DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1926, Page 14

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAITOITOI—URENUI, (From Our Own Correspondent.) The beautiful weather that has been experienced during the past week or so hats enabled farmers to get a fair amount of outside work accomplished, and top-dressing, hedge-trimming, cutting weeds, etc., is being proceeded with, whilst no doubt later on tree planting will occupy a certain amount of time, as will feeding out the large quantities of hay and ensilage which have been made this season. In this direction it might be metioned that with a view to spring feeding ensilage is still being made in this locality, and wisely too, as if the high standard of production is to be maintained the butter-fat yielders must have the wherewithal to do it with. Of course it is somewhat difficult for many farmers to secure the necessary material to manufacture ensilage at this period of the year, but it has been suggested that a good plan would be to have a field of oats ready, say, in May or June, which could be converted in this excellent milk-produc-ing fodder.

The Urenui Football Club’s first juniors played their first match in the second round of the Northern second-grade division against Clifton first juniors at Waitara on the King’s Birthday, and once more showed their superiority over the seaport team, winning by 25 points to nil, after having all the best of the game. In the first spell, W. Skelton scored two concerted tries, one of which was an exceedingly clever piece of work, whilst Ferguson and J. O’Neill also crossed their opponents’ line, the major points being registered in the case of the former. W. Skelton had the misfortune ■to sustain a broken rib, and Morrison (the full back) took his place at centre three-quarter, whilst J. Fitzgerald filled Morrison’s position. Morrison, Hutahens and M. Jonas each secured a try in the second half, but the kicks at goal did not improve matters, and when time was called the result was Urenui 25, Clifton nil. Mr. E. Clare had control of the game, and his rulings gave every satisfaction. The Greens would seem to be improving with every match and on present form should be knocking at the door when the final stages, of the competition are reached. Should they succeed in securing the coveted championship their success will be well deserved, as they have more than once been very close to the winners,

In the senior match, Old Boys v. Clifton, on Saturday last, the only player to score for the latter team was M. Jones, the Urenui first junior, who secured a well merited try. The Urenui team have no game on Saturday next, but it is understood an effort will be made to secure a game with an outside fifteen. It is understood that Mr. R. Luxton, of Pukearhue, has disposed of his farm in that locality to Mr. A. Crocker, of Normanby, who has also bought Mr. Luxton’s fine herd of dairy cows. Mr. Crocker will enter into possession in July, and Mr. Luxton and family will return to Opotiki, whence they came before settling in Pukcaruhe. During his residence in this locality, Mr. Luxton has made many friends, and has always been a willing helper- in any movement for the advancement of the district, and both lie and his family will carry with them many good wishes for their future prosperity.

The Okoke ladies’ bazaar committee arc making a strong effort to raise funds for the proposed new hall in that district, and from advertisement it will be seen that a bazaar is to be held in the Urenui Hall on June 21. This date being the next fortnightly stock sale, there is sure to be a large attendance from all parts of the district, so there is little doubt the movement will be well supported, and deservedly so, for Okoke settlers are always to the fore in any public function arranged for the advancement of other localities. A special feature on this occasion will be the baking competition, for which entries close on June 7, and this being somewhat of a - novelty it is sure to attract keen competition. Mr. D. Wiley has recently completed, to the order of Messrs. C. and L. Taylor, a couple of neat cottages in the Moerangi district. Each contains four rooms, kitchenette and bathroom under one roof, and is finished throughout in fibrous plaster with Oregon pine battens. The buildings present quite a smart appearance, and are a credit to Mr. Wiley’s workmanship.

The Waitoitoi dairy factory has now discontinued the manufacture of cheese for this season, but is still taking in eream for butter-making. The plant is being thoroughly overhauled, whilst the hedges and other surroundings have received attention and present quite a neat appearance. The manager (Mr. J. Thompson) secured second money in the Taranaki section, and the open class at the recent Waikato winter show held at Hamilton. Considering the extremely large number of entries in the latter class, this was a good performance, and as the grading points were 94J, it speaks well for the quality of the cheese exhibited. Mr. A. Carr (of Waitoitoi) is nowback home again from New Plymouth, where he has been undergoing electrical treatment for a strained shoulder muscle. Mr, W. J. Mooney, also of Waitoitoi, is, however, still an inmate of the New Plymouth Hospital, and his condition is somewhat serious; whilst Mr. W. G. Glassford, of Clifton Downs, is again a patient at Noradene. The many friends of both these gentlemen will wish them a speedy recovery. Another resident in this district, at present in the New Plymouth Hospital, is Mr. 11. Jury, of Urenui.

Some good hauls of schnapper have been made on this coast during the past week, one boat securing over fifty. The beautifully calm weather we have been experiencing after the recent storms would probably account for their presence in such large numbers.

A little girl named Ngaio Willison met with a rather painful accident last week. It appears that she was carrying some vegetables up a slight rise towards the house when she fell and broke her arm just above the elbow, which was also discoloured. The sufferer was taken to the New Plymouth Hospital by Mr. Geo. Fairweather, and is progressing as well as can be expected. Mr. R. Musker, who sustained a broken leg whilst playing football at Pukcaruhe last week, is, from latest accounts, making good progress towards recovery.

The Urenui Ladies’ Hockey Club, although not reaching the final stages of the tournament held at Hawera last week, were by no means disgraced, as they succeeded in playing drawn games with good teams from other centres, besides scoring one win and one loss. It is reported that the Urenui Choral ■Society are contemplating a visit to Pukcaruhe shortly with the object of repeating the recent- successful concert

given in Urenui. Should this be so, no doubt there will be a good attendance of local residents, together with a large muster from other centres.

Wynn Sheard, of the Urenui School, secured flret prize for mangolds in Group 4 at the Taranaki Agricultural Society’s winter show now being held in New Plymouth. He also camo third in the class for carrots. Another feature of the show which docs credit to this district is the admirable display of hedge plants, shrubs and seedlings exhibited by Mr. S. Topless, of the Moerangi nursery, which will compare favourably with any other in Taranaki—a fact which will be borne out by the large number who have paid a visit to the

On Sunday evening last there was a good attendance in the Urenui Hall, when the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, of the -Methodist Church, Waitara, held a special . service. The community form of singing was adopted, the hymns being chosen by the congregation, and Miss M. Smith acting as accompanist. Miss Loveridge also sang a solo, and Mr. Wells contributed a couple of selections on the violin, the accompanist being Mrs. Gosnell, whilst Newton's orchestra played both before and during the service. During the proceedings the reverend gentleman gave a most interesting address on “Clean Sport,” when he remarked that Christianity had no quarrel with clean sport, but held that gambling was doing more to kill true sport than any other force in the Dominion. Every man should indulge in sport of some description, but care should be exercised both as regards the quantity and quality. Mr. Gosnell was listened to attentively, and will probably hold another service of a similar nature on the first Sunday of July.

There was a goodr attendance of visitors both from Urenui and Pukearulie on Tuesday evening at the second of the series of euchre parties and dances which is being held by the Mimi Tennis Club in the Waitoitoi schoolroom. Some twelve tables were engaged in play, and close finishes resulted in Mrs. Hutchins, Miss L. Phillips, and Miss E. O’Sullivan being equal for the ladies’ prize (a dozen pocket handkerchiefs) with nine games each, the latter lady prevailing in the play-off. With ten games to his credit, Mr. A, Zimmerman secured the two pairs of socks which constituted the gentlemen’s prize. For the dance which followed after supper the music was contributed by Miss Edwin and Mr. S. O. Skelton controlled the proceedings as M.C. Amongst the visitors at present in Auckland from this locality are Mr. and Mrs. G. Salway, Mr. and Airs. A. T. Vaughan (Waitoitoi) and Mr. D. Cunningham (Urenui), whilst Mr. E. K. Blundell (Okoke) returned home on Tuesday night, after having spent an enjoyable few days in the northern eitv.

It is understood that Mr. Andrews, of New Plymouth, who recently purchased the well-known property of Mr. R. Greenwood, in Urenui, will enter into possession during the coming month.

The first round in the local triangular football competition was advanced another stage on Wednesday last, when the Okoke and Waitoitoi clubs met on the ground of the latter. Despite the attraction of the winter show there was a good number of spectators, who were rewarded with a keen, fast game, in which there was not a great deal between the two teams, as although the visitors were superior in the back division, this advantage was counterbalanced by the good forward play of Waitoitoi. In the first spell play was very oven, and although both nearly scored on one or two occasions, when half time was called no points had been registered. When play was resumed, however, matters were made most willing, the Okoke backs throwing the leather about in great style, and a nice piece of passing resulted in E. Pepperell securing a try. G. Wright took the kick, but was unable to convert. Shortly afterwards J. Slight crossed the Blues’ (Waitoitoi) line, but again the attempt to goal was a failure and. the game stood Okoke 6, Waitoitoi nil. The home team were now making a big effort to even matters, and a bit of smart following up on the part of J. Thompson resulted in that player obtaining a beautiful try right between the posts ten minutes before time. C. Te Wai was entrusted with the kick and registered the major points. Nothing further resulted, and when the final whistle sounded Okoke were the winners of a closely contested game by 6 points to 5. Mr. J. G. Fitzgerald impartially acted as referee, his decisions giving general satisfaction.

As before said, the Black and Reds had some really smart backs, prominent amongst whom might be mentioned Pepperell, Wright and Roach, and Beauchamp and Holley amongst the forwards, although most of the others worked well. The strength of the Blues lay in their forwards, who shone to advantage in loose, open play. J. Thompson, as wing, played hal'd to avert defeat, and C. Te Wai, with a little more knowledge of the game, should prove of great assistance in future games. Scott, at half, is playing a good game, whilst Rumbal, at full back, was very safe. The next match, between Okoke and Pukearuhe, will be played on Wednesday next at Okoke, and should provide a close contest.

LOWGARTH. (From Our Own -Correspondent.) There was a good attendance at the first euchre party of the season held in the local hall on May 28, the ladies’ prize being won by Miss Muir and that for the men resulted in a tie between Mr. E. Piper and Mr. A. Gray. In a toss Mr. Gray was the winner. On Friday the usual fortnightly dance took place, when there was again a good house, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, the takings at the door amounting to £6. The music for the evening was supplied by Mrs. Johnson, of Eltham. Cheese-making has ceased for the season, and has given place to butter during the winter months. Notwithstanding the unfavourable spring the supply of butter-fat for the season will equal that of last year, although the yield of cheese will be rather less than for last season on account of the manufacture of a drier cheese. The grade has been good throughout the season, and it is satisfactory to note that our first assistant has been successful in scoring two firsts at New Plymouth show. Dairy herds in the district are in good condition generally, and seeing that a good supply of winter feed has been provided, stock should, winter well. Given a favourable spring, the coming season should prove a record one. Several lectures to dairy factory managers and workers have been given by the dairy scientist at Hawera, and should prove of considerable benefit to dairy workers, but I am of the opinion that lectures to dairy farmers might also result in much benefit to the industry generally. It does not appear to be of much value to tell a dairy farmer that his milk is not of good quality un-

less he is also told how to apply a remedy. It has usually been assumed that the cause lies in tl-.e cow shed, but this is by no means always the case, I know of cases wheiw every possible care has been taken in the handling of milk and yet there has been an unfavourable report from the dairy laboratory. The trouble undoubtedly often lies in individual cows in the herd, and it is often difficult for a dairy farmer to detect them without expert advice, and in tin’s connection a lecture on the subject may prove of considerable value.

DOUGLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Cutho-lio Church, Stratford, on Wednesday mqpiing, . uno 9, by the Rev. Father Cahill, when Mary Elizabeth (Dolly), eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 11. Wilmshurst, Douglas, was married to Arthur Matthew, eldest son of Mr. E. Walter, M.P., of Douglas. The bride, who entered the church on her father’s arm, looked very sweet in ivory embossed marocain. She wore a veil and orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of carnations, freezias and maidenhair fern. Her bridesmaids were Miss Evelyn Wilmshurst, sister of the bride, and bliss Bessie Walter, sister of the bridegroom, the former wearing a pale pink dress of marocain and carrying a bouquet of pink carnations, .antirrhinums and maiden-hair fern, While the latter was attired in mauve marocain, and her bouquet being of chrysanthemums, mauve primroses and maiden-hair fern. Three little flower girls, Hazel Wilmshurst, Margaret and Amy Walter, wore dainty frocks of ivory marocain, and carried blue, ntauve and pink crooks respectively. The bridegroom was attended by Air. Jack Walter as best man and Air. Chris. Wilmshurt as groomsman. The bridegrooms’ gift to the bride was a gold expanding wristlet watch, while the bridegroom received from the bride a travelling rug. The bridesmaids were the recipients pearl necklaces anti each of the little flower girls a gold brooch with pearls. Airs. Bowler presided at the organ. At the conclusion of the ceremony a reception was held in the Medina Tea Rooms, where between 150 and 200 guesets were entertained by the bride’s parents and the usual good wishes for the future of the happy couple were expressed. At the breakfast the chair was taken by the Rev. Father Cahill, who proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom, and was responded to by the bridegroom, after which the following toasts were gone through: “The Bridesmaids,” by Mr. A. Walter, responded to by Air. J. Walter; “The Bride’s Parents,” proposed by Air. J. Brown and responded to by Air. Wilmshurst. In the evening Air. and Mrs. Wilmshurst further entertained their Douglas friends at a dance in the local hall.

Owing to the resignation of Air. Walter from the Hall Committee, Air. C. Wilmshurst has been appointed to fill the vacancy, and on the tennis committee considerable change has • been effected owing to the resignations of Mr. Walter, president, and Miss Wilmshurst, secretary. To the former office Mr. J. Walter has been elected, while Miss Westrup takes over the duties of secretary, and Airs. Bird has filled the vacancy on the committee. In both of these committees considerable . regret was felt at the resignations, as both Mr. Walter and Aliss Wilmshurst had spared no efforts in their work on the various committees.