HIKUTAIA NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4455, 18 August 1922, Page 2

HIKUTAIA NOTES.

(By Scrutator.) CHURCH. A meeting of the parishioners of St. Mary's & (Anglican) Church was held on the 6th inst., the Rev. F. B. Dobson presiding over a large and representative attendance. The vicar in the course of his remarks regretted that interest in matters pertaining to the Church had slackened of late. This, he thought, was due more to lack o’ organisation than to spiritual apathy, and he expressed the hope that the large congregation present was an augury of a recrudescence of that enthusiasm and devotion that *n former years had characterised his parishioners in Hikutaia. 'Finances of late had also been below normal, so that Hikutaia did not compare favourably with the many churches situated. in less favoured districts. .He was aware that one service per month was not conducive to the best results ; but the fact was that, though he did his utmost, the parish had extended to such an extent that it was impossible for anyone who was unable to split himself in halves to give the supply that the parishioners had every right to expect. He trusted that the time was not very distant when his parish would be so divided that the services of another clergyman would be available. Mr A. R. Robinson stated that Mr Dobsen’s efforts were most highly appreciated, and regretted that the vicar's endeavours were not more warmly seconded. For some time the committee had practically become non existent; but, notwithstapding this, the congregation present to-day showed that the parishioners had not forgotten their church, and that the vicar was held in high, esteem and regard. The congregation of the day was the result of a very little effort; and if this effor.t were continuous, and continued by the strong committee that, he thought, should be elected forthwith, much better attendances and greater financial results would ensue.

Mr Robinson's suggestion regarding the appointment .pf a large and strong committee sp appealed to tne meeting that the following ladies and gentlemen were duly elected: Mesdames A. W. Alley, W. H. Alley, Bax, and Murdoch, and Messrs Alt, A. W-, and W. H. Alley, G. Avery, A. R. Robinson, and V. Young. Mr J. Elliot was unanimously elected bon. secretary and treasurer.

The newly elected committee met at the conclusion of the congregational meeting and informally discussed the position. It was decided to make a strong effort to stimulate church attendance and to put the finances on a satisfactory basis. A list opened at the meeting showed excel'ent results,, nearly twenty gainers being promised by those present.

Services in connection with the Methodist Church, have been in progress for some two months. By ;he kind permission pf the vicar (Rev. F. B. Dobson) these services are held in St. Mary’s Church, and are conducted with much acceptance by the Rev. Mr Enticott, Raerpa. An effort is being made to inaugurate a choir, which meets once a week in the punlie 'hall .or practice and a little social recreation. COMMUNITY SINGING. The Community Sing-song germ, which is spreading with such remarkable rapidity, is nearing Hikutaia, where within a short time an effort will be made to extend the popularity of the prevailing epidemic. DANCE AND EUCHRE. The celebrations in connection with the opening of the new post office and the new school were brought to a successful conclusion with a most enjoyable dance and euchre tournament, held in the public hall on Monday night. A floor in tip-top condition, excellent music by Williams’ orchestra, a courteous and efficient M.C. (Mr B. McSweeney), and a liberal and. recherche supper: these .were the factors that commanded success. In the euchre competition the prize donated by Mr I. M. Robinson (,a marketing basket of useful size and graceful proportions) was won by Mrs C. Walker, the winner of Mr Geo. Avery’s prize, a handsome umbrella, being Mr Brown, Paeroa. Over thirteen pounds were taken at the door, so that the committee in charge of the whole pf the celebrations will have to face a small, if any, deficit. SCHOOL COMPETITIONS.

The results of the school competitions in connection with the Hamilton Winter Show have come to hand, and from them it appears that three pupils pf the Hikutaia school have won prizes. These are Pearl Hanlen and George Murphy, who came first and third respectively in the Nature Study section, and Annie Rare, who was second in her class for drawing. As the number of competitors was considerable, our congratulations are proportionately hearty. PERSONAL. The residents have heard with .extreme regret that, having disposed pf his blacksmithing business, Mr G. Collins is about to leave the district. A live citizen, who took an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare bf the distirct, his departure is a distinct loss. Mrs Collins’ assistance in all social efforts adds to the sense of loss sustained by the community as a’ whole. Mr Collins and family take with .them the best wishe”. of the residents for their future "health, wealth, and prosperity." The old post office having been depleted of its equipment, postal work is now in full swing in the new building, Mrs Brown, lately in charge of the Karangahake office, who is in charge, being assisted by Miss Q’Brien. The new cheese factory manager, Mr H. Gilmer, with his family has arrived in Hikutaia, apd will take charge in the course of a few days. THE RAIN. The late rains have exercised an excellent effect on the pastures, where new spring growth has Bade a start. Feed is much scarcer this year than it was at the corresponding, period last year, while the disastrous effects of the late flood have not yet

been overcome. However, the cows are "coming in” well, the delivery of milk at the factory showing an almost daily increase. ACCIDENT. While unloading his horses at Cambridge at the end pf last week Mr W. K. Morrison met with a painful accident which removed a considerable portion of the flesh from one of his fingers. While closing the doors of the railway waggon his finger was crushed into the slot, with the resuk as stated above. ELECTRIC LIGHTING. Almost immediately after tea on Sunday night the electric light so recently installed in many houses suddenly and without warning went put, thus giving the users an experience which is as common with electric ps with r *ther forms of lighting. We understand that Mr Battson, of Thames, has so many orders for installations of electric light that some time will elapse before the latest orders can be filled. The gre.ater number of orders are going to the enterprising Thames electrician, whose entry into the field against the Power Board did a great ileal to bring prices within a reasonable limit.