DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1929, Page 13

DISTRICT NEWS

KORU. (From Our Own .Correspondent.) Local farmers feel that they have reason' to complain of recent stormy weather, which is cutting hack feed and lowering the condition of the cattle and the supply of milk alike. Friday’s cold mountain wind, which at times reached the strength of a gale, was but the climax to more than a fortnight’s wind and rain. One farmer reports that three weeks ago he was sending 50 pounds of cream to the factory daily. Now, despite the fact that he is milking more cows, he is fortunate if he averages 40 pounds.' This experience is general throughout the district, and an improvement in the weather conditions will be welcomed. Mr. H. Looney had th© misfortune to lose a valuable farm horse on Thursday last. A paddock gate had been opened in order that some cows might be driven across the road to another part of the farm; the horse, evidently seeing liberty ahead, bolted on to the road just as a lorry appeared. Events moved so quickly that the driver of the lorry had no chance to apply the brakes, and, in the resulting collision, the horse received injuries which necessitated its destruction. Gorse and fern fires have made their appearance on the rare days of fine weather. But for the prompt action of Mr. J. Green and his sons, one such fire may have been attended with serious consequences. One incident deserves mention. Mr. Green, who had one evening motored two miles to the scene of the fire as soon as it became apparent that trouble was afoot, had climbed a smouldering tree in order to deal with it more effectively. Another enthusiast, stumbling over broken ground and smouldering branches, arrived at the base of the tree with a bucket of water, and failing, in the smoke and darkness, to distinguish between the tree and the human form clinging to it, effectively drenched both with the contents of the bucket. Such efforts could not go unrewarded, and after some two hours the fire was beaten out. Strangely enough, the last euchre and dance evening of the season was to be the most enjoyable of them all. Interest ran high, for it was known that several players had a chance of carrying off the points prizes, and, despite inclement weather, there was a good attendance. Play continued until after 10 o’clock, when supper was served by the

hall committee, and the floor cleared for dancing, Mr. Keys acted as M.C., while Miss C. Meredith officiated at the piano, extras being given by MLs Joyce Yeates, Mr. A. M. Wilson and Mr. T. Meredith. Later, the prizes were presented. Miss C. Green won the ladies’ prize for the evening, and Mr. F. Bentham that for tho men. The ladies’ points prize, donated by Mr. C. Bond, of Oakura, was won by Mrs. F, McGregor, with 27|points, while Mr. H. Hansen carried off the men’s prize with a like score. In presenting the prizes, Mr. Keys thanked those present for the support they had afforded the committee, and was able to predict a small “credit balance for the end of the season as a result of these functions. As though anxious to make tho best of this gathering, the young people kept the dance going until well after the usual hour. The annual meeting of settlers for the discussion of hall matters and election of a new committee has been arranged. Several members of the old committee have stated that they arc not seeking re-election, Mr. A. M. Wilson has almost completely recovered from the slight accident he suffered a week ago. The friends of Mr. Reg Sharpe will be pleased to hear that his sudden trip to the hospital has not necessitated a lengthy stay there. Master Dudley Pentelow is reported to be making a good recovery from his recent illness.