TARATA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144430, 18 July 1914, Page 7

TARATA.

FROM OPR OWN CORRESPOSr.ENT. July 17. —Since I last wrote tilings in Tarata have pursued the even tenour of their way, as is their wont in these outlying districts, which always seem to me like the back-waters of the mighty river of modern life. In tho main stream all rush along with a roar and (lash, tin- scene is constantly changing, ami life in its countless forms, like the river, now rushing on with, resistless, though calm, force, now dashing over the hidden rocks ot seme remonstrance against the inequalities of our modern social system, and occasionally falling with a roar of thunder over tho cataract of a great public movement, only to emerge in whirlpools and foam afterward# and continue its course the same, yet never the same. It always reminds me of the old song,“Hurry along, Sorrow and Song, all is vanity ’noatli the sun.” But places like this arc like the backwaters of the river. All is peace and quietness. Hardlv over docs anything happen to disturb our blissful peace and quiet, and we read, but hardly grasp, the movements in the great world outside. Still we do have occasional breaks, ripples as it were, to prevent our waters from becoming entirely stagnant. The great event, of course, is tho mooting of our Dog Trial Club, with its attendant concert and dance and smoko concert. Of these you have had full accounts. Then we have nmthree annual balls, given by the bachelors. the ladies, and the settlers of .the district. The two first are now tthings of the past. The bachelors had .'bard luck in their venture a month -ago. A pouring wet night damped the .ardour of all but tho most devoted worshippers of Terpsichore, and a comparative failure was the result. Still, I have no doubt that our boys will bo to the front again next winter, for “Hope springs eternal in tho human breast,” and we all hope that Jupiter Pliiviua will bo more kind. Last night the Ladies’ Ball came off, and a complete success crowned tho efforts ol the .hardworking committee of young ladies to whom the affairs wore entrusted. Tho hall was nicely decorated, tho supper was ono to satisfy even a gourmet, tho music (provided by Air. Alatthews’ orchestra) would have made, even a cripple want to dance, and the largest crowd that iias boon in tlio Tarata Hall for many years had ‘Tho time of their lives.” The* two M.G. s. Alisscs Paterson and V. Fougcre, had anything hut an easy time of it. but ono and all of tho visitors expressed themselves as charmed with the attention they received. Now our young folks, and indeed, many of the. older ones, are-looking forward to tho Settlers’ Ball. I hoar that a meeting, to malm arrangements therefor, is to bo held on Saturday evening.

Tho other event of recent time is tho inauguration of a motor service between Tarata and Inglewood, AVe have been long and faithfully served by Air. G. Hanover’s coach service from Purangi. But tho days of horse traction arc rapidly passing, and few are content nowadays with jogging along at tho pace, our grandfathers moved when they can gliclo over tho surface in half tho_ timo and with five times the comfort in an up-to-date car. Alia Brough is filling a long-felt want, as by patronising him -people can spend a full day in New Plymouth, or attend tho stock sales in Stratford, things which were impossible .before unless they had their own conveyances. So everyone is hoping that the venture will prove a success. I understand that something is shortly to bo done to improve,the appearance of our Recreation Ground. This is a matter which should receive tho hearty support of all our settlers. Wo are favoured with a ground in a most picturesque position, and a good deal w.-is done somo years age to make tho grounds worthy of the site, but of lato years little or notlrttg has been done, and I sincerely hope that the beginning non 1 being made will prove a forecast of bettor things to come.

Our teacher, Air. Tomjplcr. has returned from his stay in New Plymouth Hospital, whither he had been to undergo an operation to his foot, necessitated by an accident ho met witli in early life. Judging from what ho says of liis treatment while there tho hospital must bo rather a good place to go to. Air. Tern pier has nothing but praise for all concerned, and one hopes that all hospitals aro conducted on tho same lines. The school has been kept open during Air. ,I'cmplerh absence by Mrs. Warner, tho relieving teacher, who leaves us this week, and will take with her the good wishes of tho parents of tho children she has taught. Mr. Terapler resumes duty on Monday next.

I am informed that our local dairy factory has had to seek a now manager. Air. AVilliams, who has been managing tho factory for the past two years, has secured a position as manager of a new factory in Christchurch, and leaves shortly for tho City of tho Plains. The suppliers will be sorry to lose him, as ho has done good work for the company. Tho new manager, whoso name I havo not learned, comes from Afakalui.

Tho adjourned annual meeting of householders takes place on Alonday, 27th inst., when wo hope to see a fuller attendance than on tho first attempt.