DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From a Correspondent.) • A very pleasant social gathering took place al the residence of Mr. George Thomas on Saturday night, when a number of friends assembled by invitation to meet Mr. C. A. Woolford, late director of the Awatuna Dairy Company. A number of songs and recitations, et&r assisted to make the evening' piss pleasantly, and during an interval Mr. Thomas, In a neat and concise speech, expressed the appreciation of all present at the services that Mr. Woolford had rendered to his fellow settlers during the last twelve years. Mr. Thomas presented their guest with a handsome csbb of pipes. Mr. Woolford, in responding, spoke at some length on the progress which hod been made, and was still being made in the district. He also feelingly expressed his appreciation of the kindness which prompted this expression of his fellow settlers' goodwill. LOWER MANGOREI. "Fair Play" writes' to the Editor re the report of a function held in the school on th» 10th. Inst. He states tnat the chairman said that the money raised would be used to buy. prizes for the children at the end of the year, and any surplus would go towards a picnic. "Fair Play" says the correspondent omitted to mention a young lady of the district who was unsparing in her efforts with Mrs. Turner In teaching the children their dances, and during the evening helping them to their proper positions. This young girl, "Fair Play" says, is an ex-pupil of the school, having gained her proficiency nearly three years ago, and was a pupil of the High School until quite recently. "Pair Play" concludes by stating that some of the young fellows, who were not quite in a normal state, after the function made the welkin ring with tjielr exuberant manifestations, conduct which he strongly condemns, especially as women and children were passing. It was the first time anything of tho sort had happened In the district, and he expressed the hope that it will be the last.

WAI-TOI-TOI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) .Mr. J. F. Phillips, chairman of the dairy company, is, Ijf egret to say, at present away In the Auckland district, caused by the death of Mrs. Phillips, senr. General sympathy will be felt with Mr. Phillips in his sad bereavement. Mr. George Baker, of the Mlmi, who is at present In the New Plymouth Hospital, suffering from a;i attack of pneumonia, is reported to be progressing' favorably, and is expected to return home shortly. Mr. A. h. Hunter, who some years ago was engaged in farming in this district, passed through this way last week. Mr. Hunter Is now connected with the land and implement department of the newly-tamed Taranak! Agencies Company. Mr. Gould, of Waltnra, paid'a visit to the Wal-toi-toi on Friday evening last, but, owing to the school being in the hands of the carpenters, did not hold his customary fortnightly class, The vacation for the. children attending the local school has been extended until the additions tn the building hove been sufficiently completed to allow of ro-opening. Good progress in being made- by the boaTd's staff, and when finished the school should meet the requirements of the district for years. On Monday evening lost, a very successful euchre party and dance was held in the Pukearuhe schoolroom. Mr. P. Carey was first amongst the gentlemen, whilst Mrs W. Cleaver, Mrs. Carey and Miss Moeller were equal for the ladles' prize, and in the play-off the former lady proved successful. The dance which followed was most enjoyable, the music being contributed by Mrs. Cartwright, Misses I. Moeller and Hazel Wells, and Messrs. L. and R. Spurr. An enjoyable concert and dance was held in the Urcnui Hall on Thursday last, the proceeds being devoted to the Returned Soldiers' Club in Waitara. The performers, consisting of ladies and gentlemen, from Waitara, were introduced by Mr. R. H. Plgott. The programme consisted of recitations by Captain Joll, and quartettes, solos and songs by Mrs. P. ,T. Allan, Miss.Parry, Messrs. W. Smith and H. Wells, and the Rev. P. B. lawrenee: The various accompaniments were played by Miss Gavin, whilst Miss A. Terrill' presided at the piano for the dance which followed, the duties of M,C. being undertaken by Mr. 0. Fuller. It is pleasing to note that the funds of the club will benefit to the extent of soma £lO. The good effect of trie welcome rain which fell a, few days ago has been somewh:.t coun-ter-balanced by the cold winds which have prevailed since, and the growth of grass is not so rapid as could be wished. Most of tho artificial feed is now exhausted, nnd n number of herds are showing signs of the shortage by low condition nnd reduced milk supply. It would seem as If the frosts are getting more severe each season, and spring weather later in August, and if the cows are to bo brought in in July and August, greater provision will have to bo made for their maintenance. I have heard of several farmers who, recognising this, are going in extensively for ensilage during the coming season, as that would seem to be the most reliable fodder. Though the supply of milk is not increasing to any great extent, the butter-fat test is fairly high, the average test for the last period of ten days at the factory being 4.03, and the production of cheese per pounds of milk is still good, the cold weather enabling the manager to get tho most out of It. Although the conditions are not too good, still I have riot heard of any severe losses such as are being experienced in other parts, and should warm weather soon prevail there la every chance of a successful season.

PUNGAREHU. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) Another of the series of functions held in connection with the Ladles' Improvement Committee took place in the hall on Wednesday, the 15th. It took the form of a Leap Year Ball, and was a decided success financially, as it undoubtedly was from a dancer's point of view. It was pleasing to the promoters to notice the increase In the number present. This in Itself must speak for the popularity of and the pleasure that Is derived from these functions. Miss I. Matthews ' and Miss N. Fleming proved capable M'sC. Messrs. Parker (piano) and.Norris (violin) supplied excellent music, assisted by Miss Skelton, Mrs. Kirk, and Mr. J. Orbell, junr., with,extras. Supper was handed round during an interval, and was much appreciated. Dancing continued till Hie early hours of the morning, when all wended their way homeward, well satisfied with the evening's enjoyment. The ladles worked hard to make tfl* ball tM belt of all. «nd than (• «■

douM they succeeded. The, floor was In perfect order, and the decorations gave a most pleasing effect. The social and dance held in, the Wares Hall on Tuesday evening, the 14th, In aid of the hall committee's funds, was a very enjoyable affair, though the attendance left something to be desired. Musio for the dance was supplied by- Mr. Pearson, Miss larking, and Mr. J. Orbell, junr., playing extras. Mr. M. Parker acted as M.C. in his usual capable Supper was served at the usual ■ hour. It is intended to hold another function shortly In the form of a grand ball, which will conclude the committee's series of dance 3 for the season. Particulars as to date, etc., will be duly advertised. The closing of the Warea school has been decided.upon by the committee, owing to the prevalence of measles amongst the children in that district. . The examination df the Pungarehu school takes place on or about the 27th inst. The attendance, by the removal of some of the children to other districts, has heen slightly decreased of late. With the new arrivals on the Parihaka sections the Indications point towards restoring the school to its former status. The wanm, welcome rain, which came at a most opportune time, was received with general satisfaction all along (ho coast. Farmers were, delighted, as the shortage of grass through continued frosts and" cold winds was becoming very serious. Heavy warm rains are just what are required at this juncture to retrieve the position. Those settlers who last year used lime with superphosphate us a follower for top-dressing were evidently satisfied with the results obtained, as this year the above materials arß being used by more settlers able to secure enough to go on with. One of the things we have to learn Is how to make farming pay with land at from £7O to £IOO an acre. Those who have been farming at prices of land between £0 and £2» an acre must have a great deal to learn. They have heen able to niako a living, if not a fortune, on their land at these prices, but must have been very remiss if the same land can now show a profit of £IOO. True, dairying has apparently been profitable, butless so than Is generally thought. No doubt good wages havo been made by farmers, but If a fanm was run on commercial lines, and all labor had to- be paid at ruling rates, together with interest, there would be little or no surplus to show as profit. The fact Is that there is a land boom on, which looks like reaching the dimensions of the South Sea Bubble. Certainly high rents stimulate production, for production must proceed or interest cannot be paid. The system, however, which enables a man to go Into a £3OOO or £4OOO property with (say) £soo—just- enough to pay the first deposit—and sometimes to have to borrow money to buy cows, will not stand if prices resume normal levels. I heard recently where there were seven mortgages running at the same time on a farm.