DISTRICT NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13432, 10 March 1917, Page 9

DISTRICT NEWS

HOROTIU. Farmers' Union meeting. The monthly meeting of the Horotiu branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held on Saturday. Mr R. I>. Duxfield presided over a Fair attendance Mr T. A. Cooper, the oHicinl organiser, explained many matters regarding the federation of the brandies and the advantages to be derived therefrom.

A quanti'ty of correspondence from the provincial secretary was dealt with, and it was decided that the following remits be forwarded to the Auckland executive:—(l) ' l That the president of any sub-provincial district shall be an ex-officio member of the provincial executive." ',2) "That tlie scheme regarding special settlements for returned soldiers as outlined does not appear to be a practical one, and request that the Government make every effort to have available sufficient land for returned soldiers, who should be given every assistance and encouragement possible."

The provincial secretary wrote submitting a resolution that has been passed by the executive, "That to assist the Military Service Boards committees of each local branch and special committees of farmers where no branches exists be formed to place before the Board facts regarding the effect upon production of the country of the calling up for service of farmers and farm labourers in their districts, and that men may apply to such committees in cases of appeal." After considerable discussion the following resolution was passed: "That (he sub-provincial executive act r.s a committee to enquire into matters perfaining to the release of farmers and farm labourers for service, and who may state to such committee his reasons I'm- exemptions if unable to go to Ihe front."

The chairman of directors of the Farmers' Co-operative Bacon and Meat Packing Company wrote that meetings are being arranged throughout the Waikato in order to explain to the farmers the objects and policy of the company.—lt was decided that the company be invited to hold a meeting at Horotiu in the evening on a date to be Jixed.

other business of minor importance was dealt with, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to Mr Cooper for his attendance, and the usual compliment to tiie chairman for presiding. \ Birthday Party.

A most enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mr and Mrs F. Honwood on Thursday last, the occasion being the. celebration of the 21st birthday of their youngest daughter. At about 8 o'clock the guests began to arrive, and shortly after a move was made to (lie barn, where dancing, games and other forms of amusement was indulged in. A number of musical and vocal items were contributed, and the fun was kept going until the early hours. Supper was served in the din-ing-room at the residence, and after it had been partaken of the guests repaired to the drawing-room to view the fine array of handsome and valuable presents of which Miss Henwood was the recipient. Among the guests were noticed several visiting soldiers on final leave, who had to leave by car at 11.30 p.m. to connect at Frankton with the Wellington express in order to be again in camp by Friday evening. Three hearty cheers rang out as the car sped away. Private H. Hinton, son of Mr H. Hinton, who for a number of years resided In Horotiu, was also present, being on final leave from camp. The opportunity was taken to make Private Hinton a presentation as a mark of the esteem and admiration in which he is held by a large and wide circle of friends. Mr F. Pope, senr., was entrusted with the ceremony, and in a few choice words referred to the fact that 11 le soldier guest had endeavoured to leave with an earlier draft, but having undergone an operation was unsuccessful in his efforts until accepted in the 24th Reinforcements. Mr Pope in asking Private Hinton to accept a set of military brusshes and a shaving outfit, wished the recipient, on behalf of his admirers, God-speed and a safe return. Private Hinton suitably returned thanks, and all then joined hands in singing "Auld Lang Syne."

MORRINSVILLE. A Long-standing Case. The long-standing case, Teni Tuhakaraina v. J. H. Mellows for damages for alleged negligence of a mare, Miss Kaka, occupied a good deal of time at the recent sitting of the S.M. Court. Phintiff stated that he agreed to pay Mellars £1 a week to look alter and feed the mare ,which was a valuable one, but -McUars ran her in his coach, and as r result of his negligence the horse got "down in the hip,' 'and had depreciated much in value. Defendant'gave evidence that he was to break in the mare to single and double harness, and that he occasionally nut her in the coach as part of th'e Tireaking-in. He denied that she was "down in the hip," and said that no complaint was made of the ccr.dit : o:i of the animal, until he sent a letter asking for payment of his account. The Magistrate non-suited plaintiff, with costs £5 Bs. Judgment was given for plaintiffs by default in the following cases:—C. M. Gardiner v. G. M. Rodgers, £2l 14s 3d, costs £3 lis; Petersen Bros. v. Huia, £5 Bs, costs £3 Is 6d; J .C. R, Watts v. J. Ross, £lO 18s 4d, costs £1 7s. Farewell. Privates A. Bluett and E. Maker, who arc on final leave, were farewelled at a social end dance at Motumaoho recently. Mr D. M. Stringer, on bchalf of those gathered, presented the former with a fountain pen, and Private Maber with a pipe and tobacco pouch. Friends of Mr J. J. Corrie, who leaves shortly for camn, gathered at the Empire Hall on Fridav evening to bid him farewell. Mr M. B. Mackenzie presided, and Mr Needham presented the guest witli a silver wristlet watch. The evening was pleasantly spent in toast and song. The cheese factories in this district are able to show an increase in their figures compared with 1916. The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Co. received during the month 646,9831b milk yielding 23,8381b butter-fat, and paid cheques to suppliers amounting to

£1390 10s 10d, payment being at the rate of Is 2d per pound, and the average test 3.67. The figures for 1916 were:—Milk 406,9541b, butter-fat 14,3531b, cheques £956 16s lid. The Norfolk Co-operative Dairy Co. received during the month 521,236 lb milk, giving 18,9631b butter-fat and paid to suppliers £llOs 13s 9d, payments being at the rate of Is 9d per lb. Last year the figures were:—Milk 449,340, butter fat 17,1751b, pavments £1072 10s . The Surrey Park Co-operative Dairy Co. received during the month 271,1971b milk, giving 10,0781b butter-fat, and pai dout to suppliers £650 17s. Church Anniversary. The aniversary social held by the Baptist Church was a very successful function. The chair was occupied by the Rev. A. Anstice, and interesting addresses were given by the Rev. J. I. Tnrnbull and the chairman. The report of the year's work was read by the secretary, Mr W. G. Edmeades. Advantage was taken of the gathering to make a presentation to the choirmaster, Mr A. Cntforth, who has served the church faithfully in this capacity ever since his arrival in Morrinsville five years ago. The present took the form.of a handsome silver-mounted ebony baton. A good musical program* was rendered during the evening, refreshments being handed round at the close.