HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4510, 3 January 1923, Page 2

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

METAL VIA CREEK. • '(Own Correspondent.) The experiment of , transporting metal .from the quarry on the Hiku-•taia-Paeroa road, via the creek and river .to Turua, as undertaken by the Hauraki Plains County Council last Saturday, proved a huge success. The huge pontoon negotiated the creeit. at a phenomenally low neap tide, and came to rest at the temporary stage, where a large load of broken metal was awaiting transport. With some thirty yards on board, approximating forty tons, the pontoon went down the creek with the tide, and without a hitch was soon on the main river, where, with a good depth of watei below, the difficulties of those in charge were practically at an end. The experiment proved fully that the exigencies of transport had been somewhat, easily overcome, as it was found that even with the creek at its lowest, and against the tide, the large pontoon did all that was anticipated. Mr Miller, chairman, and Mr Higgins, engineer, of the County Council, were present at the loading, and sailed with the pontoon down the creek to the lowei bridge, after which no navigation difficulties presented themselves. The first load will naturally be the. most expensive one, as all the appliances used and expedients resorted to were of a temporary nature. With the erection of a hopper and a chute below, rather than above, Alley’s bridge, and the laying of a tramway from the quarry to the creek, the Council w*U be in possession of an everlasting supply of cheap and good road metal. Those who initiated the scheme anH arranged for the trial shipment are to be congratulated on «the result of a trial that has- succeeded in the faC " cf so much adverse criticism. In solving a problem that has caused .so many verbal storms the {emulators have done well for the Council as well as for those who are claimant for good, metalled roads. THE WEATHER. As taken at the district school at noon each day, the average dftily temperature for December was 70deg. F., the barometric reading being 30.18. During the month the rainfall amounted to 6.46 inches, the largest fall occurring on the 24th, when 3.85 inches were recorded. Rain fell on 15 days, the remaining 16 days in the month being rainless. On the 23rd the barometer was phenomenally low, 29.3 being reached. THE HOLIDAYS. The holidays passed very quietly, the only difference noticeable being the large influx of visitors, who took the place of the many residents who left for the city or for the coast. SPORTS. Matters in connection with ,the annual sports are well in hand, and everything points Jo a successful day on the 29th. Mr I. M. Robinson, as secretary, is the right man in the right place, his name being a guarantee that the sports will be carried out in .the most efficient ihanner.

Last Saturday evening was children’s night at Ngatea, the occasion being the postponed entertainment and Christinas tree arranged by the Mutual Improvement Society in conjunction with Mr D. Vincent. Long before .the arrival of “Father Christmas,” who presented each child with a small, mysterious parcel, the young folk crowded (round the Christmas tree admiring the toys displayed and making their purchases. Almost every child had a trumpet or a squeaker, and the noise was such that the singing of members of the society was almost inaudible. Songs were also rendered by Messrs Moore and Hibbs, of Paeroa. A tasty'supper was handed round by members of the society, and the function was brought to a close by the singing of “Ani l Lang Syne” and “God Save the King.”