HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4553, 20 April 1923, Page 4

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

FOOTBALL. The first match of the season —not a competition game—was played on the local grounds on Saturday before a fair gathering of spectators, the Hikutaia players being matched against the Ramblers, a team representative of Puriri, Wharepoa, and Matatoki. From the kick-off the play was both fast and exciting, and the fact that neither side scored until very near the end of the final quai - ter shows how evenly the teams matched. In the last few minutes before the whistle went both sides scored a try, the game thus ending three all. TENNIS. A tennis team from Paeroa, captained by Messrs Wells jtnd Shand, tried conclusions with a team representative of the Hikutaia club on Saturday, each team consisting of six ladies and six men. The weather was all that could be desired* while the courts were fast, and in capital order. Throughout, the games were close and keenly contested, though towards the end, as the visitors became more accustomed to the hard courts, theii play improved, and they gave their opponents an exposition of high-class tennis. Especially noticeable was Mr Wells’ service,, which w r as almost too difficult to return. With the failing light 'the game ended, the scores standing Hikutaia 79 games, Paeroa 75. With the least bit of luck the result might very easily have been reversed. On behalf of the visitors Mr Ellis congratulated the winners on their victory and expressed indebtedness for the warm hospitality extended to them. Mr J. Elliot briefly acknowledged the felicitations. BOWLING AND CROQUET. There was considerable activity on the bowling green and croquet lawn on Saturday, when a large number of players appeared to enjoy the games played. Besides rink games at bowls the competition for the silver rooster, so kindly presented by Mr M. J. Harris, of Paeroa, was advanced a stage. The larger number of spectators who were present, evinced great interest in the games, with the result that several candidates were nominated for membership. SCHOOL. It is a pleasure to chronicle the fact that the efforts of the pupils of the district school have been rewarded for the second year in succession by one of the certificates of merit in rural science presented by the Board of Education. Such recognition of good work done should stimulate both pupils and teachers to further effort in this direction. PERSONAL. On his arrival from the Thames Hospital, where he has spent a considerable time owing to a fractured pelvis, Mr V. Brown received a warm welcome from his numerous friends in Hikutaia who rejoiced with him over his somewhat protracted recovery.