DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1923, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A well attended meeting of the Ati Awa troop of Frontiersmen was held in Urenui on Monday evening last. In the absence of the troop-leader (Lieut. J. S. O’Neill) Comrade R. H. Pigott presided. It was expected that headquarters staff would have been present, but owing to the capsizing of the dredge in New Plymouth harbor, by which the late Mr. Brokeashire lost his life, the visit was postponed. It was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence be forwarded to Comrade R. Brokenshire, sympathising with him in his sad bereavement. The coining conference to be held in New Plymouth in June was discussed. Comrade L. Rattenbury being appointed as delegate to represent the troop. Should any comrades ha<e suggestions to make as to remits to be brought before the conference they will be enabled to do so at the next meeting of the troop, to be held on the 11th Inst- The matter of the annual dinner was discussed, It being agreed that the function be held on May 31 in the Urenui Hall, details to be arranged at a later meeting. At a meeting of the Urenui hall improvement committee on Friday evening last, plans and specifications were received for a supper room and kitchen to be erected at the rear of the hall, the former being 30ft by 20ft, and the latter 9ft by 20ft. These were adopted, it being resolved to recommend the trustees to call for tenders for same. Favoured with a perfect evening there was a record . attendance in the Urenui Hall on the occasion of the annual ball In connction with the Uruti Beach Picnic Club, visitors being present from New Plymouth, Waltara, and all the surrounding districts. The takings amounted to some £25, so that after deducting expenses there will be a substantial balance to be added to the funds of the club for next year’s operations. The music was all that could be wished for, Mrs. George’s jazz orchestra from New Plymouth supplying this important item, whilst a number of the selections were heartily applauded. Miss Edwin and Mr. Breddow also kindly contributed extras. As M.C.’s Messrs. D. George and G. N. Skelton were most attentive, and discharged a heavy evening’s work satisfactorily. The supper was greatly appreciated. Advantage was taken of the occasion to present the bracelet and trophies won at the recent gathering. In the unavoidable absence of the president of the club (Mr. A. H. Halcombe), Mr. Chas Rumbal. an old member, undertook this task, and in handing the handsome bracelet to Mr. L. Skelton, whose mare Lady Sweet won the event, congratulated that gentleman upon his success In winning 'this coveted trophy. The bracelet bore the inscription “L.R.S. Lady Sweet, 31/3/1923.” The whip, presented by Mr. Geo. Day to the rider of the winner of the Local Handicap was handed to Mr. A. Lash on behalf of the jockey. Mr. Cramer, whilst that presented by Mr. J. S. O’Neill, was awarded to Mr. F. Marsh, rider of the winner of the Farmers’ Plate. The donors and recipients were heartily applauded. The committee desire to thank all those ladies and gentlemen who contributed so willingly towards making the function the success it undoubtedly was. Following up their success of last Saturduv the Urenui first junior football team scored another victory by defeating Rahotu on their own ground by 14 points to 10. With the game 10 to nil in the first spell in favor of the home team, the greens gave a fine exhibition of fast football in the second half, and were heartily cheered by, the spectators for their fine effort. Considerable Interest is being evinced ih their meeting with Lepperton next Saturday at Urenui.’ Tho second juniors had somewhat hard luck in. losing to Clifton by three points to nil. Reference has been made by recent visitors to Pukearuhe on t the excellent manner in which that road is being kept in repair, and a word of praise is due to the surfaceman (Mr. Collins) for the interest he is taking in his work. The Mimi school children have-disposed of another lot of 100 trees from their nursery to the local dairy factory. There has recently been an epidemic of severe colds, In some cases amounting to a mild form of influeeza, in thhi district, and very few seemed to have escaped.

It is expected that the Wal-tol-tot Dairy Factory will discontinue cheese manufacture about the middle of the present month, and will turn their attention to the making of butter for the remainder of the season, which, If the present cold weather continues, will not be long in drawing to a close. A most successful dance was held in the Okoke schoolroom on Friday evening last in connection with the recent snorts meeting held in that locality. Judging by the extensive area which has this autumn been laid down in grass and oats for spring feed in this locality, there should be a large supply of milk to the factory next season. Several of the prese’nt herds are likely to be increased in numbers, and taking a line from the high* prices which are now being paid for in-calf heifers, it is evident that dairy farmers have every faith in the future of the industry. MANGATOKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual tennis ball, held in Mangatoki on April 19, proved a great success, especially considering the counter attraction of the Presbyterian concert in Eltham, to which a number of our residents went and enjoyed a musical treat. Our school football team played the Matapu schoolboys at Matapu on April 27, and were victorious by nine points to nil. The school is now closed for a week for term holidays. The climatic conditions were very unfavourable for the harvest services last Sunday in the Union Church, which was beautifully decorated by the Presbyterian bible class. Regret was felt throughout the district when it became known last Friday that Mr. C. J. Fearon had passed away, after a serious Illness, at the early age of 43 years. He had lived on the Hastings Road for many years and was a highly respected resident, and popular with all who knew him. He leaves a widow and young family, to whom we settlers extend our heartfelt sympathy. Much sympathy is felt over the death of Mr. H. C. Mills, which took place In Eltham last Thursday. He was a brother to Mr. J. Mills, of Mangatoki. He leaves a widow. Mr. C. A. Pease left last month for a trip to England. Mr. R. Lamble has gone on a visit to Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Gant are spending the holidays in Hamilton. PURANGI. (From Our Own Correspondent. During the luncheon Interval at the Purangi sports. meeting on Monday, 30th ult.. advantage was taken by the settlers and friends in the Matau and Purangi district to present Mr. W. A. Hewitt with a very handsone illuminated address on the occasion of his retiring from the management of the Stratford branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., in which capacity he has officiated for over twenty years. The presentation was made on behalf of the settlers b}' Mr. N. B. Fletcher, who referred to Mr. Hewitt s keen business foresight and energy, and to his instrumentality in making the local annual sheep fair one of the foremost sales in respect to competition and values held in Taranaki. In replying, Mr. Hewitt thanked the settlers for springing such a pleasant surprise on him, and urged them to stick to their farms, as better times were approaching, and to further improve their flocks, which had already made a name for the district, as evidenced by the record prices ruling at thebe' recent sheep fairs. /*iothing could have given greater pleasure than their presentation which would have a life long value to himself and family. CARDIFF. (From Our Own Correspondent. A very well attended meeting of ladies was held here on Thursday, the object being to cater for the refreshments for the sports. Mrs. Greenwell was elected chairman, Mrs. E. Ben&«tt secretary, and Mrs, D. Camsron trsMurw

I With the strong committee of workers every--1 thing should be in first-class order. Given a fine day the sports should be a great success. Another of the hockey girls’ dances turned out a great success and they were able to hand over £l4 to the hall funds. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, of Stratford, with their usual good nature, kindly gave the girls a cake for a guessing competition. It was won by Mr. L. Franklin, of Cardiff. Miss E. Richards kindly presented a cushion for a guessing competition. On Wednesday last an amusing game of hockey was played by the girls against the “old boys.” The costumes of the latter left nothing to be desired, and they really astonished themselves, as well as the members of the “old bdysMessrs. D. Cameron, E. Bennett, A. Mander, A. J. Smith, L Franklin, J. T. Belcher, A. Paynter, E. Carley, Paynter, J. Richards, J. Stewart. Cardiff’s first football match for the season, resulted in a win of 21 to nil for the local team against Inglewood, who were playing one 1 man short. The Cardiff team played a very fast and willing game, H. Lehmann being the most prominent forward. Despite the very 1 heavy rain, quite a number of onlookers turned out to see the match. The Inglewood team were Teal sporp, and took their beating in a 1 sportsmanlike manner. Many of the farmers have started milking once a day now, so their well-earned rest is in sight.