DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1915, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

MAKETAWA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A splendid run of fine weather has prevailed, and in consequence turnip planting has been carried on on a large scale. A big area has yet to be finished for swedes, though nearly all farmers have planted soft turnips, it being argued that that kind does not affect the milk. Those that were lucky enough to get crops in early report a good "strike." Some crops of potatoes have shown evidence of blight, others are practically immune, while ordinary vegetable gardens have recovered marvellously. . Notwithstanding the set lmek given pasture by the blizzard of a few weeks back, the weather lately has forced the grass along at an unheard-of rate, and on all sides one finds abundance of feed, while the milk supply has also advanced in a remarkable manner. That farmers are pleased goes without saying, and provided decent, weather prevails for harvesting the winter of 1916 will hold no terrors for the dairy farmer. Some excitement was caused at the Durham entertainment by the disappearance of a little lad of six years, who took it into his head to go home, about a quarter of a mile away, unknown to his parents. After a prolonged search the young scamp was found fast asleep in the wash-house, he having deemed it of benefit to his health to get a snooze somewhere. Darkness and solHitude had no terrors for Willie evidently. The breaking-up entertainment of the Durham school pupils took place on Wednesday, 13th inst., and a very largo audience showed their appreciation of the splendid manner in which the children went through their respective items. The teachers (Miss F. I. Mayer and Miss S. McCormick) are to be complimented on the result of the care and attention bestowed on the training of the youngsters, and parents unanimously agree that the children's performance w»a "Ihe best yet given." The proceeds go towards the prize fund, as last year the children decided to give up their prizemoney to the Belgian Fund. A special feature in school work, gardening. having been initiated, the pr!?es for best garden plots p;o to Masters I.eo Do.lonski and Andrew Misehewski, first and second respectively, and the in. torest shown r.nd work done Is very prai -eworthy, The entertainment in connection with tho bre<ik!r,g up for Christmas vacation of the Norfolk School took place on Friday evening, when there was a good attendance. I understand the function, which was in aid of the prize fund, was a romplete success in all ways. Mr. Davidson, who recently purchased Mr. J. A. Bridgeinan's farm, has installed a Gar.e milking machine which is giving full satisfaetin. This makes the sixth milking machine to be placed ia commission on Durham Road. '['lie installation of an improved skim milk pump at the Durham creamery is a marked success, and one misses the clatter made hy the old one; the smoothness in which i lie machinery runs is commented on favorably hy all suppliers. As it is probable that tins Christmas may be added to the past before writing other notes, T take this opportunity of wishing the Jhiily News the full enjoy' merit of a Merrv Christmas We farmers do the best, we can in Ihe face of a busy part of the year lo have a #ood time, and though not so enjoyable, perhaps, as it may be to those who can shut up shop, ete., a comparison of the freedom and healthy life of ihe eountry with that of the town leaves a bi^ r marpin in favor of the fanners. Howe\er,a Merry Christmas to ali!