MANGAKAHIA

Northern Advocate, 18 August 1933, Page 10

MANGAKAHIA

The weather has been very changeable of late. Very strong gales from the south-west lasted two days last week, but no damage is reported locally. Perhaps everything insecure was tried out the previous week, when a strong wind from the north caused a large steel smoke-stack and a shed at the local saw mill to collapse. The gales were followed by heavy rain and scattered showers, which in turn wove followed by two severe frosts last Sunday and Monday nights, which had the effect of retarding the growth of grass. New Blood. It is interesting to note that further pedigree stock has been brought into the district. Air J. Tims has purchased a valuable Jersey bull of proved butterfnt strain, and Mr J. Hannah, of Opokeno, has acquired a very highclass pedigree Shorthorn bull and a number of pedigree cows of like quality. The future of the district is well assured, as scarcely- any but the best stock is now introduced to the valley, and every farmer seems to possess n fervent inclination to improve his herd.

Social, Heavy rain which continued all through last Thursday night caused the financial failure of the dance held by the football club in the Parakao ball. The club put on the fixture solely for the object of raising funds, but the weather showed no consideration, and the organisers laboured in vain. An orchestra from Whangarei rendered excellent music, and it seemed like good music going to waste when only about half of the expected attendance made use of it. Mr J. Alison performed the duties of M.C. in a capable manner and made the proceedings very snappy indeed. The floor was in good order, and almost the entire audience rose to the occasion when the orchestra struck up a set. Supper was heartily partaken of, ami as a largo crowd had been provided for, those present had cpiito a small feast. Quite the opposite to pleasant was the task of entering the car in pouring rain, but there were no signs of it abating, so the elements had to bo braved. Smoke Concert. The winding up celebrations of the contract at the local sawmill took the form of a smoke concert last Tuesday

"night, when quite a number of residents of the district gathered at the mill. Many toasts were proposed, and the health of the contractors drunk. Songs, recitations and music helped to make the evening most enjoyable. The singing of the two popular farewell songs terminated the delightful proceedings.