PASTURES REVIVING

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1935, Page 8

PASTURES REVIVING

SOUTH TARANAKI’S GREENNESS. DAIRY PRODUCTION INCREASES. A' month ago the coastal regions of South Taranaki were burnt and brown and the absence of green grass was almost depressing in its severity. It was difficult to know what the stock lived on and in many cases farmers were using their winter feed to keep their stock alive. To-day the countryside presents a changed appearance. Beautiful young green grass has replaced the dried pastures as' if by magic and young grass is growing in a remarkable manner. The splendid rains of a few weeks ago, the warm ground, and the warm weather that has followed, have all contributed to the change, and the result has exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine. It is litre a second spring and the grass is generally of a splendid colour. The dairy stock has responded magnificently, and milk supplies have increased enormously. Nearly every factory reports an increase an cheese output and although the best of the season has undoubtedly gone there should be an upward tendency in output for the final two months. OKAIAWA SUNDAY SCHOOL. PRESENTATION TO MRS. THRUSH. There' was a large and appreciative attendance at the annual' Union Sunday school concert and prize-giving at Okaiawa on Wednesday night. The Rev. Cottam congratulated the school on the progress made during the year and welcomed all present. The programme, which was of a high order and reflected credit on those who had trained the children, was as follows: Opening chorus, children; recitation, Betty Christiansen; pianoforte solo, Peggy Cran; recitation, Eunice Poulsen; pianoforte duet, Maida Green and Merle Rae; recitation, Bruce Green; chorus, children; recitation, Esme Thomas; pianoforte solo, Areta Rakena; recitation, Alfred Walters; pianoforte duet, Peggy and Jim Cran; chorus, children; recitation, O. Rakena; recitation, Irene Guy; recitation, Nellie Walsdorf. The second half, contributed by the Bible class members, was: Pianoforte duet, Misses E. and O. Thomas; songs, Mr. W. Sextus; recitation, Miss B. Evetts; song, Miss N. Hemsley; song, Mr. C. Blair; recitations, Mr. D. Wards; songs, Mr. F. Tilly; instrumental quartette, Silby party (Manaia); dialogue, Bible class girls. The Rev. Watson in . presenting the prizes thanked those who had ■ trained the children and paid tribute to the work of the teachers in the Sunday school. He appealed to parents to see their children attended Sunday school regularly. Presentations were made to the teachers, Mrs. Thrush, Misses D. Taylor, E. Bridgewood, I. Crosbie, J. Murdoch and E. Wards.

Mr. D. Wards said the school was suffering a severe loss, regretted by all, in the departure of Mrs. Thrush, the superintendent, from the district. He conveyed to Mrs. Thrush the thanks of the parents for the good work she had accomplished in Sunday school affairs for many years. On behalf of the school Miss Jean Murdoch made a presentation to Mrs. Thrush. In replying Mrs. Thrush said she was very sorry to leave the district and the Sunday school, with which she had been connected for 13 years. She expressed appreciation of tire loyalsupport received by her from the assisting teachers. AUROA GUILD WELCOME. NEW MINISTER’S ARRIVAL. The monthly meeting of the Auroa Church of England Guild was held in the hall on Wednesday afternoon, when there was a good attendance of members presided over by the vicar, Canon J. H. Sykes. Mrs. Sykes and Miss Sykes were also present. On behalf of the guild, Mns. Benton extended greetings and a welcome to Canon Sykes, Mrs. Sykes and their daughters. Canon Sykes thanked all for the welcome and expressed his joy at coming to a country parish after 20 years’ work at Wellington. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames West and Lyndon.