DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents), EOMOXT VILLAGE. The country about this locality Is looking splendid. We are having a beautiful autumn, the best- that I ever remember. The harvesting is completed, and the farmers .are now busily engaged in ploughing and harrowing, for rotation ciops and permanent pastures. We have had a few nice showers during the early part of the week, which have brightened up the country, and will tend to help the swede crops, which Were very much in need of rain. Our proximity to Mt. Fgmont no doubt is responsible in a great, measure for the welcome rain. I notice that Mr. George Marsh has been awarded the first prize for the best crop of turnips in connection with the recent 'Paranaki show, Mr. A. Morton being a good second. This is ample proof that our soil and climate are suitable for the growing of these cops. Olson Bros, were again successful with their purebred Ayrshire* at the Taranaki Show, taking several first prizes. Mr. Morton, with his grade Ayrshires, was also successful j n taking prizes. The high prices now being realised for fat and forward stock will be the means of clearing out all but first class cows. Mr. F. Coldrick, of Upland road, who has enlisted, was farcwelled here on Thursday, March 2. Mr. Morton mad? an appropirate speech ,a'id on behalf oi those assembled presented the young soldier with a handsome cigarette case. Private Coldrick suitably replied. All wish him God-speed and n safe return.

Mr. Gordon Marsh lias al-o enlisted, passing the necessary examination.

The Education Board's staff of painters are busy painting the local school and shelter-shed. I think it would he a good idea to paint the roof as well, an a nicely painted building, with a rusty iron roof docs not blend; rather the reverse. I am sorry to learn that Mr. Harold Gibson, who has been ill for some timp, w not improving as well as his friends and relatives would like. TARATA. Quite a gloom .vas cast over our ilistiict when it became known that Mr. Thomas Chgimicy was killed through the capsizing of his ear. Deceased hail ■a wide circle o r friends, and was possessed of a very jovial disposition. Much sympathy has been expressed to Mr. J. Swan, who has been a partner of the late Mr. Chamnev for the past 25 years, and feels keenly the loss of his old comrade and partner. The funeral, which took place at Inglewooil last Saturday, was very largely attended by the Tarata settlers.

The settlers are very busy dipping their sheep, and they are getting perfect weather conditions for it. The Loan and Mercantile Co. hchl their second sale here last Thursday. There was a very big yarding, brisk bidding and good prices. The Tarata Dog Trial is fixed for April 13 and W. It has been decided to donate the net proceeds to the Patriotic Fund. Mr. L;;ng, of Inglcwood, has donated a cup for the open event, and Mr. S. Kenningtnn and A. McMu!lian, of Matau, have also donated a cup for the local event. There are also several specials to be allotted. I should also like to bring under the notice of New Plymouth people who ilve fond of a day in the country that they could not wish for a better or more' scenic snot than Tarata. A trin over the Zig-Zag is worth taking. It is onlv 24 miles from Xew Plymouth, and a good metalled road all tin., way!

Our district is looking well, despite the dry weather, and the land her,! stands tiie dry weather better than the outside land. A very noticeable feature tliis past season is the number of sheep that have gone out from this district, which speaks very well for its carrying and fattening capacity. The road contractor has' finished, and the roads are all in good order and repair.

WAREA. The annual school picnic was held in the Warca Domain on Friday, March 3, On account of other attractions it was not so well attended a s usual. The children, however, spent a very enjoyable afternoon, indulging in' various games, and about three o'clock the prizes were distributed, each child receiving u handsome book.

The pupils who received proficiency certificates were, Fred Hill 11 years. Hector Lajking 11 years, Monty Barak 11 years (dux), Hector Wells, and Lily Pennington. Competency: Donna Black, and Jack Grylls. Now that, swimming has been added to the school syllabus here, the children are eagerly looking forward to the visits of the swimming instructor, who will give them exhibitions in life-saving. It is well to emphasise physical training not as an end in itself, but as a means towards mental and physical health. As a result of the .sports held last week in aid of the Patriotic Funds, £IOO lias been forwarded to headquarters, and a few pounds have been retained for the ladies to work on for future occasions. A number of young men have started a swimming club here, and are now busily engaged in making a dam in the Domain Board's property, which it is intended shall be utilised as a swimming bath. A good supply of fresh water can be obtained, by means of pipes, from Mr. Uevell's water-race, and although considerable expense is attached to the scheme, the 'club is determined to push ahead' with the work. The Domain Board is lending every assistance to the club. A number of accidents have occurred in the district lately. Mr. (,'uthbert Kvcs fell out of his trap on Thursday week while going home from the factory, and the wheel went over his hip. He received severe contusions to the head, and was sent to -\'e\v Plymouth hospital, but has now returned humc and is improving slowly. Mr. W. 11. Julian, while carting shingle oil' the beach, last Wednesday, slipped audi broke the main sinew of one leg. He was taken in to the Now Plymouth hospital. Richard Hill is also'in the hospital suffering from enteric, and li. Barriball is also an inmate of that institution, rheumatism being the cause, A dance will be held in the hall next Friday night in aid of the Piano Fund.