HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4620, 2 November 1923, Page 3

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

1 ROADSThe improvement of the PaeroaThames road has been, advanced another stage. During the week two men spent some time in squaring (with somewhat metriculous precision) and measuring the heaps of road metal dumped some weeks previously along the roadside at places where they would be wanted in the future. The metal, which it is said has been measured no fewer than four times, still ornaments the roadside instead of reposing in the potholes that call loudly for the needed filling which they failed to acquire at the hands of the county employees who passed on—perhaps to measure and square other heaps in other distant places J Seeing that the time required to effect comparatively small repairs becomes somewhat protracted, it is no wonder that county councils adopting those or similar methods require heavy loans to meet their expenditure. If the matter were not so serious the humour, of the situation and of the methods might be appreciated, DRAINING. The big draining job in the Kaimanawa riding has been-commenced, some thirteen men being at present engaged on the work, which, when Mr Alexander’s place is reached, will be greatly accelerated by utilising a dredge. This .drainage work, which is being carried ‘ out by the Public Works Department, is calculated to minimise the effects of floods by providing, a speedy exit for the surplus rainfall. If it does so it will prove a decided boon to the farmers in that area. > ' TENNIS. At a meeting of the committee of the Tennis Club held on Wednesday night seven new members were elected. The prospect for a successful season is very bright. ALLEY MEMORIAL PARK. Advantage has been taken of the good weather to give the finishing touches to the grounds, lawns,, and courts, anticipatory of the official opening, which is dated for Saturday, 3rd inst The tennis court has been re-tarred and sanded,, arid other improvements have been effected. Given satisfactory weather a large attendance of visitors and settlers is anticipated. To keep up the reputation gained at the former opening is a task that has received considerable consideration, and may safely be left to the committee elected to make the necessary arrangements. Mr M. 0. Smith’s orchestra has kindly consented to provide the music for the afternoon. As a wind-up a social will be -held in the evening. Members of kindred bowling, tennis, and croquet clubs can be assured of a hearty welcome. CHURCH. ■ A fair congregation assembled in St. Mary's Church last Sunday, when the vicar, the Rev. F. B. Dobson, gave an interesting account of the proceedings at the annual meeting of the Synod held in Auckland during the previous week. CHILDREN’S BALL. The school children are greatly excited over the fancy dress ball whicn is- being organised for' their - enjoyment, and which will take place on Friday, the 9th inst. The’ proceeds will go to the purchase of books heeded as the nucleus of class libraries. •Miss Mavis Elliot, of Omahu, who has quite recovered from the illness that necessitated a change, is still it. Auckland. • ? ■ PERSONAL. Mr J. F. Maxwell left for Auckland cn Tuesday laslt. Mr and Mrs Adolph, of Kaipara Faits, are at present visiting their daughter, Mrs W. H. Alley. Mrs G. Asher, of Tuakua, who is the guest of Mrs McSweeney, will return •home before the end of the week. Miss Murphy has returned to Cambridge after her short holiday spent with her parents in Hikutaia. ' SALE. .The fortnightly sale held by the Farmers’ Auctioneering Co. took place on Wednesday. There was a big yarding, which included a large number of cows from Taranaki, ang an increased attendance of buyers. Thougn - prices all round showed a slight drop, a satisfactory average was well maintained. The two-seater Ford car as offered brought au.excellent price. WEATHER. The following are the weather statistics for October as taken at noon daily by the pupils of the district school: Average temperature, 61.25 deg. F.; average barometric pressure, 30.07; total rainfall for month, 3.76 inches ; number of days on which rain fell, 15,; number of rainless days, 16.