DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1927, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

' MATAU. (Froip Our Own Correspondent.) Fine weather has enabled the farmers to get well ahead of their autumn work. The roads are in very fair condition, but car drivers would be well advised to put chains on their back wheels on the Matau and Purangi saddles. The holes in the road on the Kiore flats have caused the diversion in the motor traffic to Inglewood, as prophesied in my <..si notes, and motorists would be well advised to remember the chains for the unmetalled hill. The apathy of drovers in charge of sheep or cattle met when motoring on country roads is really remarkable. In the course of* a three hours’ motoring trip the writer passed through or met several mobs of animals, and in not a single case when the car slowed up did a drover even attempt to chase the beasts off the route. They simply sat their horses with a “touch'-us-not” air. Cows are especially stubborn, and it shows that most car drivers are careful or more accidents would occur. A meeting of the newly-formed Ladies’ Guild was held on the 25th inst. A letter from the School Committee refusing the use of the school for the winter socials was read. This attitude of the committee could be understood if the burning of the late school could be attributed to the carelessness of the users of it for social purposes. However, if the school can dp without the revenue obtained by letting, it will certainly be all the better for the hall when it is built to have the monopoly. A musical evening with cards and dancing is to be held by the Ladies’ Guild on the King’s Birthday, June 3, in rooms kindly lent by Mr. and Mrs. A. Walker, A very delicate pale green orchid has its habitat on the drier slopes on the edge of the bush here. It is rather hard to' find, as its tinting is so delicate, and it merges into its background, but it is worth seeking, as it is so marvellously beautiful. PURANGI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather this last week has been somewhat stormy, and owing to the heavy rain on the 26th (1.57 in and 27th (1.76 in there were a few slips In the Ngatinxaru riding, which blocked the roads temporarily. The rain for the. night of the 28th also registered 1.71 in, and a few more slips would not be surprising. I notice a report that Mr. Bunning, of Huiroa, took his seat on the Taranaki East Vestry on May 17, 1927. This is incorrect, as Mr. Bunning has represented Huiroa since March 23, 1926.

The annual 'meeting of the Taranaki East Vestry was held in the A. and P. room, Stratford, on May 17. Present: Rev. Alexander (in the chair), Mrs. H. Larsen, Messrs. Coates, E. Robertson, Rumball, Bunning and Mounsey. Apologies were received from Archdeacon Evans, Messrs. G. H. Rawlinson, N. Cleland and W. Good. The secretary (Mr. R. Mounsey) presented the bal-ance-sheet, which was adopted. The secretary was authorised on receipt of the wardens’ (Messrs. Good and Rumball’s) report to have 200 copies of the report and balance-sheet printed so that each parish member may be presented with a copy. It is hoped the various church members, after seeing the financial workings of the parish, will give assistance to help all who have carried on the work up till the present, and thus reach a better financial footing. On June 6 we are again to have the opportunity of electing a school committee, and it would be a good thing for some of the junior married members to come along and shoulder their responsibilities. Two commissions have carried on for the last two years, and they would like the settlers to see the new library book-case, provided out of funds raised and subsidy from the Education Board. A further amount has been forwarded to lift a subsidy to purchase library books, and a donation is also promised towards the funds of the school.

MIDHIRST. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Plunket Society were lucky in getting a splendid night for their ball held on Wednesday last. Consequently there was a large crowd of visitors from all parts, and a most enjoyable’* evening was spent. Mrs. L. Curtis (president of the Stratford branch) was present, and briefly thanked the Midlnrst members and all those who worked so willingly in assisting to make the dance such a success. The president explained the objects and the financial problems of the society. A number of willing helpers assembled the night previous to the dance to assist in the decorations, etc. The supper, provided by the ladies of the district, was thoroughly enjoyed. The music was supplied by Boulton’s orchestra, extras being played by Mrs. Harkness, Misses L. and J. Kovaleski and Mr. C. Phillips. Messrs. J. Sbotter, Wj. Evans and C. Phillips made efficient M.s.C. This season football is lacking interest. The local team was rather unlucky in striking such hard opponents as Stratford and Toko in the first two niatche of the competition. Though defeated, however, they put up a hard and creditable fight. Mumps are prevalent in these parts, quite a number of families being affected. Our local teachers, Mr. Anderson and Miss Jefeoate, have been indisposed since the holidays. Miss Goodwin, of Taumarunui, has commenced duties as teacher of the York Hoad school. Mr. and Mrs. V. Sherson are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of “Rose View.” Mr. E. Vince, of Stratford, the new licensee of the Egmont Hotel, has taken over. Mio* Hunter has returned from Auckland, MATAPU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The friends of Mr. Seed and Mr. W. Guy will be pleased to hear that they are doing as well as can be expected, and hope they will soon be about again. On Saturday last the Mangatoki school football team played a friendly match with Matapu, resulting in a win for Matapu by 6 to 5. The scorers were > Edgar Guy and Master Wolf. Mr. Roy Guy officiated as referee in his usual capable manner. The fourth annual tennis ball took place on Friday last. It was a huge success in spite of the wet evening, end there was one of the biggest crowds they have had yet. The takings at the

door were £l3 odd. The duties of M.C. were capably carried out by Mr. O. Bootteen and Mr. Ralph Hooker. The music, which was supplied by Boulton's orchestra, was appreciated by all. Extras were played by Miss G. Mihelson and Miss M. Guy and Mr. Von Sturmer. The chairwoman (Miss Frethey) and the secretary (Miss F. Seed) are to be congratulated upon the success of the function. omata. BALL AND CARD PLAYING. The first ball of the Omata Hall Committee was held on Thursday and was a most successful gathering. The floor was filled to capacity and dancing continued until- the early hours of the morning. The music was supplied by McNeill’s orchestra of four players, and the supper arrangements, in the hands of a hard-working ladies’ committee, equalled the usual high standard of the Omata committee. The announcement of another ball will be looked forward to by all who attended on Thursday. * Card players are well catered for this year. The local card club met Oakura players on Saturday night and were defeated. They are looking to retrieve their position in the match with Hurford Road. Oakura may expect Omata to descend in strength on them on Tuesday. TARATA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual church tea and bazaar was successfully held in the Tarata Hall on Thursday, May 26. A number of the Tarata ladies worked hard all day preparing fruit salads, trifles, etc., to make the tea as enjoyable as possible. Those responsible were Mesdames Drummond, J. Smith, Muir, King, Mackay and the Misses Paterson, Press, B. George, N. Hirst, E. Higgins, A. Macrae apd E. Askew. The menfolk erected the stall, etc. They were Messrs Drummond, Smee, J. Smith, S. Askew and D. Muir. After the tea was disposed of a very nice concert was held. Those taking part were well applauded. Some very pretty violin and piano selections were given by the Misses Leach, of Inglewood, and were much appreciated. Guessing competitions controlled by Miss B. George and Mr. Smee, were also held. Results were as follow: Cake’s name (Margaret), correctly guessed by Mrs. Allan Smith and Mr. Tom Waero. Guessing number of peas in bottle (420), Mr. Clark, correct number. The shooting gal lery competition resulted: Mr. A. Muir 1, Mr. Thorne 2. Before closing, Mr. Standish auctioned all left-over goods. The Hall Committee is holding its euchre parties and dances fortnightly. It is to be hoped a large crowd will turn up. A points prize is offered at the end of the year. The cooking competition is becoming the talk of the district. The Tarata Tennis Club are having a new pavilion built on the local courts. This should prove a boon. It is expected that our tennis team will pay a visit soon to Norfolk Road. Miss Press is visiting her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J. Press. Mr. K. Cutfield, of Auckland, is spending a holiday with Mr. and Mrs. Waite, “Waitangi.” Mr J. Mounsey, of Matau. spent part of last week with Mrs. Waite. Mr. J. Elliot is away holiday-making.