DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 77, 27 April 1909, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAHOTV. (From Our Own, Correspondent.) The opening ball in connection with the new hall took place on Friday night. The bad weather, which appears to have a particular regard for our new hall, was again in evidence. Nevertheless, there was a very good attendance., about 100 couple being present. The hall had been tastefully decorated with greenery and '(lags by'a strong committee, consisting. of Messrs Porteous, De Castro. KuolI flock. Philips (3), J. Rothery. A. Hood, 'and H. Jackson, whilst the llboy was iu perfect order. The stage, which had been arranged as a drawing-room, was well filled with spectators, and the scene irom that vantage point was very pretty. There was plenting of dancing space available for everyone, so that all present thoroughly' enjoyed themselves. Excellent music was provided by Messrs lvaowles (piano) and Duncan (violini. whilst extras were played by Mrs. Ward, Misses Fleming and O'Rorke. The supper was provided by the ladies of the district. The tibles were beautifully decorated* and were covered with a profusion of good things, poultry, sucking pig. and other meats, together with trifles, jellies, blancmanges, etc., forming a spread that was done justice to by all present. The committee that looked after the supper arrangements were Mesdames J,owric, Campbell, West, Kelly, Cramer, J. Phillips, ltobcrts, Baker and Garcia. Altogether, the ball was a great success, and the local devotees of the terpsichorean art are loud in their praises of the new hall. Messrs J. Rothery and A. D. Fielder made capable M.C.'s. whilst the latter performed the multifarious duties appertaining to secretary in his usual capable manner. Th t i following were amongst those present in fancy dress:—Mrs. Lowrie. "Daily News"; Miss Eustace, (iipsy tortune-teller; Miss Kookes, Highland lassie; Miss King, "Ruination"; Miss Dew, Monte Carlo; Miss Fleming, tambourine girl; Mrs. (irooin. lied Cross nurse; .Mrs. Taylor, "Ivy"; .Mrs. Cramer •'Night": Messrs C. Pciiwardcu (stockman), Keriy (Starlight). Fielder jailor), J. Young (lVferee). L. Billing (chief). J. Billing (steward), Kitcliinguinn (pirate). S. Taylor (Hindoo Prince). Kookes (Highlander;, M. Peperill (butcher).

. I regret to report that Mr. R. AA*. Hemingway, of Knhui road, is at present seriously ill. (hi Saturday it was considered necessary to nenii him to the Xiw Plymouth Hospital. The liiild weather that \v t . have 1 n having lately suddenly changed, and on Saturday we had a 'severe hail storm, lit. Kgmont has now got her winter coat of white.

On Saturday inoriiinjr a gig i»loijf»~itlf I lie factory with both shafts broken ami otherwise damage., lain- mute witness ti: the fact that a'u accidr.it ha|i|iciK'd. On enquiry it was learned that Messrs Cross, of Opunakc. whilst returning from the ball, had met with an accident through their horse falling, but fortuiiately escaped without any personal injury.

By ai» oversight, during the rcctil bazaar the name of Mrs. W. f '•■; was uuiilted when the aiinou:i'. miiii was made of those who had charge of lists. This lady had charge oi the" list that realised most money, uuarlv £lli.

STRATFORD. Excitement is simmering over the forthcoming municipal elections and wiil probably reach boiling point on Wednesday nest. There are two candidates for th> ■'.Mayoral Stakes." Messrs Sangsler (the sitting Mavorl. and .Mr. \Y. P. Kirkwood. of the County-Hotel. Each candidate has a fnlloMing o't no small number, as was shown at the last contest, but I don't anticipate such a large poll on this occasion, and as the law is against tipping them your readers will have to guess for themselves. The Council candidates number eleven starters, and they „re a good field, and I vxpect

you could almost put the proverbial sheet over them at the finish, but "Judge" Hemingway will hoist the numbers pretty promptly on Wednesday night. A foretaste of winter has arrived. About 4in of rain for 48 hours is not bad, and more to follow. It came here from New Plymouth, so perhaps the heavens were rejoicing over the harbor loan flotation and the acceptance of a tender for the- new dredge. I expected the Dreadnought gift to have issued the loan at about 3y a , but the Jews evidently thought we were silvery and could afford 4% per cent. So we can, but we don't want everyone to know we are bloated capitalist-.. It is quite possible the money-lenders feel hurt that we did not offer a lower rate, but still if they do we can say we "didn't know."

The East road for a tew miles is in a very bad state; what with the metalling contract and the railway works it is no wonder.

The lining of the Kiore tunnel is proceeding, but a tremendous slip at the mouth of the tunnel last week delayed things a bit. Some thousands of yards came down, and the men have' been working day and night in shifts to get the stuff removed.

The surveyors are now preparing a report for the Government as to the best site for a quarry on Mt. Egiuont. I understand th c original one is to be abandoned and probably one at the top of Surrey road selected.

XARATA. The weather here last week was the roughest we've had fo r sonic time past. All the creeks and rivers were in high flood, and all the low-lying Hats on the Junction road were under water. The strong wind uprooted trees in all directions.

Tlie Tarn hi Dog Trial Club couldn't have, picked a worse day than last Thursday to hold its dog trials, but in spite of the weather a good number of visitors and competitors arrived, and a few had a run-off. The committee ultimately had to postpone the mectum to Wednesday next. 291 h inst, for belter luck.

Farmer,; in this district are talkin" a good ..leal as to finding a outlet rorlat stock and the losses in not getting fat stock away at the right time. The"problem would be solved if there were freezing works and harbor accommodation at Moturoa for ocean boats.