DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TAHORA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A considerable number of sheep •'cockles” have gone partly out of sheep this season in favor of running cows for dairying. One farmer has had a 6-cow plant installed, and is milking between 50 and 60 cows, while several others are milking from 10 to 30. Practically all the cream from this district is sent to Wanganui, and travellers from Stratford to Tahora will note the growing number of cream cans to be seen at all the stations on this line. For the past fortnight the very wet weather has hindered "docking” operations considerably.

The Rerekapa settlers have purchased from the Government the Rerekapa-Ohau telephone

A Rerekapa settler was rather surprised the other day when going on Ills usual rounds among his stock to find a 3-year-old bullock hanging by the head from a white-wood tree on a rather steep bluff. It seems that the beast had been stretching its head over the bluff, eating the leaves of die tree, and had got its horns caught between two branches. In endeavoring to free its head the animal lost its foothold, and, swinging clear of the ground, was left hanging.

PUNGAREHU. (Froip Our Own Correspondent. With the recent awakening from its state of lethargy, Pungxrehu at present is promising all kinds of improvements to the local hall, and a committee is to be formed for the purpose of holding sports meetings to raise the necessary funds. It is to be hoped that there will be no "rail-sitters,” but that the district will realise that a good hall is a great asset. It is never too late to mend, but it is a- pity that die ladies’ committee last year did not receive more support and encouragement, and the present movement for improvement is realty the outcome of their efforts in this direction.

Owing to the inclemency of. the weather, the Tennis Club’s social was rather poorly attended. The hall was nicely decorated, and Mr. Barrett was in charge of the floor. The musicians, however, failed to put In an appearance, so "scratch music” had to be substituted. New blood and more progressive people have been wanted for a long time, according to some old residents, but it is a noticeable fact that if a newcomer happens to get on to a committee and brings forward any proposition for the general good, a spirit of antagonism is at once roused, and, if possible, he or she of the effort is vetoed. “If I can’t be top dog, no one else shall,” seems to be the prevailing spirit. Let us hope the sports committee, which Is about to be formed, will consist of entirely “new blood,” since a change is as good as a rest. Plausible speeches and empty words do not help any cause; it is deeds we want. Mrs. Salter, of Waverley, is visiting Pungarehu, and is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Tynan. Mrs. Mason, of New Plymouth, is also visiting the district, and spending a few days with Mrs. McKenna.

Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, of New Plymouth, are the guests of their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Shaw, of Parlhaka. A nasty accident befel Mr. R. Morrison, a soldier settler, who recently acquired a bush section at Parihaka. Whilst engaged !n bushfelling the axe slipper, inflicting an ugly wound in the unfortunate man’s leg. The sufferer was attended to by his mates, first aid being rendered. He was then assisted into a dray and driven to the Main South Road, where the first passing car was hailed, and he was conveyed to the New Plymouth Hospital. Mr. Morrison has the sympathy of all in the district.

The recent storm practically wrecked most of the vegetable gardens here, and the present cold snap is retarding the growth of plant lif“. Tho milk yield is also daily decreasing, and tests are the lowest they have been for a corresponding period for several seasons past.

Customers of the store department are anxiously awaiting the payment of the rebate on purchases which was promised at the annual meeting of shareholders ,in August last. Tn these days of high cost of living the small man feels the pinch, and needs every penny he earns to keep things going.