HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4608, 1 October 1923, Page 2

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

FAREWELL. Mr J. Ingham, who for many years acted as tablet porter in charge of the Hikutaia railway station, and who recently was transferred to Motumaoho, was, with Mrs Ingham, entertained at a farewell social in the hall on Thursday night. The large attendance was ample evidence of the popularity of the guests, who were presented with a handsome and substantial easy chair and leather suit-case-In making the presentation Mr W. H. Alley voiced the general regret occasioned by the departure of Mr and Mrs Ingham. The former, by the impartial performance of his duties as stationmaster, and the courtesy that characterised his actions, as well as by the many obligations rendered, had earned the respect and esteem of all who had business to do with him. Mrs Ingham had been a prominent worker in every cause calculated to promote the general welfare of the community, and had displayed great interest in social and church affairs. Hence their loss would be keenly felt, and as a tangible memento of their residence in Hikutaia, and as a token of the esteem and respect in. which they were held, he asked them to accept the gifts purchased by means of subscriptions willingly donated by their many friends. Mr Ingham in a brief speech acknowledged the presentation on his own behalf and on that of his wife. With dancing to the music supplied by Mr M. OSmith’s orchestra (extras being played by several ladies) and a euchre competition an enjoyable evening ended. The winners of the cards game were Mrs Miles and Mr McSweeney. The recherche supper was provided by the ladies. PASTURES. As a result of the late genial weather growth has been both abundant and rapid, and the paddocks, ‘clad in the soft green verdure of spring, form a very pretty sight, and one that must be most gratifying to the farming community as the fore-runner' of big milk cheques. PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs J. Ingham after a brief visit left Hikutaia by Friday afternoon’s train. Mr I. M. Robinson left for; Te Aroha on Friday night to attend the meeting of the Athletic Union. Mr' J. Murdock, whose home was recently destroyed by fire, intends building a new residence immediately. The new house will, it is stated,' be located near the road. Mr H. Brash left for Hamilton on Friday morning. BUILDING. . Mr G. Spencer has commenced business in Hikutaia as a builder, thus supplying a long-felt want. The time is opportune, as several farmers in the Kaimanawa riding contemplate the removal at an early date of their houses from the river bank to sites adjacent to the main road. Specimens of Mr Spencer’s work can be seen at Mr Hannam’s butchery and at the Alley Park, where he, with Messrs Lemon and Maxwell, were responsible for the erection of the pavilion. MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. For the purpose of advocating the necessity for a loan in order that the Thames County Council may acquire a suitable quarry at Matatoke, the chairman of that body, Mr H. Lowe, addressed a meeting of' ratepayers in the hall on Thursday night. Cr. Alf. Alley presided. The need of a quarry in order to facilitate the contemplated reading scheme, the value, suitability, and accessibility of the one proposed, were fully detailed, while the promise to start work at this end in the immediate future formed very pleasant hearing. Unfortunately, the meeting was very poorly attended. Had it been more widely advertised Mr Lowe, who was accompanied by three councillors, the clerk, and the engineer, would have been greeted by a very much larger audience DAIRY CONTROL BILL. As will be noticed in our advertising columns, the supporters of the Dairy Control Bill will submit their views to the suppliers at a meeting to be held in the hall on Wednesday night. Most of the Hikutaia suppliers have already received their ballot papers, and many, taking time by the forelock, have already filled them in and forwarded them to the returning officer.

ACCIDENT. Ry upsetting a bottle of sulphuric acid Mr L. Alexander severely burned his forearm. Unfortunately Septic poisoning set in, but though this is yielding to medical treatment it will be some time before he is himself again. CHURCH. The Rev. F. B. Dobson held the usual fortnightly service in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday. The sermon dealt with the healing power of Christ. PROMOTION. Mr Johnson has been promoted to the position of ganger over the railway employees engaged to re-laying with heavier metal the Paeroa-Waihi linn. That portion finished, it is stated that the PaeroailThames line will next be taken in hand. SOCIAL. To augment their funds the members of the football club (Suburbs) held a very, enjoyable social in the hall on Saturday night. The floor was well, but not uncomfortably, filled, and dancing was continued until midnight, excellent music being provided by Mr M. C. Smith’s orchestra. The prizes in the enjoyable and keenly contested euchre competition were won by Mesdames I. M. Murdock and Shine. WEATHER. The following aro the weather statistics as taken by the pupils of the district school at noon every day: Rain fell on 18 out of the 30 days in the month, the total fall being 5.17 in, the average temperature in the shade 59.7 degrees F., .and the barometric pressure 30.15,