sign of lessened production, but it is open to question whether this will hold good for long. , The severe restrictions recently imposed upon the sale of petrel are having a considerable effect upon churches as well as other organisations, and already they are feeling the effect to some extent. They begin lo realise how much country churches are dependent on tho motor-car for carrving on their vital work. One service a day has now become general. The members of the local Gospel Hall bring lunch with them and have a service in the afternoon, instead of coming out in tho evening. The National Savings Fund V pennant was flving at the local Post Office during Christmas week, showing that the quota of £SO had onco more been reached.