HAWKE'S BAY NEWS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 117, 11 February 1919, Page 8

HAWKE'S BAY NEWS

Competent judges estimate Hint the actual eost of the new Napier main school buildings, including the cost of. land, compensation to present owners, fencing, legal expenses, and cost of furnishing, will run into nearly .£50,000. It is understood that the actual cost of erecting the buildings alone will run into just on .C2I),00I), and the balance will bo easily riiado up by the other items of expenditure. The plans for the new building are at present in Wellington for the' approval of the Education Department, and tenders for the work will be invited as soon as the plans have been approved— the other items of expenditure cannot be settled until the compensation claims are ■ dealt villi. The site qijes-tion is said to be definitely fixed, and the school will he creeled on Coleuso Hill. All that remains to be done in this direction is the publication of the proclamation taking the site, and this is expected.to ( appear in the Gazelle at any time. The residence of Mr. Charles Canning, of liiverbend, South Napier, was totaliy destroyed by fire at midday on .Sunday. The fire started in the back premises, and was first noticed about twenty minutes to twelve, when it had a strong hold. An alarm was Riven, and fifteen firemen went out in ears, but were unable to do anything but make i\ fruitless attempt to save some bicycles. The house and outbuildings, including a. motor shed, were all completely destroyed. The building was owned- by the Napier Harbour Board, and was insured with the London end Lancashire Office.' Mr. Canning and family were away in he country during the day. 'I'ltf spirit of vandalism that seems pieviflent in some areas is at present ncticoable in the south end o'f Hastings. Street, Napier. Here are situated 1 several small reserves controlled by the borough. An endeavour has been made to beautify these by planting trees and shrubs, but the engineer in charge of this ivork (Mr. K. A. Williams) is receiving verv little encouragement,, for a number'of residents, r.ot. children', have taken it on themselves to remove the majority of the choice trees planted. These persons, who can be regarded with nothing but. eon. tempt, have been very careful not In re. move a»v of the more common plants The Waipukuraii people appear to have made up their minds as to the methods In be adopted to avoid sendin"scholars to the district high school at Waipan-a. On Tuesday last no pup : l from AYmpukuran nt.t»nr"»d, wan! <111 Wednesday only ono scholar took advantage of the large conveyance running between the two I owns for the benefit of the children. II: is staled that the parents are nol going to permit their children to travel to Waipawa to secure what ought: to be available, in their own town. In this connect/on it is interesting lo note that the Iruant officer may provide « "surprise packet" to the parents of the scholars who are still of school i."_e. At a recent meeting of Si. Matthew's, vestry, Hastings, the victor intimated thaty acting on medical advice, the Rev. Mr. Blallnvayt has resigned his position as curate, and the resignation hod been accepted. The vestry placed on record the very high appreciation of JlJr. Blathwayl's services during his term of ministry here, and expressed regret that illness should have caused him to resign.. They I rusted that his health would soon be restored, and, as a mark of their appreciation and recognising I hat his illness had been contracted whiie carrying out his duties, they resolved to pay his stipend till the' end of March. - . A very pleasant afternoon was spout at the Napier Soldiers' Club 011 Saturday, when Captain I\ V. Storkey, V.C., was Ihe guest of i lie executive of the c.ub. A large number of returned soldiers, including visitors, were present. The toasts of "The King" and "Caplain Htorkey, V.C.," were honoured, and a ■musical programme given under the leadership of. Mr. .1. A. L. Hay. Alter allcrnoou lea. had been partaken of, a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent in story and reminiscence.