DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1927, Page 12

DISTRICT NEWS.

MATAU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Nobody here seemed to have had any notice about the expected eolipse of the moon on Wednesday last, and we were all very surprised at the event itself. The evening was perfect, though very cold, so the eclipse was seen under very' favourable conditions. It was most fascinating, too, to watch the light variations even under the shadow, from deep red gold to the palest amber. The settlers, whose properties were inspected by' the committee of the Deteriorated Lands Board have just received word of the concessions granted. The committee have certainly worked quickly' as it is ’only' nine weeks since they were here. In some cases eight years’ remission of rent together with a 33 1-3 per cent, reduction of capital value has been granted. In every’ case some remission of rent has been granted, loaded, however, with the condition that the money value of reduction must be spent in improvements to the satisfaction of the Land Boa;-d. Of course, the careless man or absentee who has let his place go back gets the best of the bargain, as naturally the worst looking land requires the most attention. However, no one doubts the wisdom of the stops taken, and it is to be sincerely hoped that the new policy will succeed in its object. A very’ jolly surprise party' visited the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ayers last Friday evening, and all enjoyed a splendid time. Mr. Hill, an inspector of Agriculture, spent a couple of days in this neighbourhood this week. At the request of the. settlers he inspected some Government Reserves, which are just a nursery for noxious weeds. Frosts have been very frequent of late, and the roads are breaking up, one cutting, near Mr. Ritchie’s, being nearly' impassable for- wheel traffic. A lorry load ol young folk journeyed to Tarata to the show’ ball, and had a splendid time. On June 17, some of our Oddfellow’S rode through to their lodge's annual ball at Whangamomona. Mrs. Hamblyn and son. who have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. Chapman, have returned to Ohura. The send-off social to Mr. and Mrs. Ireland and family', of Kiore, on June 17, was attended by quite a number of Matau people. BELL BLOCK. (From Our Own Correspond.'!.t.) The young friends of Miss Hannah ■Street, who is shortly to be married, recently gathered at the residence of Mrs. Downs, when a very pleasant "bathroom” evening was given in her honour. Miss Downs, as hostess, had left no stone unturned in her endeavour to make the function a pleasant one, and many games and competitions were arranged, and helped to make the time pass all too quickly. A dainty’ supper further added to the enjoyment. Afterwards the parcels were opened by Miss Street, and quite a fine assortment of useful gifts were presented. Mr. Bracegirdle, . on behalf of the guest of the evening, thanked Miss Downs and others present for the very pleasant evening and for the many serviceable gifts. A few days later Miss Street was again the honoured guest at a “miscellaneous” gift tea, at the residence of Mrs. 11. Parkin, when Mesdames Parkin, Downs, Rundle and Grover were the hostesses. There were over thirty people present, including visitors from Fitzroy and New Plymouth, who had come to wish the guest happiness in her married life. The afternoon passed very pleasantly, Mesdames F. and W. Holmes giving musical items, while Mrs. French’s recitation was most appropriate and amusing. After partaking of afternoon tea, Miss Street opened the parcels, which contained many useful gifts, and later thanked her hostesses for the very pleasant afternoon, and one and all for their many valued gifts. The singing, “For She's a Jolly Good Fellow” brought the afternoon to a close.

The monthly meeting of the school committee was held on Monday night, June 20, there being present: Messrs. Parkin (chairman), \V. Hoskin, B. Joll, F. Holmes and R. Henry. The headmaster's report stated that the roll number remained much about the same, there being at present 108 pupils enrolled. Owing to sharemilkers moving the numbers on the roll would fluctuate somewhat during the next month, as was usually the case. The grounds were in good order, except for a portion of the boys’ playing area, which required filling in places. The school had been successful in gaining equal marks with Mangorei School for the Agricultural Society’s shield for potato growing, and would, in consequence, hold the shield for six months. In sport, too, the school was very successful, as the football team had, up to the time of writing, an unbeaten record.—A resolution was passed by the committee expressing their appreciation of the good work of the pupils in winning the society's shield. It was also decided to have the grounds attended to immediately. Accounts totalling £8 raid were passed for payment. TAR I KI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A school committee, consisting of Messrs. Summers (chairman), Jemison (secretary), Thompson, and Knowles, practically the same as last year has been elected. A euchre party and dance, organised by members of the local tennis club was held in the hall on_ Tuesday, June 4, and was in every respect- a very enjoyable and successful gathering. The music was supplied by the Laurence family, of Durham Road, and was very much enjoyed by those present. The funds of the elub will benefit to the extent of about £6. Messrs Forsyth and Hine both' addressed meetings in Tariki recently. Although at one time Tariki apparently favoured control it was fairly evident at these meetings that there had recently been consistent reversion of feeling concerning the matter. A very enjoyable game of bowls was played at Mr. 0. Therkelson’s private green on Thursday, June 9, when two rinks from the Inglewood club came along, and won by a margin of eight or nine points. In thanking Mr. Therkelson and the Tariki players for the pleasure of the game, Mr. Longbottom, president of lla- Inglewood elub, con-

gratulated him on the excellence of the green; saying he believed it to be quite equal to any winter green in Taranaki, and assured him that both he and his friends would be very pleased to come again whenever the opportunity offered. Two other week-end games have been played with rimes from the Stratford club recently. ». There have been a number of exceedingly heavy frosts lately, but though the nights have been very cold and the days keen enough, there has been a fair amount of sunshine and pleasant weather. At a cleaning up meeting of the Ta-riki-Manganui Sports Club recently, it was found there was a clear balance of about £45 to be divided between the Tariki Bowling Club and the Ratapiko hall funds. Gn behalf of the bowling club, I Would take this opportunity of thanking the sports club for- this very welcome donation, A very pleasing little ceremony took place at the residence of hire. E. R. Newell on Monday afternoon, June 29, when practically all the married ladies of the district assembled to entertain at afternoon tea and to bid a formal farewell to Mrs. Body on the eve of her departure from Tariki. Mrs. Body, though a lady who has lived through some 80 or more summers, still retains a remarkably cheerful and happy disposition, is very highly respected and loved by all who know her best. Since the death of Mr. Body, which occurred three or four years ago, Mrs. Body has lived practically alone in her own little cottage, evidently reluftant to leave the little home which held for her so many fond memories of the past. Lately, however, she has consented to go to some of her own family. Mrs. James, senr., of Surrey Road, speaking on behalf of those present (30 or more), as well as for those who were unavoidably absent, referred to the good feeling that had always existed between them and their guest, and said they felt they could not let her go from among them without in some manner giving expression to their feelings. She then presented Mrs. Body with a beautiful eider down quilt and a pair of warm house slippers. Mrs. Body feelingly and suitably thanked them for their expressions of goodwill towards her and for the very nice present they had made her.