HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4662, 15 February 1924, Page 3

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

bowling and croquet. The bowling and croquet lawn were well occupied last Saturday, when several enjoyable games were played. Five rinks of bowlers and a number of croquet players from Thames will try conclusions: with the local club’s representatives cn Saturday. 16*h inst. WEATHER. - The weather has been both humid and oppressive of late, and the muchwanted rain appears as far off as ever. Though a fair sprinkling fell on Wednesday it was not sufficient to do more than slightly damp the smface. Consequently, the pastures arc beginning to look dry and parched, wh'le several farmers are obliged to ca’t water from the creek and river for the use of their stock. With the cutting of Mrs H. Grace’s crop the :hay harvest is practically over. DANCE. What proved to be a most enjoyable dance took place on Saturday night under the auspices of the Tennis Club, the joint acting secretaries, Messrs N. Pryce and Les. Samspn, working hard to attain the success achieved. The. floor was in capital order, the supper was choice and dainty, and the music was the theme of much, and mast highly appreciative comment. VISIT OF MINISTER. The Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister d Justice and Education, who was accompanied by Mrs Parr, two secretaries. Mr H. Poland, M.P., Mr Burns, member of, and Mr Dunlop, advisoiy inspector to, the Auckland Education Board, called at the Hikutaia School on his way to Thames on /Tuesday evening. The Minister expressed his pleasure at seeing the new school, for which he had sanctioned the grant, and which, he said, was a vast improvement on its predecessor. Mr A. R. Robinson, chairman of the school committee, stated that he had asked for the present interview' to let the Minister see personally the gronud which his committee intended to ask the Board of Education to secure: Mr Walters, the owner of the ground, was having it cut up and surveyed for building sites- These were feure to be. rapidly taken . up, and if the opportunity, of securing an acre of the land were not taken advantage of now, he was afraid that further future extension would be impossible, as the school property would then be blocked on both sides. He understood that the Minister!® idea Was to give four acres for every country school, and - in this assumption he had the liberty—it was his duty—to seek this interview. Mr Pan 1 remarked that Hikutaia had nothing to complain of. The grounds had been extended and a fine new school built, while many places further south had poor buildings and ,‘;i negligible playing area. He sympathised with Mr Robinson in his laudable effort to do all he could for ii is district, and would give the matter favourable consideration when it ' "'is recommended by the Auckland Board. The price of the land was an important consideration, and the settlers should themselve's help in part to shoulder the burden. Mr Robinson duly thanked the Minister for his ocurteous and kindly reception, and stated that he,was sure that Mr Parr would do liis best for Hikutaia, but not at the enpense cf other less favoured localities. Hearty good-byes having been exchanged the Ministerial party proceeded to Thames.

PERSONAL.

Mr F. Hanlen returned home front Thames Hospital ta the end of last -week. Though obliged to move about on crutches he is making progress towards complete convalescence. ■ ■ - The Rev. F. B. Dobson officiated on Sunday in St. Mary’s (Anglican) Church to a moderate congregation. Miss Gibb officiated as organist. - Mrs I. M. Murdock is still on holi- ’ day in the southern part of the island. Mr W. K. Morrison, who started on a motor and bowling tour ten days 'ago, is expected back at the end of the present week. - Mr H. Morrison returned from a ■•flying trip to Napier, on Wednesday nmrning. His mother, who, despite, her age, is still keen, hale and hearty, and a fine specimen of the pioneers of this district, returned with her son, and will spend some time with him. - ' ■ • • SCHOOL. With a shortage of teachers, two dp>ng, or endeavouring their best to do. the work of four, in this humid, mugy weather, things at the district school are “only middling.” Relief, in the best interests of all, is urgently needed. Mr A. R. “ Robinson, the chairman of the school committee, it is stated, has communicated with the Board of Education to this effect. i- ; '