OKATO.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1924, Page 9

OKATO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) September 16.—At a meeting of the local bianch of the Farmers’ Union Mr. Deem, of the Agricultural Department, gave a lecture on “Roots and Pastures.” The lecture was illustrated by lantern, operated by Mr. Glasson,- also of the department. Air. T. E. Larking, in introducing the speaker, stressed the importance of a strong branch of the union at Okato. as it was through this body that these lectures were made available. Mr. Deem showed numerous illustrations of the root growing competitions in other parts and hoped they would be firmly established in this district, as the field days held in consequence brought the farmers together and notes, being compared created a healthy rivalry and circulated a lot of useful information. He stated that Suttons, the seedsmen, had presented a cup lor competition and that other trophies were expected. At the* conclusion of the lecture quite a number of questions were asked, showing that the address had been interesting to the audience. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer, and the chairman expressed the wish that it would not be long before Mr. Deem would be able to visit them again. About thirty members attended. The chairman intimated that a field day was contemplated, when Mr. Woods, veterinary surgeon of the departinent, would, by operation, demonstrate the anatomy of a cow for their benefit. A meeting was also to be held later, when a lecture would be delivered on the “Lime Deposits in the Soil of the District.” The footballers’ ball, always a popular event, took place on Thursday last. The hall was very prettily decorated with nikau palms, greenery, streamers and balloons and presented an appearance which showed that a great deal of time had been spent over it. The music supplied by George Bros’ orchestra left nothing to be desired. Extras were played by Misses Sole. Honeyfield and Julian and Messrs. Parker and Payne. The M.C. s carried out their duties in a painstaking manner, which resulted in the dancers having a glorious time. The supper-table was tastefully decorated and was waited on excellently, all receiving that attention usual when Mrs. W. Corbett is in charge of such a willing hand of helpers for this purpose. The committee is to be congratulated on all the arrangements, they keeping up their reputation of providing an evening’s entertainment second to none. The dancers left in the early hours, having spent a most enjoyable time.

The Queen Carnival contest is still claiming attention, numerous parties, etc., being held to help along the cause of each candidate. The pictures for the Beach candidate were well patronised. bringing in a considerable sum for her benefit. The Bush committee arranged a house-warming party at Mr. D. Brophy's new house on the Oxford Road on Saturday last. A large crowd attended, dancing, etc., being kept up till 12 o’clock, and a very pleasant evening being spent. The ninny late nights owing to the entertainments connected with the contest cause quite a strain on a community used to retiring early, but it is questionable whether the physical exhaustion will compare with the pecuniary exhaustion at the end of the contest. It is to be hoped the one will act as an antidote for the other so that both will be forgotten.

The Rev. H. A. (’olei)ian, chairman of the school committee, addressed the children and congratulated them on the addition to their school. He expressed the opinion that the good work which they had been doing would be done more easily and probably improved now that the overcrowded conditions had been alleviated. The efforts of the committee. which covered a number of years, to get the new room were pointed out and the thanks of the children were expressed by hearty cheers for the committee, Education Board, Education Department, and also Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., for his assistance in the matter.

The hall committee has had the frontage of the hall metalled and now it is possible to arrive at any function without wet feet. This is a matter which should have been attended to years ago and the committee is to be congratulated on the improvement that has been effected.