DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1927, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS.

W AITOITOI-URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The handsome win recorded by the Waitoitoi mare Onward, in the Stewards’ Handicap at the Taranaki Jockey Club’s Christinas meeting, was the means of causing a few hundred pounds of foreign capital to be circulated in this district, and Mr. A. Zimmerman was heartily congratulated upon the fine performance registered by the Hallowmas—lona mare. Another erstwhile local horse (Just John) made a creditable showing in the Hurdles, and may be seen to better advantage later on. Miss Joyce Musker, assistant mistress of the Martinborough school, is spending her midsummer vacation at the residence of her parents at Waitoitoi. During the holiday season both the Urenui Hotel and hoardinghouse report doing good business in the tourist line, whilst some eight or ten camping parties are spending an enjoyable holiday on the beach.

On New Year’s Eve the Urenui Cricket Club held a highly successful dance in the hall, visitors from all parts of the district assembling to welcome the arrival of the year 1927. As M.C. Mr. W. Scott was in good form, whilst Miss H. Edwin contributed the music in her well-known capable manner. Mr. Al. Jonas, of Onaero, who has been suffering from a nervous breakdown following a heat stroke, is progressing favourably towards recovery. From the teachers of the Presbyterian Sunday .School (Mrs. Gibson and Miss Raven) I learn that the attendance has been materially affected by whooping cough, which has been prevalent lately. It is understood that a junior Bible class will most likely to established in the New Year, which will hold its meetings immediately after the Sunday school. Mrs. R. Fitzgerald, of Urenui, who was formerly a resident of Waitoitoi and now sole teacher of the Mount Messenger school, has received a neatly framed certificate from the Taranaki Education Board in appreciation of the excellent work accomplished by the pupils in improving the school surroundings. The work was carried out under the supervision of Mrs. Fitzgerald. The popularity of the Main North Road as the route chosen by tourists to and from Auckland is becoming more pronounced every season, and this year probably a record will be established. When the Mokau bridge is completed and the road tarsealed right through, there is little doubt that even the present large volume of traffic will be greatly increased. There have been some excellent catehcs of schnapper during the past week or so. Mr. C. Rumball secured one fine specimen weighing 171 b and measuring three feet in length. As Mr. Wm, Murray was returning from Mokau- on New Year’s Day, his car came into collision with that of a Te Kuiti resident, on this side of Mount Messenger. Fortunately no one was hurt, Mr. Murray’s car sustaining slight damage to the mudguard and bumper, whilst the other car, less fortunate, was considerably damaged about the body, although able to proceed on its journey. As will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, Mr. Chris Smith has opened a fine up-to-date motor garage in the centre of the township. A benzine pump has been installed, whilst oil is stored in bulk. Repairs of all descriptions are undertaken and spare parts as well as Michelin tyres are kept in stoek. The whole building .a lit up with electric light generated on the premises, which adds greatly to the appearance of the township.