DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4364, 11 January 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

FATETONGA. SCHOOL ENLARGEMENTS. Like most schools in progressive districts the school at Patetonga had been found to be far too small for requirements. It had been designed .o accommodate 45 pupils, but at present there are 78 on the roll. The school committee's recent application for a grant of £5OO to enlarge the building was successful. Consequently, to-day there is a school to accommodate 90 children. TJie additions, as well as a flagi-pole erected by. public subscript tiorr, have recently been completed, ready for the children when they return after the summer vacation. The two new rooms, which are part of the enlargements, have been nicely fitted out, and should suit the requirements Of the district for some time to come. It is the intention of the school committee to have an official opening of the new portions when the children return after the holidays. FINE HAY CROPS. Haymaking appe.ars to be claiming the attention of the Patetonga settlers at the present time, and full advantage is being taken of the splendid summer' weather to gather in the hay. Passing along the roads one may sea enormous quantities of hay already stacked or being stacked!, or awaiting the convenience ofi haymakers. HEALTHY STOCK. While other centres on the Hauraki Plains.are complaining of the 'large amount of disease in their herds, and are forming veterinary clubs, the Patetonga people are quite contente 1 that they have extremely healthy cattle. PICTURES AND DANCES. Mr Woods, qf Paerpa, has commenc-i ed the screening of weekly picture programmes in the Patetonga HaU. Already three programmes have been shown, and Mr Woods has been quite pleased with the result, having a large audience on each occasion. The operating box and fittings are up-to-date, the box being asbestos-lined. The Patetonga people are making commendable efforts to augment the hall fund and are availing themselves pf' every opportunity to raise money. A very successful dance was held on Friday, and it is anticipated that more will follow. MANGAWHERO ROAD. The contractors employed in the formation of the Mangawhero Road are rapidly progressing with the work, Several drays are carting spoil from the hills, and over three miles of clay road has been completed. Two wooden bridges have been completed at the end of this road. KAIHERE. THE POURUA ROAD. Bullock teams ate engaged carting fascines, to be used in the formation of the Pourua Road. Five drays and two waggons are kept continually busy carting clay to that road, which will open up the soldier settlements. BUCYRUS DREDGE, At the Kaihere Landing the new Bucyrus dredge is rapidly being fit-> ted up. Most of the machinery has been placed in position, and the walls of the shed which houses the machinery have been erected. The dredge should soon be ready for work, NGATEA. THE PUHUNGA CANAL. It is the intention of the Lands Department to improve the Pqhunga canal, and. a dredge is soon to be put to work there. The spoil will be thrown on to the road on the, west side, so as to enable a road to bo properly formed there. While this work is being done traffic will be directed along the road on the east (island) •side of the canal. The canal is to be bridged at the southern end to enable traffic tp cross back to the main road.