DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4591, 22 August 1923, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TURUA. RESIDENCE DESTROYED BY FIRE. A five-roomed residence, owned and occupied by Mr G. Jensen, painter, Turua, was totally destroyed by fire at about 5 o’clock on Monday morning. The fire apparently started in a semi-detached kitchen, which was a much older structure than the rest of the house, and rapidly spread to the newer portion. Mrs Jensen was awakened by the smoke and barely had time to awaken other members of the family before the whole building was in flames. A willing band of helpers quickly assembled, but could do nothing except prevent other buildings from catching alight. Only a few chairs and some bed clothing were saved. Both the house and the fu-niturc were insured with the Liverpool, London, and Globe office, but Mr Jensen is a heavy loser. ROADING SCHEME. Work has recommenced on .the Turua Southern Area’s roadside tramline. Rails are now being laid from Huirau Road south along the Netherton road, and will be continued up Orchard East Road to connect with the metal at the Willow Drain bridge. PERSONAL. Mr G. Gray and Mr J. E. Green left on Monday for Wellington on Drain-' age Board business. TOWN BOARD’’ROADS. Ninety yards of metal from Tararu are due to arrive shortly for the Turua Town Board. It will be used on the Orongo-Netherton Road, Oparia Street, and near the factory. NETHERTON. SPORTS CLUB. Two asphalt tennis courts are being laid down for the Netherton Sports and Recreation Club. The work will probably be completed in about a week’s time. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS. The Netherton school committee has decided to have concrete laid around the school building. WAITAKARURU. MAIL SERVICES. Mr Farrell has undertaken to convey mails from Ngatea to Waitakaruru thrice weekly for a month from last Monday. NGATEA. CONCERT. At Ngatea last evening a concert was given in the Public Hall by the Thames Vagabonds, an amateur theatrical party, in aid of a fund to ouild a Methodist Church in Ngatea. There was a large atendance, and the humorous and varied programme was well received. Songs were contributed by Mr Leo. Foster and recitations were given by Mr J. Garland. Several playlets were also given by the party. During the evening Rev. Ashcroft, chairmhn of the South Auckland Methodist Church District, in outlining the prospects of Methodism on the Plains, said that already arrangements had been made for sections at Kerepeehi, Waitakaruru, and Ngatea, and it was proposed 'o establish headquarters at Ngatea with an ordained minister in charge.