DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4463, 6 September 1922, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

waitakabubu. MAIL SERVICES. A particularly well .attended meeting of Waitakaruru residents was held in the hall after the picture entertainment on Saturday evening. The hall was crowded. Mr C. W. Harris was voted to the chair, and explained that the object of the meeting was cj consider a letter to the local postmistress from the Chief! Postmaster, Thames, regarding a proposed new mail service to Waitakarurp.

The letter stated: “The question cf the establishment of a mail service between Pokeno and Ngatea has again been brought up, and I am advised that the roads are being put in order and that there should be np objection to the establishment of the service on that score. The settlers en route are guaranteeing the provision of horses and a vehicle should the contractor not be able to get through. It is stated, however, that, it will be possible to use the motor .throughout year.” The letter also asked whether the proposed new mail service would suit the Waitakaruru settlers instead of the one via Thames, as at present, and continued “In the even.t of! the service being established it would hot be absolutely essential that your office be closed, unless, of course, it is preferable that the settlers use the mail boxes.”

The feeling of tihie meeting was that the settlers did not wish to lose the Thames service. The Pokeno seryice should suit them, but doubts were expressed that the mail from Pokeno would get through all the year round. It was also contended that the local post office may also be closed, and this should be strongly protested against. An argument was also put forward that the Pokeno service would soon be an established fact, and that while Waitakaruru would benefit, by that run, they also wished to continue with the Thames ser.vico. A resolution was passed that the chief postmaster be asked to continue the present mail service to Waitaks.ruru as it would- be more suitable to the district. A lengthy letter, signed by one of t!he “M.P.A.,” was deposited in the local post office on Monday and pointed out Waitakarur,u.’s future prospects, at the same time urging the retention of the post office. The conclusion read as follows: “We have several public-spirited men, and even Bill Massey could not split out post office without pur consent.” VETERINARY LECTURE. A lecture of exceptional interest, to dairy farmers was delivered at Waitakaruru on Thursday evening by Mr J, Costello, veterinary surgeon to the Farmers’ Veterinary Club, which operates on the western portion of the Hauraki Plains. There was an attendance of over 40i local settlers. Mr C. W. Parfitt, president of the veterinary club, occupied the chair. Mr Costello deallt with veterinary science and treatment of the stock, giving valluable advice to the farmers. The meeting was not entirely confined to club members, and quite a number who were not in the club put in an appearance. The latter were impressed, wjth the advisability of becoming members, and 15 signed up. A few" of these included Maramarua settlers. Mr Parfitt read the articles of the incorporated association. These were received without comment. It was stated that further meetings and lectures of a similar nature were to be held at PipirOa, Kaihere, and Ngatea. HINTED NEW BUTTER FACTORY. In an open letter to the residents of Waitakaruru a member of the “M-PIA.” deals with Waitakaruru’s future prospects, which, it g was said, are extremely bright. The glowing forecast, includes, the following. “There is every indication of a butter factory being erected within the next two years, probably on a site adjoining the Maukoro canal/’ NGATEA. school Committee. The monthly meeting of the Ngatea School Committee was held in Mr E. Walton's office on Monday evening, the following being present: Messrs W. McDuff (chairman), W. J. Clare, W. Clark, E. Walton, and C. W. Shultz (secretary). A circular from the Education Department stated that a dental nurse would be available to visit the local school if facilities were provided. The secretary said !he had replied accepting the nurse’s services. The secretary’s action was confirmed. A report frbm the headmaster stated that there was a total of 96 on the roll, the average for the past, fortnight being 92. Both buildings were overcrowded, 61 children in standards I. to VI being in one building and 35 in the other. An additional assistant should be attached to the staff, for there was every probability of a more congested state likely to eventuate shortly. There was every indication that the average for the cuprent quarter would be 96, which was the required average for an additional assistant. The Education Board advised that the headmaster's residence would be erected on the south east side of the school, . BENZINE STOCKS. A number of local farmers negi’et the fact that they are no longer able to obtain benzine from! the local factory, as the Dairy Company has dosed its trading department, which is now conducted by the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company. It is understood that the local branch of the Farmers’ Union has sent forward a request to the Auctioneering Company to erect a benzine store at Ngatea. PIPIROA. A farewell gathering was held in the Pipiroa School last Thursday, when the children and parents assembled to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Crocker. Miss May Keith, on behalf of the pupils, handed Mr Crocker a travelling rug. Mr Marshall, eulogised Mr Crocker’s work among the children at Pipiroa. Afternoon tea and the singing of " For He’s a Jolly Good Fdlow ” concluded the proceedings.