DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4324, 30 September 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(“Gazette” Staff Reporter.)

NETHERTON.

SCHOOL GROUND IMPROVEMENTS.

A meeting of subscribers to the Netherton School Ground Improvement and Recreation Fund was held in the Netherton schoolhouse on Wednesday evening. There were present Messrs C. H. Potter (chairman); T. Vowles, B. Whisker, ,P. Harold, I. Fisher, and J. Wakeham (secretary). Mr Potter that the reason for calling the jneoting was to explain what was being done with the money subscribed. The Board had failed to approve of the improvement scheme. The erection of swings and gymnastic apparatus, the Board had written, was a danger to the children. Under the existing circumstances the committee was powerless to continue with the scheme. Other improvements which would not be dangerous could be subsidised. There was at present £l9 10s in hand for this work.

Mr Wakeham drew attention to the swings, etc., in the school’s and parks in Auckland. If the local scheme were adopted the committee would have to provide a competent instructor. The school grounds' F§il’«lired~lmpreveiaeiits. .Mr Potter suggested .that the money should be used in providing a cricket pitch, tennis courts, and football ground'. Mr Vowles said that the committee had carried out their'Work with satisfaction, and moved th,at. the money should be left in the hands of the committee to do as they thought fit for the welfare of the children. Mr Fisher seconded, and the motion was carried.

Mr Potter thanked the meeting for placing its confidence in the committee.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE- -MEETING.

A meeting of the Netherton School Committee was held at the schoolhouse on Wednesday evening, the following attending: Messrs C. H. Potter (chairman), B. Whisker, J. Fisher, and J. Wakeham (secretary).

Mr Fisher proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Wakeham for his past valued services as secretary. The motion was carried with acclamation. Mr Wakeham suitably replied. At a recent meeting Mr Wakeham had resigned and. Mr D. Brown was apponited in his place.

Regarding the money subscribed for ground and improvements, Mr Potter thought that if a tennis court were provided the teachers could instruct the children, who could afterwards teach each other. Mr Wakeham suggested communicating with the Education Board, informing them .that the money had been left to the committee to spend as it thought fit. Mr Whisker suggested that- before the next meeting the committeemen should enquire the prices of the various outfits which may be utilised; The chairman promised to ascertain prices before the next meeting. The chairman reported that' voluntary labour had been promised for the erection of a saddle slied and building of a bridge. An estimate for the work had, however, been received, and would be forwarded to the Board.

ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL.

To provide sufficient accommodation for the 112 children at present on .the roll of the Netherton school an additional room, 24ft x 18ft 6in, is to be erected, and,.the workmen arrived on the site this week.

The present building was built to accommodate only 75, so it is evident that the addition will not be completed befo're it is required. Even with the additional room the school will not be top large and the accommodation will still be fully taxed. The workmen are at present housed in the shelter shed, which they have converted into very comfortable quarters.

TURUA.

THE WHARF.

With two steamers, the s.s. Apouri and s.s. Taniwha, loading at Turua. the wharf presented a very busy appearance on Wednesday evening. The present wharf has not sufficient accommodation for the berthing of one boat and handling the cargo:, so it is evident that a better equipped wharf is essential, especially when it is considered that there is a remarkable growth of trade at Turua.

The wharf is also none top safe. While the Apouri was loading, the ferry launches arrived from Thames and Kopu, and while these smaller craft were swinging round on the tide by a rope fastened to the wharf, part of the wooden structure was nearly being detached. A new and larger wharf is an essential for, Turua. DAIRY PRODUCE. Good shipments of dairy produce continue to be sent from Turua. Last Wednesday the N.Z. Dairy Company’s factory at Huirau Road sent away 65 crates of cheese, and the Haui’aki Plains Dairy Co. about 100 crates. Last week the latter factory shipped about 30 boxes of butter.

KEREPEEHI.

SOCIAL GATHERING. An exceptionally pleasant social and dance was field in the hall at Kerepeehi on Wednesday evening, dancing interspersed with, items comprising the programme. Good music was supplied by an orchestra consisting of Mr and Mrs Murdoch and Mr Twist, while Mrs Hutchinson and Miss Castles obliged with extras. Items were rendered by Mrs Twist and Messrs A. Johnstone, Twist, and J. Goodwin, the artists’ efforts being greatly appreciated. Mrs Parker and Miss J. Castles played’the accompaniments. The function was arranged by Mesdames Hutchinson, Taylor, Twist, Murdoch, and Davis, and Mrs Twist, and reflected great credit on the organisers,