TE KUITI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 3, 9 November 1906, Page 3

TE KUITI.

The usual weekly meeting of the Te Kuiti Debating Society was held in Mr Rountree's sample room on Friday night last. The subject under discussion was " Which exercises the greater influence for good, the Press or the Pulpit." Mr Mordaunt opened in supp rt of the Press, and Mr Walsh fnr the Pulpit. After 'considerable discussion and debate, in which all the members took part, the question was put to the vote, the verdict being given to the Pulpit by a -majority of one. ;

Matters are now in a fair way for the speedy completion of arrangements for the erection of the building for the Te Kuiti Debating Society. A fine section in Taupiri-street has been donated for the purpose, by Mr F. Darrow. A report with regard to the plans and specifications, was submitted by the Building Committee, to a general meeting of the Society on Friday night last, when plans and specifications for a building, to cost £175, were accepted. It is intended to devote a room in the projected building to a library, and another to an office, which can be used by members coming into the town. These, in addition to the hall for the general use of Society, should prove of great, allround benefit, and the project is being well supported. The Society has now practically £3O in hand for the purpose stated, and debentures to the extent of £l5O are being issued to provide the funds necessary for completing the work. That the settlers of the outlying districts are alive to the advantages to be derived from the institution is shown by the fact that they are readily taking up the debentures, and otherwise assisting to further the scheme.

A general meeting of Te Kuiti residents was held on Monday evening last in Mr Kerr's commercial room to receive the report of the recently elected Vigilance Committee: Mr E. H. Hardy presided, and there was a good attendance. The following is a summary of the report presented by the Secretary (Mr-F. Darrow) on behalf of the Committee Post-office: A great amount of correspondence passed, with the final result that the Department declined to acceed to our wishes for a new building. They pointed out that they were making small additions to the present postoffice, which should cope with the business for some time to come.—Station Master: We left this matter in abeyance, pending the result of largely signed petition sent here by the Hamilton people for alteration in the train service. We were of opinion, should the alteration be made, the matter of a station master must surely follow, as Te Kuiti would practically be in the same position as Te Awamutu is to-day.—Cattle Yards : We wrote to the chief Engineer of Railways pointing out the dangerous position, etc. Reply stated that the Railway Department has no intention of removing the yards, but will see they are kept clean. —Metalling Main Road : We wrote and sent a largely signed petition, praying for a substantial sum to be placed on the Estimates for the above purpose. We received replies from both Mr Jennings and the Minister that the matter would have their utr most attention ; we now find that £ISOO ha% been placed on the Estimates. —Mail Service: We wrote asking for a bi-weekly mail between Te Kuiti and out-back post-offices, and we have secured a direct mail service between Te Kuiti and Manga:ohae, via Oparure. Purchase of Native Lands: With regard to this item, Mr Hardy, Chairman of our Committee, journeyed to Ototohanga and saw Mr Grace, with the result that we find that he (Mr Grace), has authority to purchase lands in our district, and will shortly be visiting here, when the Committee will meet him. Doctor and Hospital: We wrote to Mr Jennings, M.H.R., asking for a resident doctor and a cottage hospital. We pointed out we merely wanted assistance in this direction and the residents would do their share. Mr Jennings replies that he is placing the matter before the Minister, with a view to giving us assistance in this urgent matter. —Trustees for Cemetery : We wrote asking for two trustees to be appointed without delay, pointing out the various reasons, with the result that Mr Jennings has referred the matter to the Minister, and has backed up his request with a strong letter. —Coroner: We wrote suggesting that a coroner should be appointed, and Mr Jennings replies that the matter has been duly represented in the proper quarter. —Recreation Grounds : We learned that the County Council had this matter in hand, so our Committee waited on the Chairman of the Council to find out the position. This matter, we are sorry to report, is hung up, owing to some legal formalities. We have every reason to believe that the difficulty will soon be overcome. A letter was also written to Mr Jennings, M. H.R., on the subject, and every assistance was promised.—Repairs to Town Roads: A few of the Committee waited on the District Road Engineer, pointing out the wants, and he promised to put the different matters in hand. The road is now being attended to. The matter was delayed, as the road, until recently, has not been fit for carting upon.—A resolution thanking the Committee for their labours, and confirming their election for the ensuing year, was carried unanimously.