OTOROHANGA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 5, 23 November 1906, Page 3

OTOROHANGA.

On November 15th and 16th the school was examined by Mr Crowe, School i Inspector. The report has not yet come to hand, but it is understood to be very satisfactory. The need of accommodation was reported upon, and further additions have been recommended.

On Sunday last one of our storekeepers (Mr Isaac), with his two little children and a little boy of Mr Soloman's, had a miraculous escape from drowning. When crossing the ford at the back of the mill, the buggy got into a hole at the side of a snag, and overturned, capsizing the occupants into the river. They were immediately carried into deep water, where Mr Isaac managed to get his two little girls safely to land. In the meantime the little boy had gone down stream for some two hundred yards where he was rescued by Mrs Potu, a Native. How the child was not drowned seems a miracle. The horse broke away from the vehicle and galloped up the township, giving everyone notice of a mishap. Some fortnight ago I had occasion to refer to this ford as dangerous. It is worse this year than ever, there being seemingly little other than snags, and the consequent holes. As this is the only crossing for wheeled traffic on the main road, it is just as well to give a word of warning. It has been proposed to widen Messrs Ellis and Burnand's tramway bridge, and the sooner something of the kind is done, the safer for people's lives. Tennis is going very strongly this year, the new court proving a great attraction. Players can be seen in the early morning trying to get down their avordupois, and the mill whistle is not needed now to wake up the township. Visits are expected from the Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti and Mangapeehi clubs, and any propositions will be gladly entertained by the secretary, Mr Lowe. Last week a boy, named Thomas Cowley, met with an accident when playing at school, by which his collar bone was broken. He was taken to the Hamilton hospital to be attended to, as no doctor could be had in the district.

The annual school concert is now being got under way and points to being up to its usual high standard. This year a cantata is being tried. I believe that-there is a probability of the Native Land Court extending its sitting to the end of the year, through representations made by the Natives. This has been the most important sitting held for years, judging by the large numbers of Natives attending. Our potato crops are looking splendid and in flower, and anxious eyes are watching for the blight aud trusting to see none. It will be a good thing for the natives if the crop is a success. Mr Bishop, of Te Awamutu, has arrived here to open a chemist's business, and with the ever-increasing population, should make a success of it.