EAST COAST NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1739, 3 May 1906, Page 3

EAST COAST NEWS.

TOKOMARU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tokomaru is undoubtedly showing signs at present of progross and prosperity. That a good trade is being done by tho different stores bore is evidenced by the extensive improvements and developments that have taken placo during tho past year. It is also gratifying to note that the Maoris are making such good uso of their lands, their sheep-farming operations being on a largo scale and

efficiently managed. What porhap3 shows the progress of the placo in a moro marked manner than anything else is the fact that the Tost and Tolegraph Department has considered that the amount of business transacted here has warranted a permanent post-* master’s appointment. In education, the Maoris and Europeans are well looked after by a beneficent Government. The Native school, long established, shows no sign of decay in so far as attendance and elliciency go, there being now an attendance of over seventy scholars. The public school has an attendance of between twenty and thirty, and the new school promised will be a boon to both children and teacher.

The now postmastor, Mr J. Williams, arrived a few weeks ago. Mr Fox, the temporary ollicer, was recalled to Gisborne, but before leaving received a purse of sovereigns from residents and settlers as a mark of appreciation of the manner in which he had conducted his arduous duties. It needs but the speedy erection of the new post ollice and residence to make our postal affairs complete, The Hospital Ball to be held on Friday, May llth, promises to be a great success. Committees of ladies and gentlemen are working energetically, and the hospital fund should benefit materially. The annual general meeting of the Tokomaru Bay Football Club was held on April 28th at the Te Puka Hotel. Mr iSigloy was in the chair and there was a good attendance of members. The balance-sheet showed a credit of over £-f, which was considered satisfactory The election of officers for the ensuing season resulted as follows : Patron, the Rev. Filzgerald, President, Mr Hindmarsh, vice-presi-dents, Messrs Busby, Oates, Fairlie, E. R. Murphy, A. Murray, R. Johnston, J. H. Jamieson, Fairlie, Aorere Matahiki, Henderson, with secretary aud captain ; delegates to Rugby Union, Messrs Sigley and Newton; selection committee, Messrs Fairlie, Newton and A. Matahiki.; secretary and treasurer, Mr Newton ; auditor, Mr Buchanan. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Newton for his past services as secretary. It was decided that the club be strict this season in the matter of subscriptions, and that none but financial members bo eligible for selection in the team. It was also resolved that a recommendation bo made to the Waiapu Union that the secretary of the Union keep a register of financial members of each club, and that none but financial members be allowed to take part in any cup matches. The opening of the season was fixed for Saturday, May I2th, when Tokomaru, the winner of the cup for three successive seasons, will play all-comers. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated- the meeting.