Local and General.

Opunake Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2450, 3 February 1920, Page 2

Local and General.

A girl is required to assist in tea rooms and with general work,

The monthly meeting of the Opunake branch of the N.Z.F.U. will be held on Saturday.

The sisters of the local convent desire it to be known that music tuition will commence on Monday next

Fruit and vegetables of all descriptions may now be N obtained at Mrs Bell's, Ritson's Buildings, Opunake.

All public and private schools in the Wangahui-Taranaki district have been ordered to remain closed until further orders.

An acute shortage of flour is ex* pected in New Zealand at an early aate. Christchurch grocers, are already cutting down customers' orders.''-

At the last meeting of the Taran aki War Relief Association the sum ,o| £675 was set aside for distribution under the ' per man en tly disabled soldiers' fund> in this district.

subscriptions \to the Opunake Seaside Improvement Society are, now "Overdue, and the secretary, Mr T» H. H. Sinclairj will be pleased to receive same.

The dance held under the auspices of the Oabnui-Rahotu Queen Carnival committee in the Rahotu Hall on Friday night, was a most pleasant function. Excellent music, a good floor, and supper Were provided;; Mr Bert Anis performed the duties of M.C-in a capable manner. During the Evening, Miss 'Winnie Verdun • contributed some fancy dancing. ' ';■ • •■':':"',

Violin strings and pieces are now in stock at the "Times" Stationary Dept.

A reminder Js given that Mr Clark McConachy, the billiard champion of New Zealand, will play a match at Des Forges & Son's rooms on Thursday ,evening.

Owing to the inclemency of the weather the meeting of rhe local branch of the R.S. A. advertised for Saturday evening did übt take place. It will, now be held on next Saturday at 8 pm, *

Arrangements in connection with the Horticultural Society's autumn show to be held on the 25th inst.; are now being forwarded. About £l3 has been donated for special prizes, and altogether the show promises to be a successful one.

Mr R. Affleck senr., left Opunake on Friday for Auckland, where he intends residing. His departure recalls a chapter of Opunake's early history, for when "he first came to Opunake in 1881, means of communication were in the pioneer stage Together with a friend, Mr Affleck put out from Wanganui in an open boat and rowed along the coast, making ,the Opunake bay in good time. On their arrival here they found no less than four steamers and one sailing vessel discharging cargo, comprised mostly of - building material. Those were the days when Opunake was booming, the place supporting four hotels and many large shops It was, however, partly fictitious prosperity for it was founded on a military basis. Today they foundation is much more secure, and it-is to be hoped that in the near future there will again be five vessels engaged in discharging operations at the same time. It is no wild dream. X

Although the Department ,of Public Health has ordered all schools to remain closed uhtiHurther orders, there is so far nothing alarming in the news from the different parts oh the country regarding the outbreak of influenza, whfch is reported to be of a most mild character. Still it must be remembered .that the virulent type of the disease which scourged New Zealand in .1918 was preceeded by a. milder form of influenza, and as it is quite possible that history may repeat itself, resi dents should do all in their power to safeguard themselves,, by paying strict attention to cleanliness in the first place, and by adopting such' preventive methods as have been 'proved to be effective. There is no ground for people to become alarmed .but at the same time no one can afford to be careless. It is the duty of every resident to do their utmost to minimise the risk of contagion. As far as we can learn. this district appears to be very free from the disease., tit ■ .-l •: :■ ',.■, ,'.

Prize schedules for the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society's 45th Annual Show, to be held at New Plymouth on March 3rd and 4th, arcs now in circulation and will be posted free to any address upon application to W. Okey, -Secretary, P.O.'Boxiq, New Plymouth. Tne schedule is. a' most comprehensive one all classes of stock, purebred and otherwise, being catered for. Liberal prize-money, gold medals, trophies, championship ribbons and certificates are offered for competition. The accommodation for stock is unsurpassed,by any other Society in New Zealand.'. The Society has roofed in fifty additional cattle pens since last that all purebred stock will'; be exhibited under the most favourable Conditions in roomy pens, and' a well aired payillion. Exhibitors are guaranteed every consideration and assistance at the hands of the Society's officials. The Society has a reputation for its attention to stock and exhibitors that is the envy of many larger Societies. An abundance of green feed has been secured, paddocking accommodation handy to the}-showgrounds will' be available arid- all other details so necessary to ensure a successful show are being attended lo ( . Own : ers of valuable animals should have no hesitation in; bringing them to New Plymouth.^'Write for schedule to-day. Entries close February 14th 1920 at 9 p.m.