DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM KOAD. (From Uur Own Correspondent). The extraordinary spell of line weather gives at the time of writing every indication of continuance, and it goes without saying that great doings are on the way in regard to clearing work. What«ver may be the effect on outside parts we as yet cannot complain, and probably the closeness of old Egmont has a good effect in counteracting injurious results. Those farmers who have small flocks of sheep are busy with shearing operations, which are likely to continue well into next month. I am informed that Mr. Joe Burgess has handled a remarkable fleece of W/Ah of wool, and that such is considered a curiosity. The depredations of small birds and slugs in kitchen gardens are exercising the minds of gardeners and deep, if not loud, are the adjectives used upon the pests. Quite a massacre of young birds is occasionally reported on many farms, but it seems that, like the unspeakable Huns, "they, still come to their doom in shoals!" The dry weather is starting to shake the condition of our road, and which was responsible for rather a nasty' accident to two gents from another part of the district who were returning home after paying a visit to a neighbor here. It appears that the motor bike, on which they were double banked, took objection to the state of the road, and precipitated both on to the metal with the resultant loss of a considerable quantity of skin and infliction of severe bruises.

The question of wood fuel is at pTcaent a serious matter fof both the main factory and the creamery, and the fact that on the upper portion of Durham road there are thousands of cords o> splendid wood available and only wanting labor only makes the matter more acute. There's a splendid opportunity for a few men to form a gang to cut tho wood at a remunerative figure fo'r an unlimited quantity, and such a job should appeal to men who desire independent work. The meeting held at the factory on Monday evening last was fairly well attended, there being seven ladies and eleven gents present. Mr. .Too Brown was voted to the chair, and briefly outlined the object of the meeting, while Mr. R. Thomas, as convener, went into the matter fully, explaining that it was thought better results could be obtained by having a properly organised body. There had been mistakes perhaps in the past, but. that could be left alone, and a determined effort made to do all possible to add to contributions from this part of the district. As Mr. Brown had stated, Miss Johnston had stuck to the work in a remarkable manner, which the sum ef £325, collected during the past 12 months or so, went to show. The district would include Dudley road, Durham West and Kast Norfolk road, lying between those two roads, and it was proposed to form a central committee to act with Ihe committees at present representing each road, and the inauguration of a monster combined affair occasionally should prove beneficial. The district committee would not secede from the Inglewood Patriotic Committee, but be a part of it. Tt was simply to work interest in provision of funds for the Y.M.C.A., Red Cross or other patriotic objects that might be decided on. Mr. J. Brown stated it was necessary in future to obtain a permit to hold any function under the auspices of the patriotic movement and the chairman of the Taranaki County Council was the person to apply to for same. After discussion, in which many questions were answered satisfactorily, the following were elected as members of the Central Executive: —Centre (Mountain road), Mr. A. Laurence and Miss Johnston; Durham West, J. B. Simpson, with lady member to be appointed by sub-com-mittee; Durham East, Mrs. Hobbs and Mr. R. Kilpatrick; Norfolk East. Mr. and Mrs. R. Thomas. The appointment of members to represent Norfolk West and Dudley road was left in the hands of Mr. Thomas and Miss Johnston respectively. Before the meeting adjourned, Mr. j. B. Simpson said he wished to place on record an appreciation of the perseverance of Miss Johnston, who had devoted considerable time and ability towards the arranging of means whereby the patriotic funds were' considerably increased, and moved a motion to that effect, which Mr. J. Brown had great pleasure in seconding, and which was carried enthusiastically.

RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent). Bishop Averill was in our district on Sunday and preached to a crowded church. Archdeacon Evans and-Rev. C. Addeubrooke assisted- in tho service. Mrs. J. B. Groom presided at the organ. The Bishop and party adjourned to the Pomona Gardens for, lunch. In the afternoon the Methodist Church was crowded, it being the Sunday school anniversary. The hymns sung-by the children were well rendered, Miss Mabel Hughaon being at, the organ. The church was nicely' decorated for the occasion. Mr. Graves conducted the service for the children which he cut rather short on account of the great heat experienced, The evening service was fairly well attended. The picnic in connection with tho church will be .held on Boxing Day. Mr. Hughson, sen., has received ;a cable stating that his son, Sergeant Magnus is seriously ill, having been v-ounded in the arm. Word has been received from Brivate Val Candish, who says he is quite well still. The local farmers who are not overworked are often down on tlic beach fishing with uncertain hick at present. The usual surf bathers will, soon be busy in the water if this hot weather lasts.