DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1923, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUNGAREHU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Squally weather again prevails, and there is a compulsory cessation of all out-door work, which is somewhat annoying for those farmers whose hay just about ready for stacking. However, it’s no use grousing, and there are far more serious troubles for some folk than being unable to get on with the farm work, although that is bad enough; The meeting which was to have been held on Saturday evening to discuss the alterations of the hall and the memorial gate was postponed. I am informed, on account of some fanners being occupied with their hay, and consequently being too busy to attend. Well it just strikes me that we can wait and wait again and again; there will always be somebody or something to contend against, and while we are waiting the days and weeks roll by, and we are no “forrader.” It seems to be the prevailing spirit if one or two people find some* cause or excuse for non-attend-ance everything waifs accordingly, except, old Father Time, who waits for no man. and the Ist of February is only a fortnight distant, and the the boys and girls will assemble again for work.

Writing from Sydney to a friend. Miss Morecraft states that the s.s. Manuka by which she travelled met with very dirty weather on the 22nd of December, as soon as the North Cape was passed. Until then the day was delightfully warm and bright, and the passengers were delighted with the scenery of the coast, but their pleasure was turned to pain when the storm began to toss the boat and the thunder roared around, while the rain fell in torrents. All ports wore closed, and the passengers as well as the volunteer crew suffered badly from imal-de-mer. Miss Morecraft especially so, as she was quite unable to nartake of any food. The passage was considerably lengthened by the rough weather, and the Manuka reached Sydney on Wednesday evening, when all wore' exceedingly glad to be once more on terra firms. Miss Williams, Auckland, accompanied Miss Morecraft. and Mrs. Lawrence, of Waron. was also on board, as well as Nurse Newall. The party had some trouble in securing accommodation, and then found it was not too nholco so far as cleanliness goes, and for a double bed. which, by the way, had to be shared by three persons, the very modest sum of fifteen shillings for one night was charged. Some price that! What about New Zealand prices, eh? THe party trekked before fast, and found mote suitable board and lodging in the Salvation Army’s Peoples Palacd, and at the time of writing were having a very epjoyable time.

All noticed the cheapness of the fruit, which Is sold in barrowt on the streets, the usual price being sixpence for thirty-six peaches, nectarines or aprloots.. The grass and trees were wearing a dry drooping look and rain was very bndly needed. It was Miss Morecraft’s intention to travel . to Melbourne at the end of a fortnight, where she hopecr to hear from her Punparehu friends. Mr. P, C. Smith met with a rather unfortunate accident one day Inst week, which has for the time being incapacitated him. When alighting from his milk wnggon his foot slipped, and he fell nn to the iron work of the waggon and severely bruised the muscles of his leg and injured his knee slightly. Masters T. and B. Goodin, nf Okato, are visiting their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. S. Goodin, of Parihaka. Mrs. William Pollock, with her little son, who have heen the guests of Mrs. Martin, have returned home to Palmerston North. Wi Kupe, with his son and daughter, have returned from a holiday to Greymouth.

The local Maoris, who for the most part are faithful adherents of the Hon. Maui Pornare, are I am informed somewhat concerned about the petition against his return to the House of Representatives, and It is pretty certain that some big koreros will be he’d to discuss the situation. Damp Rumour is busy now discussing the probability of another Parihaka soldier settlor launching forth in a little business enterprise to aupment l>is income, since there is little or nothing to be made on the land. Good luck I Go in and win. Mr. S. Kindberg lias made a start at dismantling the ol(| building at the entrance of the village, the building being removed to his section on the Whataroa Road. The metal procured by Mr. J. Caddy for the Puhina Road Is being crushed, and settlers hope to see it down very shortly. MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.)’ Harvesting has been considerably retarded owing to the wet season, last week providing the only real sunshine we have had. It Is astonishing the number of stacks that sprung up in all directions during those few favorable days, showing the wisdom of making hay while tlie sun shines. Though unsuited for hay, the recent showers were splendid for succulent feed, of which there is an abnormal growth. Never before have I seen the countryside looking so green as it does at the present time.

Some farmers recognise the value of ensilage as a winter and spring fodder and have built some very lerce stacks of it. It is a pity to see the potatoes all black with the blight, which has been extra bad this season. Pumpkins are also showing signs of blight.

Our local tennis team journeyed to Hawera last Wednesday and were victorious in a match with the Hawera Park team. The locals were defeated in a match at Kaponga on Saturday. A very pretty wedding took place recently at Kawhia, when Mr. G. L. Boumers was married to Miss Marama Cowern, only daughter of Mr, and Mrs. F. J. Cowern, who are well known in this district. The bride, who was given away by her father, was tastefully dressed in white silk. Mr. and Mrs. Boumers will spent, their honeymoon in Devonshire, England. They will have the good wishes of many friends in Kaponga and Hawera. Opunake beach and Dawson’s Falls have been popular resorts for the holidays. Several have gone away for the holidays and we have had a number of visitors. Among others was Nurse Rae, who was staying with her sister, Mrs. W. E. Carter, prior to taking up her residence in New Plymouth. K is interesting to learn that Mr. Bary, who was head teacher in Mangatoki for two years, and later held the same position in Wadestown for a year, haft been appointed headmaster of the Eltham school. We congratulate lyir. Bary on his promotion. He is at present visiting friends in this district.