HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4650, 18 January 1924, Page 3

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

SPORTS. A meeting of members of the Hikut.’iia Sports Club was held on Saturday night, Mr Aif. Ailey presiding over a good attendance. A considerable amount of routine work connected with the preparation of the ground and the arrangements in general for sports day was done. The secretary iniimated that for the running events there were record entries, no fewer than 50 visiting athletes having nominated. The entries for the chaps, though not a record, were highly satisfactory. In order to provide the much-needed shelter it was decided to erect a. permanent stand, 60 feet by 10 feet, on the ground. Arrangements had been completed for a special train to run to Thames after the .sports and for the engagement of the Thames Band. It was decided to call by advertisement in the local papers, tenders for the refreshment booth and stalls. •

Given favourable weather the chairman anticipated a record attcrdance, the record entrants being attracted by the enhanced value of the prizes.

ALLEY MEMORIAL PARK.

An extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Hikutaia Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club was hold in the school on- Monday night, Mr W. H. Alley presiding over a fair attendance.

The chief business was a discussion on a proposal to build on the grounds a hall large enough to provide accommodation needed for the vn-ious social functions organised by tie members of the three clubs. A report to the effect that a hall whihe was to be sold by auction would be unsuitable was received, while a tender for the erection of a new building was considered. After ebnsiderab’o discussion a motion by Mr T. Hitchcock, to the effect that consideration be deferred for twelve months, was carried. It was unanimously resolved that immediate steps be taken to light up the bowling green and pavilions with electric light, committees being sec up to ascertain the cost and to provide the finances required for sucn purpose. The meeting decided that the pieliminery fencing needed under the Memorial Gates scheme be put in hand at once, and that all moneys outstanding in connection with this fund be collected without delay. A long programme of necessary improvements to the park and its approaches was submitted by the grounds’ superintendent.' who was authorised to proceed as far as the funds of the' club were available, it being considered that the completion of such programme would add materially to the scenic charm of the park.

the weather. The comparatively cool weather tint succeeded Sunday’s thundeistorm was very welcome. After the rain the themometer began tp fall, and since the temperature has ranged from 68 to 74, thus making the weather very much W trying and enervating. At the cheese factory whore the water required is pumped from the creek to the tanks the abnormal heat of the water, 81 degrees F was a source of considerable- loss of time, as at that temperature it useless for cooling purposes, so that the employees had to stand by an! wait till near sundown to continue their labours. HAY-MAKTNG. Though most of the hay is cut and in the stack or under cover, a few crops arc still outstanding, while some, partly cut, are fully exposed to the present showery conditions. MINING. Work at the two mines at Maratoto though commenced at the end of last week, began in earnest on Monday morning after the annual cessation of ten days. SAW MILLING. The timber mills in the district are at work again, while the shifting of I lie mill at Maratoto to a new and more convenient’ site in the same neighbouhood, is being proceeded with. PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs Swindale, who have been spenidng the Christmas and New Year holidays with Mrs Aif. Alley, left by car for their home in Panakura last Saturday. Theii hoctess accompanied them. Messrs Keeling (Auckland) and Lowrie (Turua), with their families and several guests from Wellington, are camped on the banks of the Hikutaia Creek on Mr Trembath’e property. Mr and Mrs Hugh Morrison with their family and several guests left for the Thames coast on Monday afternoon.