OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1920, Page 6

OPUNAKE.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) _ The funeral of the late Mr. C. Humphries, senr., took place on Sunday, and was largely attended, old residents being present from all parts of the district. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. Palmer. The deceased had been a resident here lor close o'u 35 years- l J rior to coming to Opunake he lived at Feildiiig, being one of the original immigrants who came from England under General Feilding's land and immigration company to settle the Manchester Block. Deceased leaves a grown-up family, namely, Mrs. Aitken, Mrs. O'Brien, Mr. Thos. Humphries (Kaponga), and Charles and-John (Opunake). There are a large number 0 f grand-children. Deceased was, a grand pioneer settler, and belonged to that sturdy class that is, alas, not available under the present immigration policy. Another death took place last Thursday* afternoon, when the late Mr. Walter Cooper died suddenly while being conveyed to the New Plymouth Hospital. Deceased wag well known in the Oaonui and Rahotu districts, having been farming for a number of years there. At the time of-his death he was share-milking for Mr. S. Flavflr, Opua Road. His wife pre-deceased him some ! years ago, and his only son died at the 'war. Deceased was buried in Rahotu Cemetery.

It is reported that Mr. R. Malcolm, of the Excelsior Bakery, has taken over Mr. C. Callaghan's bakery business.

The Tennis Club's Ball an Friday, evening was well attended. The various' details that make these functions a success were carried out carefully and "ffieiently. The ball was held to obtain funds for placing the club on a better footing. During the past two seasons there hns been a spirit of drift. Willi the addition of a number of young nnd enthusiastic players the * exhiliarating game of tennis will again take its proper place in the community. The Opunake spring flower Bhow. held on Wednesday, exceeded the anticipation of those interested. The severe weather of late was looked upon as unfavorable for a flower show. The cut flowers, decorative and cooking sections caused good competition. The narcissi blooms were beautiful. The principal priw-takers were Mrs. Cochrane (Oaonui), Mrs. Monri, and the Oaonni school. It was a pleasure to many Opunake horticulturists to notice that the,Oaonn: school had entered into competition with the best of our narcissi growers. In the cut blooms Mesdames Monri, Moore, Cochrane, and Miss Davies were the most successful prize-takers- -In the miscellaneous classes Miss Davies won the points prize. Other successful exhibitors were Misses L. Vincent, M. McLean, Freer, Mesdames M. Holmes, Lawrence, and Robinson. In the "exhibition only" classes Mrs. and Miss Feaver, and Miss Freer showed excellent painting and portrait work. The coo'king section brought out the best competition for many years. In the home-made bread section, all the entries were good, the first award going to Mrs. Cochrane (Oaonui). In the other classes the mo«;t successful competitors were Mesdames P. Holmes, Guv, S. Coombes, Barron, and W. ,T. S. Dudley. In the preserves section; Mesdames West, Guy. Cochrane, Dudley, Holmes, and Misses Feaver and Pragnell were successful-

If there is any competitor in the show deserving of especial mention it is Mrs. Guy, senr. For the last eighteen years this competitor has been a regular exhibitor at the spring and autumn shows, end is always in the list of first awards, has been more than once winner of the points prize, and always winner of the class "cake without eggs." Seeing that this lady is over 70 years of age (I hone I am not giving any. secret away) this is a record that makes all other exhibitors' success in. comparison read medium.

A particular feature of the show was the excellent exhibit by Messrs. Duncan and Davies, of New Plymouth. Beautiful narcissi blooms were shown by that champion bulb grower, Mr. Gibson, of Manaia. The cut blooms shown by Messrs. Duncan and Davies were greatly admired. The services of Mr. Davies as judge were also invaluable to the Society, and many took advantage of his practical advice. Preparations are being made to make (he opening ceremony (next Wednesday) of the new public hall an important event in our community. Since the building has been completed a large number of persons have inspected the building, and fj.ll are delighted with )• s completeness.

Messrs. G. W. Rogers and J. Young, J.'sP., presided over a brief sitting of the Opunake Magistrate's Court last week, when judgment by default was given in'the following undefended cases: —Charles Smith v. Rongonui, claim £1 12s, court costs 10s. The Egmont County Council took action against Mare Hnro for allowing a horse to wander on the Gregory Road without proper guidance. Mr. J. McDavitt appeared for the defence, and asked, as the informant was not present, that the ease be dismissed. The case was adjourned until the next sitting of the court, to be held on October 28. as were also several othej defended cases.