DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1924, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAHUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) By far the most interesting event which has occurred in the Kahui district took place on the evening of Tuesday, the Ifith inst.., when a social evening to celebrate the advent of electric, light and power was held in the schoolroom, about fifty persons being present. Much credit was due to the social committee for the manner in which the programme was carried out —from the decorating of the school, which, hung with streamers, Chinese lanterns and greenery, seemed transformed into a veritable fairy bower, the arranging of the tables for which Mrs. M. Fleming, Mrs. Norgate and Miss M. Williams were responsible, to the generally excellent way in which the whole was conducted. The tables were arranged in horseshoe fashion, and a plentiful light repast was provided, while guests were present from as far distant as Opunake and New Plymouth, including Mr. C. A. Trotter and Mr. Crowley (chairman and engineer respectively of the Opunake, Power Board). The weather was distinctly unfavourable. The chairman of the gathering, Mr. T. Willcox, welcomed the guests, and expressed the hope that they would heartily enjoy themselves. He particularly expressed his pleasure at seeing visitors from such a distance present on such an inclement night. Refreshments were then partaken of, after which a lengthy toast list was disposed of, the first toast being “The King,” all present rising and singing the National Anthem to the piano accompaniment of Mrs. P. G. Kitchingman.

“The Opunake Electric Power Board” was then proposed by the chairman, who said that he considered the occasion a momentous one—an epoch in the history of the district. Thirty years ago, he said, the place where the guests were assembled was virgin bush, while only two short years ago Kahui district enjoyed very fe.w of the ordinary facilities. Those two years had witnessed rapid progress. A post office had been obtained, together with a Daily News delivery, a complete party line telephone system had been installed, and to-day he was proud to say they had witnessed the advent of electric light and power in the district, and they stood, as it were, on the threshold of another age, the age of electricity. For this facility, which he said would go very far to make life more enjoyable in the eountry, besides cheapening the production and manufacture of dairy produce, we had to thank very largely the gentleman at his right hand—. Mr. C. A. Trotter, the capable chairman of the Opunake Power Board —who, with his colleagues on the board, had shown great courage, and who had made great, sacrifices, in order to make the undertaking the success it had proved itself to be. He hoped that the Opunake board would continue to be succefioful and that the full production of electric power would soon be disposed bf. In conclusion, he trusted that before Ibng the line might be extended from its present terminus right to the limits of the district, which was the top of the Kahui Road. Mr. Trotter responded, and in an interesting speech dealt with the history of the power board from its inception, and also traversed the work already done and their proposals for the future. Mr. Crowley also spoke of the work of Hie power board, and pointed out that Kahui Road was the first place in the power district to celebrate the advent of electric light and power. He also said that 60 per cent, of the power consumed was in the outer area, and that the consumers in that area were paying 10 per cent, more than those in the rating area. He stated that in his opinion it would be to the advantage of these consumers to be included in the inner area of the power board’s districtBoth speakers spoke appreciatively of the action of the Kahui people in providing the < entertainment and doing them the honour they had by inviting them to be present. “The Dairy Industry” was proposed by Mr. Trotter, and this was responded to 'by Mr. W. Fleming (chairman of the Kahui Co-operative Dairy Company) and Mr. J. C. Maxwell (the Taranaki representative of Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd.), who remarked that Kahui cheese had made a reputation so good that the name wae a sufficient guarantee of quality. ’“The Local Bodies,” was proposed by •Mr. Annis, and in the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. C. Green (Egmont County chairman), who was away in Wellington, was responded to by Mr. S. M; Willoughby, an old local body member. The next toast, “The Returned Soldiers,” was proposed by Mr. W. Fleming, who mentioned the splendid response that had been made in the Kahui district to the Empire’s call, eighteen having left for the front and .eight of these had made the great sacrifice for King and country. Messrs. C. W. 31emance and P. G. Kitchingman responded on behalf of the returned men of the district. “Our Visitors” was then proposed by Mr. E. P. Norgate, who remarked that several of those present had travelled long in most inclement weather to be present that evening, and that Kahui people should take this as a great cojnpliment. After this toast had been drunk with musical honours, Messrs. Trotter, Orow ley, and J. C. Maxwell and F. Wallis replied, and spoke in eloquent and appreciative terms of the Kahui people’s hospitality. “Kahui Residents” was then proposed •by Mr. J. C. Maxwell, who, in the course of a humorous and interesting speech, remarked that although he was not fully acquainted with all the Kahui residents, he had been at the homes of several of the directors of the Kahui Dairy Company for breakfast, dinner, and tea, but that this was the first time he had been to supper, and that if the balk of the people were the -same as the sample he had met so far, they were certainly an excellent lot of people. The chairman, on behalf of the Kahui residents, replied. “The Ladies,’ which was proposed by Mr. H. E. Jensen in a happy little speech, was drunk most heartily, after which the chairman called on Messrs. Crowley, Willoughby and Clemance to respond, and, considering the limited experience of these gentlemen, the replies were surprisingly capable. Mr. M. Fleming, in proposing the toasu of “The Chairman and Directors of the Kabul Co-operative Dairy Company,” referred to the enterprising and progressive spirit of the directors in adopting electric power and other measures

io facilitate and cheapen the cost of the manufacture of dairy produce. The toast was responded to by Messrs. T. Willcox and W. Fleming. The health of the “Manager,” proposed by Mr. Pi. Fleming, was responded to by Mr. H. E. Jensen, who said that the best results could only be obtained by the suppliers co-operating with him and supplying the best milk possible to produce these results, which he said would be obtained if the suppliers would give their earnest attention to their end of the business. Mr. H. F. Annis then rose -and said that there was another toast which he would ask the gathering to honour — “The Chairman” of the gathering. The chairman suitably replied, after which he. announced that the room would be cleared for dancing, which was indulged in to the full, and .concluded with “Auld Lang Syne” at 3.40 a.m. Songs were kindly contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. E. P. Norgate, encores being insisted upon in every instance. The duties of M.C.’s were efficiently carried out by Messrs. Jensen and Annis, Messrs. Hickey and Annis supplying the dance music, while Mrs. Kitchingman kindly supplied the piano accompaniments for Fongs. WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The half-caste (Jack Dix), whose narrow race with death on board the steamer Rama on her voyage to Port Waitangi at the Chatham Islands, recorded in Wednesday’s Daily News, is well known in Urenui, having been engaged in grubbing gorse for Mr. S. 0. Skelton on his property opposite the Maori pah. Mrs. O’Neil], of Kaipikari, has taken over the Railway Hotel at Inglewood, and will be assisted in the management by Mr. Leo. O’Neill. Mrs. O’Neill was a former proprietress of this hotel some years ago, being favourably known in the Inglewood district, and both she and Mr. O’Neill will carry with them the good wishes of a large circle of friends in this locality. The Unuti Beach Picnic Club will lose in Mr. -O’Neill a most capable and energetic secretary, and it has been in a great measure due to his untiring efforts and courteous manner that this meeting has attained its present importance and popularity with sportsmen and others from all parts of Taranaki. Extensive preparations are being made by an energetic committee in view of the forthcoming bazaar to be held in aid of the Presbyterian Churcn at Urenui in November. Native pigeons are very numerous in the Mangamaeho just at present—and so are sparrowhawks. It is reported that a White Cliffs dairy herd, consisting of some thirtyfive cows, is producing 15001 b of milk daily with a 4 per cent, test of butterfat. Not a bad performance for September. Another, of 34 cows in Wai-toi-toi, is stated to be doing over 12001 b with a similar test. In addition to being appointed herdtester to the newly-formed Urenui herd testing association, J understand Mr. Darcy George has been engaged in a similar capacity for the Okau district. The use of tripod or chain harrows on our pastures for the punpose of distributing the manure droppings is a practice which could with advantage be more universally adopted than is th2 case at present. One farmer is of opinion that if this could be done every fortnight or three weeks great benefit to the paddocks so treated would accrue. As pointed out by Mr. J. Deem in a recent lecture at Urenui, if these droppings are left undisturbed for a considerable period a rank gfowth of grass around them (which stock will not touch) is the result. Independently of this, the inanuria) value to the land by the frequent use of harrows is not inconsiderable, and greatly augments the benefits of artificial top dressing. The Okoke schoolgrounds on Saturday last, presented quite an animated appearance, when the return hockey match between the Urenui ladies anil the local representatives took place. Although only a new club, the Okoke ladies are most enthusiastic, and had gone to considerable trouble in the preparation of the ground, whilst the resi dents mustered in strong force to witness the contest, which proved well worth watching, as although the visitors proved victorious by a margin of 5 I goals to nil, the home team were by no I means disgraced, and put up a good I fight. Mr. Roy Fitzgerald again officiated as referee, his decisions being prompt and impartial. At the conclusion of play the Urenui ladies were entertained at a sumptuous afternoon tea in the schoolroom, after which they departed for home, having thoroughly enjoyed the day s outing and the hospitality extended to them by their opponents. Next season, no doubt many more of these friendly games will be •played, and they will serve to increase the growing popularity of hookey in this district. The Urenui Club have had a strenuous and highly successful season, having competed with credit against first-class New Plymouth teams, be-sides playfrig in the tournament held in Hawera some few months ago, to take part in which they had to leave for their destination at a very early hour on a decidedly wintry mdrning, besides having a breakdown during the journey, whieFi made their sterling performance all the more praiseworthy. On Friday evening of last week some thirty residents from Wai-toi-toi insitituted a raid on P-ukearuhe per means of Mr. A. Smith’s large ’bus for the purpose of attending the usual fort nightly euchre party and dance held in the schoolroom, and incidentally to secure a portion of the excellent prizes distributed to the successful players. 1 heir mission proved highly satisfactory, as, in addition to enjoying themselves thoroughly, they managed to secure five out of the six trophies awarded during the evening. There were some sixteen tables in play. Amongst the ladies Mrs. Geo. Baker was in great form, winning the whole twelve games and t-hus securing the handsome plate which constituted the first prize, Mrs. Waka Kapu being close up second. With 11 games to his credit Mr. Waki Kapu (who won the shaving outfit at the last Mimi party) became the possessor of the safety razor, Mr. A. Zimmerman being runner-up. The other visitor to score was Miss Edie Baker, who captured the powder puff which represented the booby prize, whilst Pukearuhe’fl sole winner (Master Lambert) won the cycle outfit—also a booby prize. A guessing competition, however, for a trophy worth £l, fell to Mrs. Brigbtwell (Pukearuhe) after tieing with Mr. E. Jones (Mimi). In .ipresenting the prizes, Mr. H. Martin expressed the committee’s appreciation of (the manner in which the function had

bean attended, and all those visitors who had assisted to make -the evening pass so pleasantly. He trusted that on the occasion of their next visit the new hall, now in course of erection, would be completed, an'd that they would have the pleasure of entertaining their friends in the building, which would be of much larger dimensions than the room they were now using. After a first-class supper (which reflected great credit on the ladies who provided the appetising edibles) had been accorded full attention, a few hours’ dancing was participated in to the strains of music supplied by Messrs Malrtin, Rikihuna, Spun- a/nd Smith, the duties of Masters of Ceremonies being ably perforjied by Mr. H. Martin. Mrs. Pu-rdie also sang during the evening, her performance eliciting a well-merited encore. The Mimi School social committee brought their series of euchre parties, which have been held during the winter months, to a successful conclusion on Tuesday evening last. Added interest was taken in the proceedings from the fact that the final result of the points prizes was decided on that evening, several of the players being very nearly equal in the competition. Amongst the ladies, Mrs. Waki Kapu secured the beautifully worked muka wall mat (donated by Mrs. Geo. Baker) with eleven games to her credit. The winner re-donated t’he mat as a prize for the waltzing competition to be held at the hard-u.p dance which takes place shortly. Mr. Jas. F. Phillips, with eleven games, will have the pleasure of wearing the shirt given by Messrs. Zimmerman brothers as the first prize for gentlemen, after playing off with Mr. S. O. Skelton. After the final count it was found that Miss B. Frost with 48 points was entitled to the manicure set donated by Miss Simpson, whilst Miss L. Phillips with 42 points was awarded the silver butter-dish given by Mr. M. Day for the lady scoring most points and not l winning a prize. After playing off with Mr. S. 0. Skelton, Mr. Geo. Baker (52 points) won the pair of military brushes, presented by the committee, and Mr. C. Musker, with 51 points, secured Messrs. Thompson and Barnham’s prize for the player not winning a prize but scoring the 1. host number of points. In presenting the prizes, the chairman (Mr. C. Musker) announced that t-he series was now closed, and thanked all those ladies and gentlemen who had given donations and otherwise assisted to make the gatherings pass off so successfully. No doubt these would be continued next winter by the incoming committee, and would be equally as popular. t With regard to procuring the pro-posed swings, similar to those in Kawaroa Park, for (he use of the children attending the school, he suggested that the young men in the district should endeavour to raise some £lO by subscription, which amount would be subsidised by the Education Department. leaving the committee to supply the balance required. He pointed out that the young people had been enabled t • spend many pleasant evenings by the removal of the partition, which had been accomplished chiefly in t-he interests of the pupil's, and he thought they might contribute a small amount towards giving enjoyment to the younger children. For the dance which followed, the music was contributed by Messrs. Moody and Rikihana and Miss Frost, Mr. A. Zimmerman again officiating as Master of Ceremonies. BELL BLOCK. ('From Our Own 'Correspondent.) Wednesday afternoon proved a busy time for Bell Block, when a gift afternoon was held in the local hall, the funds being devoted to the Ladies’ Sewing Guild. Unfortunately the weather proved most unkind for the occasion, but nevertheless a good number were present, and by three o’clock the hall presented a busy and animated appearance. At that time, too, the guests of honour, Mr. and Mrs. Groom, arrived, and were given an enthusiastic welcome. The Rev. G| T. Beale, on behalf of all present, in a happy speech, greeted Mr. and Mrs. Groom, and welcomed them back (o Bell Block after their pleasant trip to England. Mr. Groom suitably replied, .stating that he considered England the best country in the world, with New Zealand following second. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Chomeley, Hoby, and Philpot. The various stalls were then declared open, and good business was done. The following were the I stall holders: Mesdames Street, French, Sampson, Benton, Hoskin and Holmes, Misses 11. Street and Hamilton for the sweet stall and Misses M. Street and K. Holmes for the flower stall. The floral decorations and collections of flowers sold would have graced any flower show. Mesdames Chomeley and J. H. Street are deserving of great credit for their splendid organisation, and are to be complimented on the results achieved.

During the afternoon a very enjoyable musical programme was submitted and it was much appreciated. Items were given as follows: —'Song, Miss H. Street; recitation, Miss Shadbolt; musical monologue, Mrs. Benton; pianoforte solos. Misses G. Benton and M. Street and Mrs. Stace; and pianoforte duet, Misses Collier and Taylor. The accompaniments were played by Miss G. Benton. The afternoon t<*a tables were prettily decorated and presided over by ‘Mesdames Sampson, Shadbolt and Hoskin, and Miss Shadbolt, assisted by different members of the guild. In the evening the hall was well filled, when a very enjoyable social was held. First-class music was supplied by Mr. Orr, while the duties of M.C. were capably carried out by Mr. L. Giddy. Various items were interspersed between the dances, each one of which was encored. Songs were rendered by Messrs. Stamp, Leyland and Cleland, and musical monologues by Mrs. Benton. The accompaniments were played by Misses Benton and Cleland. Active preparations are now in hand for the ladies’ leap year ball, to be held next month. It promisee to eclipse all previous efforts.