“Gazette” District News

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4390, 15 March 1922, Page 1

“Gazette” District News

KOMATA REEFS. THE SCHOOL. A part of the damage done by the recent floods in Komata was the washing away of the bridge which crossed the creek to the school. A temporary plank was used to enable the children to attend school. . The Education Board’s architect instructed the committee to erect a new bridge. -Owing to the length of the span (36 feet) it was necessary for the Paeroa Sawmill to procure the tlimber from Auckland. This arrived last week, and the workmen have ■just completed the new bridge, which is much higher than the old one. It was also necessary to re-erect about six chains of fence damaged by the flood, and build a stone wall two chains long to prevent further floods from washing the school grounds away. The Komata School has been without a teacher sirice Mr R. A. Watson left on the first of the month, and we understand that the committee have wired and written twice to the Board but so far without result. THRU A. SPORTS CLUB MEETING. There was a good attendance of committeemen of the Hauraki Plains Athletic and Sports Club in Mr R. McLean’s office on Thursday evening last,, when Mr G. Gray occupied the chair. A balance-sheet concerning the club’s operations, from October 20, 1921, to March 7, 1922, was presented by the. secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Gibson, who reported that the balance-sheet showed the club to be in an imporved positlion, its capital having increased by £lB 18s lid.. The cash credit was now £5l 13s 3d. The members subscriptions had totalled £5l 9s, donations £l7 14s 6d, nominations February 9 £44 12s 6d, refreshment booth receipts January 2, £l4 12s 6d, February 9(, £6O 5s lid, gate receipts, February 9, £22 Os 6d. The balance-sheet was approved of and is to be presented at an anunal general meeting to be held shortly. A vote of ’thanks'was. passed tp Mr J. E. Green for his garden party donation. Messrs Gposell, Brownlee, and Bennett were appointed auditors. A decision concerning a protest lodged against H. who gained second pla'ce in the maiden chop at! the recent spprts, was received from Mr Hardy, the handicapper, who ruled that Johansen was ineligible, having won a Balden event at Kerepeehi. G. Egan was awarded second prize. Johansen is to be advised accordingly. The services of the energetic ladies’ committee at the recent sports, was greatly appreciated, and by the way of an appreciation of their services, the men arranged to hold a picnic meeting on March 25.' On this occasion all arrangements and work will be carried out by the men, so ‘■hat the ladies will have a free day., The following committee was appointed: Messrs C. Scott, J. L. Brownlee, J. Bennett, H, Goodsell, F. White, W. Chapman, W. Elvin, J. T. Davies. Messrs Brownlee and Goodsell were appointed joint secretaries.

STOCK SALE. Messrs Buckland and Son had a fair yarding of stock .at' their Turua sale on Friday. Store cattle showed slight improvement. Fat steers brought £7 ss, fat cows from £4 to £5 10s, rough beef £2 lOsto £3. Fat wethers made to 18s, store lambs 9s. Heifer calves from £1 5s to £2. VALEDICTORY. The esteem in which the Rev. and Mrs R. F. Falconer are held by the people of Turua was evinced on Friday evening, when a farewell gathering was held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. v On behalf of tlhe congregation and committee Mr J. C.. Miller presented the Rev. Falconer with a travelling rug, Mrs Falconer with an umbrella, and Master Ronnie Falconer with a purse of money. Mr Platt, on behalf of tlhe choir, handed Mrs Falconer a nicely bound and suitably inscribed hymn-ibook. Mr Zeigler acted as chairman throughout the evening, during which the choir sang anthems andt the following rendered sbngs: Mesdames Walker, Zeigler, Mules and Mr Dalgleish. while Mrs Gopdsell and Mrs Falconer officiated at the organ. on Sunday the Sunday School children made a presentation of a nice case of silver teaspoons to Mrs Falconer. NGATEA. . THE DRAINS. At the invitation, of the Ngatea Farmers’ Union Mr E. Taylor, dent engineer for the Lands Department, met a number ofl settlers on Saturday afternoon, when the congestion of water between Rawerawa and Ngatea was the subject of discussion. Mr Taylor explained that when the flood came recently it was at a very awkward time, being just before the annual cleaning of the Department’s drains. The congestion of water was therefore greater than it otherwise would have been. The 'opening up of the proposed Pourua Road would relieve this congestion considerably. He agreed that the two Ngattea West drains had beep overtaxed with the recent floods, but with the continuation of the Hopai drain some water Continued In next Column.

Continued from previous Column, wpuld go in that) direction. The levels of other outlet drains would later be taken. Mr W. G. Hayward asked if the water from one of the Ngatea main street drains would be diverted towards Rawerawe between Messrs Leonard’s and Quarrie’s properties and fill in one qf the main drains. Mr Taylor did not thipk this was possible at present, but it would be a matter for consideration. Mr W. Clark asked if the outlet drains could be cleaned twice a year. Mr Taylor said this, was a matter of finance, and the Department was not well off at present. THE BAKERY. Mr who proposes to establish a bakery at Ngatea, has arrived and is at present receiving his timber and bricks for his bakehouse. He is receiving valuable assistance from the local farmers, who have been helping to cart the timber and have also promised to help to cart the bricks. HALT. WORKING BEE. The Ngatea settlers were busy allday Saturday carting and levelling clay in front of the hall. Fascines were first laid in the unsightly hollow, and the clay put on top. About half a dozen drays and numbers of willing Ngatea people were engaged in the work. Afternoon tea was served by a number of ladies. REMINISCENCE. “Ten years ago, when I 'cam© here,” said a Ngatea settler, “therewas no bridge, and few houses, but plenty of water and swamp growth.” Other early settlers tell the same story, and it has been stated that before the hall was erected, about six years ago, there were no entertainments and few meetings. The Fanners’ Union met once a month, but a private house (had to be used for the purpose. The opening of the hall was a great night. It took the form of a dance, and a really enjoy.- ’ able evening was spent. “You ask Sorand-so how he dressed So-and-so up,” said one when discussing tihe affair. “And somebody, else broke into 'certain refreshments before the time?’

A great improvement has been seen in the district since the fii*st opening of the hall, the district having developed wonderfully. Evidence of the prosperity and advancement is the enlarging of the ■hall, and another successful 'opening was held on Friday.