Chatto Creek.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 452, 15 December 1904, Page 5

Chatto Creek.

'gj&\. : £f»OK a OoßßSSK>roDrr.] lif Vt the present time, things are hum- ' ming along on the Ctago Central Works, and work is being carried out on a more systematic manner than ever it was. Spottiß Creek bridge is finished and all earthwork and culverts are finished to allow of the rails being laid for four miles on the Chatto Creek side of Omakau. In about six months time all the heavy cuttings should be finished to the Manuherikia Biver; and I think I am safe in saying that in eighteen months from now the whistle of the engine will be heard by people living in Alexandra. There are about 200 men on the works at present, and a very respectable and industrious class of men they are. There are, of course, a few exceptions, but these are being weeded out, which is a good thing for the rest. About 18 hands were paid off last month, these being mostly young men; and I would like here to say that I don't think it is fair to old bachelors—of whom there are a good many on the works—with young men, and to be paid off at the same time, for when a man gets over 50 he can't put his swag On his back and travel like a young one, nor has he the same chance of getting a job elsewhere. I think the old bachelors have as much right to be left on as have the married men, and I hope this will be taken into consideration at the next "pay-off." There are five storekeepers attending the men on the works—four from Omakau, and Mr Rivers, of Alexandra, who has a branch store at Chatto Creek, and who I fancy does the lion's share of the business. There are also three butchers serving the workmen—two from Alexandra, and one from Omar kau—and all seem to be doing a good business. SCHOOL MATTERS. Over 50 children are attending the Chatto Creek school, of which Miss Noone is teacher. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Noone for the able and tactful way she manages the school, she being highly popular among parents and children alike, and I heartily endorse the complimentary references made concerning her by the Minister of Education during his visit to Chatto Creek the other day. The school is of incalculable benefit to the married workmen on the line, who highly appreciate the efforts made by Mr White in getting the school established.