DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1919, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (Prom Our' Own Correspondent) The country around and along the coast la looking well, and those engaged In the dairying industry are looking forward to a good season. On the other hand, dairying has apparently some disadvantages, as It is remarkable the number of farms that have changed hnnds In Taranakl this year, the majority of them giving up dairying altogether. It Is staled that one Taranakl land agent has recently sold properties valued at £165,974. Enquiries about -land In and around this locality have not yet abated, as several people are to be seen on the look-out for suitable farms. Folks from tho drier districts are only beginning to learn the value of tills land, whero the grass is ever green. The plough also is moro and moro steadily insinuating its powerful and converting presence in this neighborhood, and now that the sword is sheathed will probably be still more au Implement of'grateful service. It's use on some of tho local farms has revolutionised tho land in appearance, as In carrying capacity. A public meeting, called for Saturday evening last by the newly-elected Pungarehu Hall Committee for the purpose of discussing ways ar.d means of raising funds for hall Improvements, had to be postponed Indefinitely owing to the sparse attendance. Settlers should bear In mind that the apathy shown in regard to matters pertaining to their district hall Is not conducive to getting redress of any grievances that may exist at present or may crop up in the future from thß controlling authorl. ties. This same apathy In the past has resulted In committeo powers being filched one by one. and residents cannot oxpect the district to progress when so little Interest is token, in local affairs. It Is no use howling against injustice, etc., from a fireside chair. Other districts seem to take considerable interest and pride In their hall, etc., but not so at Pungarehu.' It seems very desirable that the people, especially those from other districts, who patronise our functions, should Have proper accommodation In the form of a supper-room, cloak-room, etc., the present room 3 being totally Inadequate for the purpose Tho movement to raise funds for Improving the hall will no doubt meet with wholehearted support from tho residents. The first part of the committee's efforts to assist will tako the form of a ball, which ought to be one of the leading evenU of the season. A charming wedding was solemnised at St. Martin's Catholic Church, Pungarehu on Wednesday, September 3, between Mr W. C. Hlckey, son of Mr and Mrs J. C. Hlckey, of Opunake, and Miss Eileen Fleming, daughter or the late Mrs and llr Thomas Fleming, of Rahotu. The ceremony has been fully reported In your columns. Pungarehu boys are slowly treklng homeward now, and I hear another of our local lads, Private Percy Barrett, has arrived In Taranakl. Miss T. Grenfell paid a flying visit to her homo in Pungarehu last week. Mrs Grenfell gave a charming little evening for a few ot her daughter's most Intimate friends. In addition to cards the enjoyment of the evening was enhanced by musical and vocal Items. A dainty supper was served. A delightful "500" evening was held at Pungarehu on the evening of tho sth by a party of friends, numbering sixteen. The evening was spent In cards and ilnging. A dainty supper was provided. Pungarehu does not exist apparently, so far as the question of the forthcoming election strugglo Is concerned, as so far we have not been visited by one candidate. AU anxiety concerning the Influenza at Farlhaka appears to have entirely disappeared, and tho district is rapidly regaining Its normal state. It Is generally agreed, and It cannot very well be otherwise, that care will still havo to be exercised, especially amongst the younger people, as the present unsettled weather Is so conducive to bad colds. HURFORD ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent) The farmers of this district are very busy at present, morning and evening, with the calf and cow, and between whiles with the plough. It is pleasing to mention the manner In which the many returned soldiers are farming on this road, all Improving .their farms. I have known this district a good number of years, and can vouch that more improvements are being carried out on different farms at present than during any previous year. ' I understand there are to be about a hundred more cows milked on this road that last year. Tho local factory started running dally from the Bth Inst., the output be:u? about Beven boxes dally, which should advance rapidly from now on. The average test Is 4 per cent, which is considered very good for a start. Mr O. Duke has purchased a raotbr lorry, ho having secured the cartage for the butterfuctory. We all wish him success in his new enterprise as It will be a great convenience to the district to have Its own local carrier. On Friday evening a welcome home was ten* dered to Corporal W. Loverldge, 9th Reinforcements. Mr E. Williams, on behalf of those present, extended a hearty welcome to the soldier. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs H. Watson and H, Smith. Excellent dance music was supplied by Mr B. Taylor, who Is a thorough mnstor of the piano; also Mr Rlordan, doing his share on the accordcon, which Is always popular. During the last few years there ha 3 been no need for a tin-can band In these parts, but the returned boys are making It necessary <o organise one. One of the "boys," who has been a dark horse. Journeyed to Wellington iast week to meet his wife. Another party to join the benedicts, is Private A. Sharp and Mis 3 Doris Loverldge, eldest daughter of Mr 11. Loverldge. We all wish the young couples every happiness la their married life.