MATAU.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13797, 31 October 1908, Page 10

MATAU.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A farewell social was tendered to Mr and Mrs H. Chapman preparatory to their departure to the Ohura, where! they intend making their future home. Mr Hogg, on behalf of the settlers, presented to the departing couple a silver ornamental sugar basin as a small token of esteem and regard in which they are held by their fellow settlers. Mr Hogg, in making the presentation, called up pleasant and unpleasant reminiscences of the- difficulties of the pioneer days, when even the women laboured in transporting heavy loads of provisions over almost precipitous muddy tracks. This sort of struggling speaks volumes for the sturdy fighting capacities of the early settler. Mr. Chapman suitably responded, and in a few pleasant remarks expressed the appreciation they both felt for the kindness and honour conferred on them by their fellow -settlers. AYe wish them every success in their new home. Mr Hine addressed the electors here on the 14th inst. There was only a moderate attendance. Mr Hine spoke for a little over, an hour, and was listened to with marked attention. Mr McAsey was in the chair and introduced the speaker. A vote of thank* was passed to Mr Hine and the chairman, at the conclusion of the address. There was no opposition present of a hostile character. These mo.etinjrs, however, are no indication of the political barometer. It is that big silent majority that do not attend meetings or demonstrate in any way, that turns the scale in an election. Mr King is to spp*k here shortly. The weather has at last Taken a turn for the worse and is treating us rather unmercifully. Wo have now had ove** a wopk's nintrv blow and rain, making things decidedly unpleasant for the milking industry. However, there- is a superabundance of gras>s and cultivation in an advanced state, which is a compensative advantage for the above. A meeting of tho Matau Dipping Association is to be held on November 7 next. Members please note,