DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4322, 26 September 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(“Gazette” Staff Reporter.) NGATEA. FACTORY EMPLOYEES’ DANCE. That the Ngatea Hall' is not nearly large enough for the requirements of the district was emphasised more than ever last Thursday night, when the Ngatea butter factory employees held a very successful social evening. Upwards of 1 40 couples occupied the floor throughout the evening and a lengthy dance programme was thoroughly enjoyed, the only drawback being the lack of dancing space. The floor was in good order.. Mr Rowntree at the piano and Mr Flatt on the violin rendered excellent music, while Miss Wells and Mr Stackpole obliged with extras. Mr W. Kirby delighted the company with a song. Messrs G. F. Satchell, R~ G. Jackson, and E. H. Potter were M’s.C. The proceeds of the entertainment are to be devoted to the hall c .-larging scheme, which should benefit to the extent of about £l2. This dance was such a great success that the factory employees intend holding another such entertainment at no very distant date. PERSONAL. Mr C. Mellor, the secretary of the Ngatea Butter Factory Employees’ Social Committee, was unable to attend -the dance last Thursday evening. Mr Mellor has not been well the last few days and has been confined to his bed.. Mr W. Kirby, who broke his leg in a football match a short time ago, was able to leave the hospital a few days ago. ODDFELLOWS LODGE, There is every hope that the efforts of those interested in the movement to form a branch of the Oddfellows Lodge at Ngatea will be rewarded. The movement is said to be favoured by the settlers in that district, and it is understood that a meeting will shortly be held to discuss all details pertaining to the formation of an Oddfellows branch. ROADS AND DRAINS. The Lands Department- has recently showed increased activity in the vicinity of Ngatea and more men have been employed to improve both the roads and drains. THE P.O. “DOG-BOX.” „ The Ngatea people are still wondering when their “6 by 8 dpg-box,” which the postal authorities are pleased to call a post office, will be replaced by a much larger and more up-to-date building to cope with the ever-increasing (business passing through the postmistress’ hands. OVERCROWDED SCHOOL. The Ngatea School is not in a much better plight than the post office. With ,the steadily increasing population it will undoubtedly soon be found impossible to even crowd the pupils into the school house (plus the shelter shed), the latter being at present used for teaching purposes. The attendance is now over 80, and the normal 1 , capacity of the school about 50.

NETHERTON. FARMERS’ QUEEN DANCE. In order to help tp place the farmers’ queen at the "top of the Paeroa list, a most enjoyable dance was held at Netherton last Thursday evening. The function was to have been in the form of a euchre "party and dance, but it was found impossible to epn‘duct the euchre successfully, and consequently that portion of the arrangements lapsed. With a fast floor and good music by Mrs Budd (Paeroa) and Miss Smith (Hikutaia) the 40 couples who attended spent a very pleasant evening. The arrangements were in charge of Mr M. C. Smith, of Hikutaia. Mr W. Andrews ably conducted the duties of M.C. Mr H. Smith obliged with a recitation. KEREPEEHI. A concrete piping culvert was recently completed at what is known as the Kerepeehi corner. This culvert gives access to the road, which, when formation work is completed, will be suitable for traffic from the Kerepeehi corner to the Wairau Road.

lURUA. Reports from Huihau Road dai ,- y factory state that the recent rains have had the effect of increasing the milk supply, which is increasing every day. It is also stated that comparing this period with a similar period last year, a great deal more milk has been supplied to the factory. The cheese output is also increasing. The first shipment of this season’s cheese was made last Wednesday. when 39 crates were sent away. Next Wednesday the factory manager expects to ship 100 crates. WHAREPOA. BASKET SOCIAL. A most successful social evening in the form of a basket social was held at Wharepoa by the hall committee on Thursday. This is the first of a series of socials in aid of the supper room fund, which should benefit considerably in consequence of Thursday’s effort. About 56 couples danced to the excellent music supplied by Mr Albert Williams. Messrs B. Burkhardt and G. Hamilton made very capable M'sjC. A competition, for which a cake was-the prize, was won by Mr D. Bax.