OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1920, Page 6

OPUNAKE.

(From Out Own Correspondent.) The T6wn Board election was keen. The public voted more on personal grounds than on measures- There were no clear-cut issues. The platform published by the "'Progressive Party" lacked vim. The question of water and drainage was a mere reference. Ratepayers, are aware that the hydroelectric proposals have "bent up" the original water and drainage proposals, so it is necessary to find fresh means for supplying water and drainage for Opunake. When a definite workable proposal is put forward then ratepayers will be able to take a hand in its advancement. Owing to a policy of indifference over water and drainage, the town of Opunake is poorer by £1.',000, Mr. Climie, C.E., estimated that-the town could be supplied by water and drainage for £15,000, but it cannot now be done for double that amount. If the "old hands" will only consider the opportunities tliey have missed for improving the town, they will not wear • out their nether garments sitting on a rail. The social at the close of the Church of England bazaar was a very pleasant and successful one. Close on £450 was raised from the "bazaar, which is a real good effort, and the ladies are to be complimented upon their success. The cold weather of late has had'the effect of keeping the milk supply of the factories at a standstill. ■ln speaking to a farmer from Feilding way, he informed me that farmers in tliat district had a plentiful supply of potatoes, but owing to the cost of railage and handling it did not pay them for' the trouble to rail them to the central markets. The slow and expensive methods of our railways have a serious effect on the cost of living. Thousands of tons of potatoes will be allowed to rot this season owing to the heavy cost of haulage. At the last meeting of the Town Board, a complaint was made in regard to the irregular service of the nocturnal contractor. In accordance with instructions, the clerk forwarded to the contractor a memo, asking for explanation. The contractor replied: "Yours to hand. Contents noted. Yours truly (signature), nocturnal contractor, not a general refuse carrier." The dignity of one's calling is not always so particularly upheld nowadays! Mr. A. J. Brennan has boon appointed temporary secretary of the Pihama Dairy Company. He has also been apponited secretary of the Oaonui and Opua dairy companies. Mr. C. Callaghan, who had a serious attack of illness, due to blood-poisoning, is now about again, Everyone will be pleased to see one of our most industrious citizens back to his former health. There is a good deal of sickness, especially amongst children, in town and ! country families. It is practically a foregone conclusion that Mr. C. A.'Trotter will again be elected chairman of the Opunake Town Board. The Opunake public school is now practically complete. The official opening will take place on the 20th. The. teachers and scholars will he very pleased to shift quarters. Owing to the late spring it is anticipated that blooms will not be so numerous as formerly at the spring show next Wednesday.