DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4340, 9 November 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(“Gazette” Staff Reporter.) TURUA. SCHOOL MATTERS. . The Turua School Committee has received thd Education Board’s special grant of £7 19s 3d for concrete pipes for the house paddock approach. The headmaster’s reppr.t for October is as follows: Children admitted, 11; children withdrawn, 10; number on roll, 171; average attendance for month, ,143.9. Owing to the succession of wet Saturdays the work of filling in with drain spoil has not been touched since the last meeting. This work, and that of discing the new filling and garden plot, are the only important works to be completed Accounts paid were £7 9s 3d to Messrs Foote Bros., £9 15s for school cleaning to October 31, £1 12s 6d for sanitary service to September 30. Total £lB 16s 9d. No word has yet been received from ’.he Education Board as to whether they have yet received the subsidy from the Department. I advised your chairman of the Inspector’s visit to the school on October 26, and a deputy,on consisting of Messrs R, Millar, J. McConnell, and C. Dale placed before him the matters ofi the urgent necessity for additions to the school and of the erection of a teacher’s residence, I would suggest that the Committee apply to the Education Board for a supply of tar and sand and for labour for the purpose of tarring and sanding the playground. IMPROVING SPORTS GROUND.

The sports ground at Turua presented a very busy appearance last Saturday, when an industrious working bee was engaged in generally improving the sports ground in readiness for the Hauraki Plains Athletic and Sports Club’s annual sports gathering early next year. There were many willing workers who toiled on their sports ground throughout the greater part of the day. . Next Saturday it is intended to grade and disc the ground. The secretary of the sports club has received a communication from the Northern Athletic Union granting February 9 as the date for the dl.ub’s sports gathering flor the coming season. SHIPPING FACILITIES. Mr George, assistant manager of the Northern Steamship. Co., visited Turua last Monday, presumably with the idea of invesl'igating several complaints made regarding the landing of freight from the steamers, and to enquire if the system can be improved. • NGATEA. CELEBRATING THE FIFTH, November the Fifth was well celebrated at Ngatea, where the ■school children combined to make one big bonfire.. The affair was organised by the headmaster, Mr I. Macken, and Old and young gathered round the bonfire to enjoy the fireworks display.

HIKUTAIA. TIMBER MILLING., The t,wp sawmills in the Hikutaia district are working .full time, regular and heavy orders being exported. Messrs Gillibrand and Bates brought in 7000 feet of kauri per motor .'lorry one day recently for export. The ,in. dustry is a valuable one to the district, and it is to be hoped that orders will be maintained. 4 THE FACTORY. The Hikutaia cheese factory output is steadily advancing,- averaging 53 cheeses for the month. It is anticipated that last year’s maximum, 58, will soon be reached. WHAREPOA. z FACTORY OUTPUT. The Wharepoa cheese factory is doing exceptionally well this season, averaging 35 and 36 cheeses per day, and has reached 37. Three years ago the average was 26. The grade, too, is very satisfactory indeed, ranging up to 91 and 92% points. THE MAIN ROAD.

The Thames County has become notorious .for its bad roads, and Wharepoa is in a particularly crude condition in respect tp the main road from the railway station towards trie ferry. Nothing short of a rating area and special ’loan will meet the case, but the cost .would be recouped by a substantial. reduction in wear and tear.. WAIKINO. SOCIAL AND DANCE,, A social and dance was held in the Victoria Hall on Friday, in ajd. of funds for the Waikino Cricket Club. The attendance was not as llarge as other functions have been, chiefly on account of 'the weather, and short notice of its taking place. The first, waltz took place at 8 p.m., Mr. Claud Cater being the pianist for the evening. During the supper, which took place ait about 10.30 p.m., Miss Shaw played the extras,. The M.C. was Mr C. Phillips, who conducted 'the business in hi|S usual good style. The catering was in the hands of Mr L. Steel, who has lately opened up business here as baker, etc., and all at the function were more than satisfied. TENNIS CLUB. The official opening of the Waikino Tennis Club took place on Saturday. There were a good many players and visitors present at the court. At about 2.30 p.m. the president, Mr. E. Johnson, gave a very interesting speech in well-chosen words, declaring the court opened for the season 1921-22. The honour of smarting the first ball rolling was gracefully performed, and in good style, by Mrs; E. Johnson, amidst great applause from allil present, after which several! games took place. Afternoon tea was provided and served by ladies present.