DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1930, Page 10

DISTRICT NEWS

KOHURATAHI SETTLERS’ BALL. A very successful function was held by the settlers'in the Kohuratahi hall on Wednesday. The hall was effectively decorated. It was crowded to capacity and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Dancing was enjoyed to the music of Sait’s orchestra, the masters of ceremonies being Messrs. <L Law and E. Newland. A progressive euchre tournament was arranged for non-dancers, the prizes being won by Miss Thelma Nickel (Kohuratahi) I, Mr. w. ,E. Williams (Stratford) 1. Ladies’ consolation, Mrs. C. E. Bacon (Kohuratahi), men’s, Mr. Ji Carver (Kohuratahi). Musical items were given by . Messrs. C. Femmell and J. Christie,. Stratford, which were warmly applauded. Extras were played by Miss Sylvia Hight and Mr. E. Cleland., The decorations were the work of the ladies of the district. Mr.'Law, who presided, expressed the pleasure of the settlers in the district in being associated with the Farmers Co-op., and said he would like, on behalf of the shareholders in the district, to congratulate the society on the progress it had made. Taking into consideration the adverse times, its progress was remarkable, and reflected credit-on the management; The society had been very fortunate in having the services of two . first-class men in Mr; Hewitt and Mr. Trotter. Mr. N. R. Cleland, on behalf, of the chairman and' his fellow directors, said it was very pleasant to see such a large fathering. He desired to thank the farmers for their support to the society. He explained the present position of Mr. Hewitt wjth the Co-op. Five years ago, when Mr. Hewitt took over the reins of management, the arrangement entered into ‘by the board , was that Mr. Hewitt’s term would be either if or three or five years, and in the meantime Mr. C. G. Trotter (assistant general manager) was to qualify himself for the position of general manager. At the expiry of the five years, he -was pleased to say, Mr. Trotter had more than fulfilled the expectations anticipated, and when the time came for making a change it was not an easy or pleasant duty, because the directors were loth to lose Mr. Hewitt’s services. Mr. Hewitt had been appointed inspects - for the society, in which position there was plenty of scope throughout the district for a man of his business experience and ability. ' ’ Mr. Hewitt said there had been many changes in the society since they last met in the hall,'but this was only to be expected in such a large concern. He had always found the settlers in the district very loyal to him during the many years of business transactions in the locality, and he thanked the farmers for their continued support. Last year Mr. Belton gave facts and figures as to the progress of the society, which he was pleased to say was continuing. Things at that time were bright but to-day conditions had materially changed, and prices generally had receded. He, however, felt optimistic and hoped that in the near future values would improve and that by the end ox the year they ■would not be so pessimistic as some were to-day. During his 20 years’ experience in business in NewZealand he had never seen prices of all commodities produced by the farmer so

low at the one time. It was very difficult to run a large commercial business at present on payable lines on account of very high wages and overhead expenses, which were, a constant worry to the management, but notwithstanding all these drawbacks the society was stfll progressing, and it was hoped to show beneficial" results to farmers generally. . ' ,

MIDHIRST METHODIST GUILD.

s ANNUAL MEETING ' AND SOCIAL: The annual meeting and social of the Midhirst Methodist Guild, was held in the church at Midhinst on Thursday night. The Rev. T. Skuse presided. The annual report showed that a successful year had been experienced, there being a credit balance of £2O Is Id. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. G. Smith; vice-president, Mrs. W. Vickers; treasurer, Mrs. C. Burton; secretary, Mrs. A. Guthrie.

Two competitions were held, the prizes being awarded to Mrs. E. Skuse and Misses B. Masters and Hale. Musical items were given by Mrs. Gaze, Mrp. Guthrie, Miss Hale and Miss Skuse. Miss B. Masters accompanying. Numbers of games were arranged by Mr. Skuse, all .the young people joining in heartily. Supper was dispensed by the guild members. '

ELTHAM CROQUET OPENS.

The. formal opening of the’ Elthan. Croquet Club’s. season took place on Thursday afternoon. Although'the weather was not very‘favourable "0 players assembled visitors from + he Stratford. Avon, Kaponga, Opuhake and Hawera Park Clubs. ' 1 '

The president, Mrs. D. McCready, welcomed the visitors. Mrs. Manley, vicepresident, played the first ball. Afternoon tea was served. The winner of the goblets competition was Mr. A. J. Bennett, and of the Christmas cake. Mfs. D. Astbury. Golf croquet was played, the winner being, Mrs. Gallagher, Kapongai ■' 1 . ■