HIKUTAIA NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4468, 18 September 1922, Page 2

HIKUTAIA NOTES.

OBITUARY. Old residents will regret to read of the death at the early age of 30’ of Mr Henry E. Durbin, a former. Hikutaiaite, and a brother in-law of Mr RR. Lowry and Mrs Trembath. The death occurred in the Thames Hospital on Friday last, the cause being pneumonia. The deceased', whose home latterly was at Tirohia, leaves a widow .and four young children to mourn their loss. Within the past few months Mr Lowry has lost by death a sister, a father, and a brother-in-law. He has the deteply sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends. DANCING CLASS. The initiation of a dancing class has been more than justified by its success. Held in the Public Hall on Saturday nights, the classes have been well attended, the advanced devotees of Terpsichore acting as instructors to those who desire to know how "to trip the light fantastic.” Mrs Alf. Alley is the organiser, and the funds are “ear-marked” to provide the hall with electric light and other conveniences. POST OFFICE HALF HOLIDAY. On Saturday, 9th inst., the local post office remained open all day as a result, it is presumed, of a' paragraph that appeared in these columns. On ,the 16th the closure was again applied. Thus, all who went for their letters, and many rode or walked several miles, ' were "turned empty away.” It is true that a somewhat inconspicuous notice was posted up, bu,t very few, as it appeared, had seen it. The disappointment evoked a deal of criticism that was not at all complimentary to the Department. No one grudges the officials their half-holiday, nor does anyone grumble when he finds the office closed on ordinary days during the dinner hour; but when it comes to a close halfholiday on Saturday, especially as there seems no valid reason for the officials having a day off on the same afternoon, people begin to wonder whether the post office exists for the benefit of the public or not or whether an attempt is being made to force those who cannot afford it to become box-holders. But, perhaps, box-holders suffer similarly ? It does not appear at all equitable or right that the Hikutaia people should be isolated from the rest pf the Dominion from 1 pm. on Saturday until 9 a.m, on the following Monday. Unless a remedy is speedily found redress will be sought from the PostmasterGeneral (the Hon. J. G, Coates) per the representatives of the Thamtes and Ohinemuri electorates. Verb sap. DISTRICT NURSING. The activities of the Health Department, especially in providing a nurse to advise and attend to the natives, are greatly appreciated throughout this district, where the ministrations of Nurse Jarrett are eagerly sought after, and her advice, as a rule, carefully followed. Devoted to, and interested in her work, she does not spare herself, apd her presence during sickness has been productive of excellent results, while her visitations and advice are preventative in effect, and inculcate the spread and greater popularity of hygiene, which, after all, is just a high-sounding name for that cleanliness of person and surroundings which, we are told, "is next to Godliness.” ALLEY MEMORIAL PARK. This week, give'n suitable wteather, should see the tarring and sanding of the tennis courts completed, and the final touches, inclusive of grass sowing, given to the bowling green. The work done reflects the utmost credit on Messrs H. L. and W. K. Morrison and P. Reid, who are ’’esponsible for the operations at the Alley Memorial Park, ADDITIONS TO MAURIAENA FARM. An addition of three fine adult ostriches has been made to Mr. B. J. ties. Mr Walters’ collection of birds birds, which arrived from the Helvetia Farm on Friday, reached their destination safely, though, their transport from the station to their new home was not unattended by difficulties. Mr Walters’ cqlletcion of birds and animals is a large and fine one. Visitors, all of whom receive a warm welcome, are numerous, and express themselves as delighted with what they see. A donkey and a deer may also be included among the late arrivals. ELECTRIC INSTALLATIONS. The Power Board’s inspector will have a busy time on Monday inspecting the recent installations, the latest illuminant having been put into the Public Hall, Mr E. J. Walters’ residence, the school, the teacher’s house, and a cottage belonging to Mr; W. H. Alley. For all these, except the firstmentioned, Mr Battson, of Thames and Paeroa, had the contract.