DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

LOWER MANGOREI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Daily News correspondent lias read Hie comments of "Pair Play" in your issue of the 21st inst. re the report of tho exceptionally happy juvenile function of the 10th Inst at the school, for the benefit of school environment. The report was not intended to "boom" individuals, whether "proficiency," "ex-pupils,". or others. Simple credit was given to the principals concerned, where credit was principally due. When tlie delightfully successful role of the children (the essential of the evening) was over, "Correspondent" left, with other seniors, children, and teacher, and whatever demonstrative fun imay have followed did not interest him; and probably tie same may be said of most of those present at the function. Should there have transpired anything undesirable the progressive school committee may be trusted tu deal with such quietly, and not in an advertising way calculated to mar good' work: by associating it with baneful comments. Obtrusive comments may not be altogether tactful or worthy of one laying claims to "Pair Play," and may not bo of interest to the public. One thing your correspondent Is personally grateful for, He i» reminded that Miss Evelyn Stanton's name was Inadvertently omitted as having been named by the chaimman in hla word of thanks,: to help&rs. "Correspondent" hereby makes amendment, with a free expression of regret for emission. MOKAU-AWAKINQ. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) Tha building of our local butter factory has begun, and It is to be hoped that before very long it will be in full swing. The site, which is In close proximity to the nhtrf, has been wisely chosen, as being near to tte shipping. It is rumored that we are to have Mr. Macdonald back as harbormaster. It would be a good thing for Mokau, lor he was the right man in the right place. A quiet wedding was solemnised up the Mokau River on Wednesday last, when Miss Dorothy Sage was married to Captain Mitchell. The happy couple have the very best wistes of many friends in the district. Captain Mitchell is one of our returned boys. The lambing season has been so far very satisfactory. The Tongapurutu and Okau ladies gave a return Leap Year Ball to the bachelors of these districts, and it was a most' successful function, and reflected the greatest credit on the organisers, Mesdames J. Rattenbury, McKoy, O'Sulllvan, Gibbs, Miss Sparks, and others. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Mrs. J. Battenbury and Mtas Kathleen Scott for the way in which they carried out their duties as M.C.'s, for they were untiring in 11:eir efforts to promote the pleasure, and comfort of the guests, especially those who came'from a distance. The excellent music \va3 provided by Mrs. Jensen, who is always generous in lending her services. Extras were iplayed by Mesdames Connell, Christofferson, and Miss Eileen O'Sullivan. A vote of thanks to the ladles, the musicians, and all who assisted In making the function the success it was, was carried.

At the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Sheen, a football match was played at Mohakatino station, between Awalsino and a mixed team from Tongapurutu, Mohakatino and Mokau, Awakino beating the locals. The footballers and visitors were entertained at afternoon tea by Mr. and Mrs. Sheen, the visiting teams being afterwards tendered a dinner at the < cook-house. A ball was held in the wooished in the evening, and was very enjoyable. After a splendid supper was done full justice to, Mr. Noel Bignell, of Awakino, called for a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Sheen for their generous \hospltality, which was given with a hearty three times three, and musical honors. Mr. Just Mortenscn, in a happy little speech, responded for Mr. ,-nd Mrs. Sheen, as Mr. Sheen was not present at supper, to do so himself. The music for the dance was provided by Mrs. Christofferson and Miss Constance Scott./ It Is rumored that Mr. W. J. R. Avery has bought Mr. T. Cummlngs' fanm on the Awakino Valley Road, and intends having an up-to-date dairy herd for next season. Air. Dunbar, of Urenui, has bought out Mr. J Rattenbury, storekeeper, of Tongapurutu. Mr. and Mrs. Rattenbury will be very much missed in the district, as they have ever been ready to assist in any way to promote the welfare of Tongapurutu and district. We wish Mr. Dunbar every success in his new venture.

We are pleased to notice in some of the papers that some agitation is, now taking place re the opening up of the Mokau coalmines, and the clearing of the river, also the bridging of the same, and we hope that something may now be done to open up tto valuable resources of our river-lands, and to give us better access to them by the metalling of Mount Messenger and other parts of our road, where it is necessary, and by bridging our river. Why not have a toll-gate bridge, ar,d let it annually, the same as they do the ferry? The rains lately have freshened up the grass, and feed and pasturage are much improved thereby. Miss Rita Whitehead, who has resigned from the Mokau post office, was the recipient of a presentation from the residents of Mohakatino, where a pleasant little social was held in her honor. Miss Whitehead was always imost obliging and courteous In carrying out her duties. Mrs. Condon, widow of the late Mr. Arthur Condon, of Awakino, has now taken over the duties of postmistress, and we wish ter every success.