DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

MATAU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A meeting of creaim- suppliers was teld on the 13th to discuss an offer from the Wanganui Fresh Food and Ice Co. for the season's output of butter-fat. Mr. J. F. P.itchie presMed over a full meeting, which, after considerable discussion, endorsed their previous decision of working together and sending all the cream from the district to the Maoriland Dairy Co. Ltd. The annual meeting of the Matau Defence Rifle Club was held at the end of last month and the election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. A. MeMullin (se-elected); vice-president, Mr. J. Smith (re-elected); secrotary and treasurer, Mr. W. J. Rawllnson (reelected). Several new members were sworn In, and the club ,is In tho happy position of being able to start their year wall above the effective strength required by the Defence Department. It was decided that the season would be opened early In October, or as soon as the new pattern rifles now on order from the Defence Department were received. The Loon, and Mercantile'!) monthly sale was held on the 17th. ult. The yarding was good and bidding br!sfe. All the stock Was ,si)ld, most of It going to'outside buyers. f Prices paid for hoggets and springing heifers being above outside prices. PUNGAREHU. (Froira Our Own Correspondent ) The splendid rain, which fell on Monday last was very welcome, and had the effect of Improving the pastures considerably. One farmer says that the rain, which came at a most opportune time, meant, thousands of pounds to farmers all over Taranaki. A coastal resident who has been visiting ether parts of Tarahaltl states that in some districts feed is exceptionally scarce,, and it Is taking some of the fanners all their time to keep their cows alive. Threshed grass si raw is being purchased at £9 a ton and more, In order to keep the cows from starvation. In a good many instances tho farmers did not anticipate a late spring, and during the winter they sacrificed their mangold crops. Any farmer who has supplies of mangolds available is looked upon with eyes of envy by his neighbors, and the experience of this season is one that will not readily bo forgotten., On all sides can be seen busy preparations with the plough, etc., whllo oats sowed in the bush farms in the early autumn and fed off lately are making remarkable headway. The butter famine recently experienced in the Warea district has been overcome. Many people are at a loss to understand why this should be in a district with a dairy factory. ') The dairy factories in certain parts of Taranaki are experiencing a decided shortage of coal, stocks being lower than on any previous occasion. Official warnings and requests for economy have been frequent of late, and tlio public may not have appreciated their full significance. The position, as it matter of fact, is quite as bad as it is bolng painted. The whole country is short of, coal. The miners might be able to help by making a special effort, but apparently they are not disposed to do anything of t!:e kind. To New Zealanders anxious about the coal output, there is the melancholy satisfaction of knowing that other countries' are in a titnllar position. In fact, never since coal began to play its doinihani part in industry has the state of the world's coal supplies and markets been so peculiar and unsatisfactory. New Zealand could do with more miners, 'and better methods of coal-getting. The Maori .pah at Parihaka presented a busy appearance on the 18th Inst, when the usual ceremonies were In progress In connection witl: their Sunday worship. The present number of visitors to Pungarehu shows an Increase to that of previous winter months, which is not'surprising, Pungarehu residents being noted for their hospitality. Whilst many have left for their homes, there are still a few remaining in the district.

Mr. W. McKenna, manager of the Capo Egmont Dairy Company's store department, has returned from a business visit to "Auckland.

A general exodus of Rugby enthusiasts took pbee from the coastal districts on Saturday, 18th inst., to see the football match between Hawera and Clifton, in New Plymouth, and imotor cars reaped a rich harvest. The l'CSUit was a great shock to coastal spurts, who v,ere confident that Clifton- would more than hold their own.

The hall held by the ladies In the Pungarehu Hall, the net proceeds being gl-rsi to the hall Improvement fund, was really very successful. The ladles comprising the committee deserve great credit for the trouble taken S'jiee tho commencement of the series of functions the ladies have raised £2O towards hall Improvements. The euchre, party and dance held by the Hall Board, in the Oaonui 'Hall, on Friday evening, 17th inst., was largely attended, gild, l:ke Its predecessors, passed off most satisfactorily. .At the conclusion of cards, the dancers filled the floor, dancing being kept up fcntil an early hour. The floor was In tiptop order, Messrs. Parker and Norris supplying excellent music.

The Tennis Club social, which eventuated on Thursday evening, 14th inst, In the Hempton Hall, Okato, was a big success. The floor was in good order, and the music and supper first-class.

, The Rahotu footballers are finding that It requires money to lceep things moving, and, in order to supplement the funds, are making arrangements to hold a grand ball shortly. They desire plenty of support, as they have certainly showed themselves to be good suorts this season. Particulars as to date, etc., aro to be advertised in due course.