OTOROHANGA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 1, 26 October 1906, Page 3

OTOROHANGA.

Wednesday, October* 17th, a farewell social was tendered to Mr B. Hawkins, who is removing from - -Messrs Green "and Colebrook's store -here to thejiiead x>ffice at. Hamilton. During the'evening a presentation of a handsomely executed and framed address was made, on behalf of the residents, by Mr John Ormsby. Tn a speech most eulogistic of Mr Hawkins, he referred to the loss sustained by the _township; khd laid special stress upon that gentleman's musical abilities which were always available when anything beneficial was to be assisted, * and his loss to the Church of England in the parish, was greatly to be regretted. Mr Hawkins replied in a very neat and apt speech, regretting leaving a district where he had made so many friends, and thanking all • 'present for their kind expression -of • regards and friendship. During the -§ evening a haka : was given, Messrs John Ormsby, John Hetet arid Pepene taking leading parts, and the exhibition created ' rounds of. applause. -- Several quartettes by Messrs C. J. Johnson, G. Cardno, firodie, and B. Hawkins, arid solos by Miss Jennings and Messrs Creighton and Foster were rendered, and a most successful evening terminated far into the small hours. Anglers are preparing for the start of the trout season. A good many trout can be seen jumping in the evening, so some fair sport may be expected. There great need.of more accommodation in the township; Every available house is occupied,.and more are continually needed. The sections on the five years' lease system are mostly ': taken up, and as these are being cleared of gorse, the appearance of the township is much improyed. A clearing of old and delapidated buildings on the Railway Department's property, is being made, and the business part has become more centralised. The new bridge across the Waipa is now completed. :.The work has been carried out chiefly by Mr Edgar and party, under the supervision of Mr Forsyth, Government Bridge Inspector. The structure.is of four spans, one of eighty feet, two of twenty-four feet and one of twelve feet, the large span being supported by trusses. The timbers used aire, > ironbark for the piles and strengthening of various parts, and totara for. the remainder. The central piles are sheeted with totara planking, to prevent accumulation of drift-wood, and it may be mentioned that the length of the piles is twenty-seven feet. This bridge is of the utmost importance to the settlers of the back country of Hauturu and Waitomo, several new roads converging there, and a great quantity of traffic must always be .passing over if. . The cost of the bridge was about £llsO, a sum voted ' last Christmas. It is intended to ' have an official opening by Mr Green- ' slade, M.H.R., during next.month. The attendance at the State school ' is continually on the increase.. There

are now 145 on the roll, and with accommodation for 110, it will be seen that the headmaster (Mr Lowe), and staff, have great difficulty in providing sitting room. Three years' ago a room was added for sixty children, and- again the matter is becoming urgent.

" The tennis club has its new < court well in hand, and when completed, with nine foot netting all round, and the arbour adjoining >provided with seats, it will be an ideal place for recreation. A number of new members have joined the - club,,' and any propositions from neighbouring clubs will be gladly entertained.