THAMES NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4365, 13 January 1922, Page 4

THAMES NOTES.

THORNTON’S BAY CONCERT.

VISITORS TO THE BEACH.

(“Gazette” Coast Correspondent.)

Over 200 people were well entertained one evening recently at Thornton’s Bay, where the children, under the chairmanship of Mr J. W. Danby, of Thames, presented a concert consisting of singing and elocutionary items. The affair was immensely enjoyed, and provided no end of amusement. The beach visitors hope the children will give another performance at an early date. PERSONAL,. Among those who have been, enjoying a stay at Thornton’s Bay lately are : Mr and Mrs J. Judd, Messrs J. W. Danby and family, F. H. Claxton and family, S. A. Hetherington, F. H Hetherington, Eric Kelly, Beck and party, L Griffin, EL Watson and party, J. Treadaway (Hauraki Plains), Rev. J. P. Cowie (vicar at Pukehohe), Mis Douglas (wife of Dr. Douglas, of Hamilton), G. Price, Dr. Henderson (Te Awamutu), R. Darrow (Putaruru). Mr G. Cullen’s fine new residence is about completed. PURU BEACH. The Puru Park Estate, and other parts of Puru, are well patronised, the following being among the visitors living in residences for the most part: Messrs L. Roberts and family, Malcolm Morris and family, W. D. Nicholas and family, Mr and Mrs Wyn. Edwards and Mrs Parry and family, Mr and Mrs B. Gilmer and family, and Mrs Rogerson, pfl Auckland ; Mr and Mrs E. E. Gillman and family, Mr and Mrs A. -F. Steedman and family, Mr Mclntyre and Family, Mr Ryan and family, Mr W. H. Hume and Mr Storey, of Hamilton, Mr Geo. Sarjant, Mr and Mrs A. R. Robinson and ily, Mr and Mrs A. Reid, and Miss Roberts of Wellington; Mr and Mrs Mingay and family, Mrs Parlour and family, of Morrinsville, Mr and Mrs G. H. TayloA and a number of others. The parties are having a most enjoyable time, fishing, tennis playing, etc.; also fishing for schnapper and flat-fish. The children patronise the swings very freely, and are regular dippers in the briny.' Most of the people whose names are mentioned above are from Paeroa and district. THE COAST ROAD. The question of finding money for putting main roads into order was discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the Thames County Council. The chairman (Mr Henry Lowe) said : “Unless we can get the Government to assist, or can borrow money, we will still have to continue having one of the most disgraceful roads I know of.” The clerk (Mr H. T. G. McElroy) pointed out that some other county councils compelled outside users of a main road to contribute towards the cost. Members thought that motorists should be made to pay, especially "where the road is used mainly for pleasure purposes. Cr. P. Faithful thought the tyre and vehicle tax would meet requirements.

The chairman held that a tax on "casuals" was needed.

Cr. Blackett said the coming of the visitors was certainly a benefit to the Thames Borough, and maybe the Borough Council would contribute towards the cost of the Coast Road. Continued in next Column.

Continued frtan previous Column. The chairman s.aid he thought the Borough Council would take a. very reasonable view pf the position, and would welcome suggestions flor a practicable scheme of collecting a tax. Cr. W. J. McCormick declared that a motor-car owner would be well recompensed to pay £25 per year. This would only be the cost of two tyres. At present the tyres did not wear out; they just chopped out. It was decided to go further\into the matter at a future meeting. The following is a table of the traffic along the road, both ways, takeu over a period of seven days by a County Council employee: Motor cars. —Thames Borough, 55 per cent.; Thames County, 10 per cent.; outside districts', 35 per cent. Motor busses and lorries.—Thames Borough, 61 per cent.; Thames County, 35 per cent.; outside districts, 4 per cent. Motor cycles and side-cars.— Thames Borough, 55 per cent.; outside districts, 45 per cent. Sulkies,, buggies, brakes, and spring carts. —Thames Borough, 70 per cent; Thames County, 27 per cent.; outside districts, 3 per cent..