DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1921, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Cororespondent.) Within the next few weeks several of the settlers will be leaving the coast, having retired: from active farming. Several other changes in farm ownership are also pending, as a few properties in this and surrounding districts are under offer for sale. No doubt outsiders are beginning to realise the possibilities of the coastal country for rearing dairy stock. A few settlers in the coastal districts who have hitherto been engaged in sheep farming or fattening stock, intend converting their properties into dairy farms. In view of the high capital cost of land, stock and (manufacturing, fanners are undoubtedly making every effort to improve the quality of their produce. Several factories will, in all probability, close down at the end of the present month. The season, all things considered, has been very satisfactory. On Friday morning last, June 3, a coldish south-easter with a drizzle sprang up, end further assisted dairy cows towards the close of the season. Unlike south-easters in the past, our visitor thought better <Jt his threat, as the following day turned ou: beautifully fine. There are frequent complaints of the delay in the delivery of goods from New Plymouth to the coastal districts. Just recently one local resident received goods which had been landed over two months ago at New Plymouth. There may be a feasable explanation for such a delay, but failing that the curses of consignees are frequent and deep. Reports of coastal stock sales indicate no immediate improvement in the markets. It is to be hoped that the present slump in prices of stock will not long continue. Several coastal farmers proceeded to Hamilton last week to attend the winter show. Friday, June 3 (King’s Birthday), was observed her@ as a close holiday. Unfortunately the day, as far as travelling was concerned, turned out most unsuitable, many local residents having to cancel their contemplated visits to town and elsewhere. The local school building, which has been neglected somewhat. lately owing to the labor shortage, is now receiving the attention of the board’s carpenters, so that we hope to have everything in good order before the wet weather sets in in earnest. RAHOTU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Anglican Church was held in the vestry on IVlay 30. The bal-ance-sheet showed a credit of £94 12s. The vicar congratulated Rahotu on the past year’s work. He choose Mr. Butler as his warden. Mr. Gibson was appointed people’s warden, and Mr. W. Green secretary. Mr. Fox (Okato), said he was pleased to be present, and congratulated Rahotu on what they had done, and he felt sure other places would take a leaf out Of Rahotu's book. Mr. W. Gray spoke in similar terms. It was decided to hold meetings along the coast to welcome the new vicar.

A public farewell is to be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. D. J. O’Neill on the Bth inst. in the hall. The local footballers have the matter in hand.

A surprise kitchen evening was given at Mr. W. R. Wright’s residence on the evening of the Bth inst. in honor of Miss Hilda Wright, whose marriage takes place very shortly. Owing to the awful downpour, however, only a very few of her friends could be present, and a much looked for evening was spoilt. The Rahotu School footballers journeyed to Warea to try their strength, Messrs. Tyrrell and Green taking them in their cars. Mr. Waswo also kindly went to give them instructions. The visitors were victorious by 5 points to 3. Many returned after tte struggle feeling sore and much bruised. The Rahotu Dairy Company are about to make alterations to their factory. A new separator room is to be built for the coming season. DOUGLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather conditions here are the same as in other parts of Taranaki at the present time, and winter amusements are in full swing. Of course in a country district such as this is, that means principally dancing and card parties, though the latter, which are being run by tte local Tennis Club, are now practically ended, the last of which will be held next Monday evening. It should prove of more than usual interest, considering the points prizes are to be awarded that evening. On Tuesday, May 24, the "Jubilee Bellringers’’ paid us a visit, and were well patronised. The residents of Douglas and surrounding districts gathered in the local hall on the 27th inst. to farewell Mr. and Mrs. A. St. George, who have sold their farm and arc leaving the district, Mr. E. Walter, on behalf of their many friends here, presented the guests with a silver tea service, and eulogised the many good qualities of Mr. St. George, he having been farming in the district for about twenty years, during whirh time he has shown himself an excellent friend and neighbour, always willing.to assist in anything for the welfare of the district. Mr. St. George feelingly responded. During the evening songs were contributed by the following, all of whom were encored: — Mllsses Reith and G. Bredow, and Messrs. Aitken, Moir, J. Reith, Bredow, and Walker. The accompaniments were played by Missui Reith, Bredow, and Wilmshurst. Splend a dance music was supplied by Misses A. and 1. Chapman, G. Bredow, J. Walter, D. Wilmshurst, anil Mr. C. Mann. The duties of M.C. were very ably carried out: by Mr. A. Walter.

The local cheese factory, which has ot’.y been separating since December 21 last, closed down on May 30. The manager is now engaged in effecting various improvement l : U the factory surroundings. Owing to the collapse of the wool and meat markets the supply of milk next year will be greatly In advance of preceding years. Some of the local graziers are turning to dairying, and at present are engaged’ In building and equipping milking sheds in readiness for the coming season.