MANUNUI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 7, 7 December 1906, Page 3

MANUNUI.

Our village was opened for selection on the 15th of December, 1905, and since that time wonderful progress has been made in the district. Most of the sections now have cottages on them and are fenced in, and in many cases there are fine vegetable gardens, which only twelve months ago was thick ti-tree and scrub ; some of the gardens would take a lot of beating in old-established districts. I have seen several fine patches of potatoes which, if the blight, which, so far, has not made its appearance here, does not effect, must give a good return to the owners Wild strawberries are now plentiful all over the district, and can be picked on the road side. Messrs Ellis and Burnand and the Pungapunga Timber Company, have the formation of their tramway corncompleted for a distance of three miles, and the rails and ballast are finished for two and a-half miles. The first-named firm have part of their machinery in place, and will start in a few days to cut timber for their own use.

Our main want now is a public school, and this we mean to get or know the reason why. We have collected a sum just over £4O in cash, and have the promise of some timber from the sawmillers in the district. The Board of Education have the matter under consideration, and we are now waiting for a report from their inspector. If the report is favourable, we propose to hand over the cash, etc.'to the Board to assist them in building the school. What should be a good reason for building the school here, is the fact that we have over forty children here to attend as soon as we get the school. A social, in aid of the public school funds, was held here on Friday, the 30th November, and proved a great success from every point of view. The attendance (about 150 adults and a lot of children) in the early part of the evening, taxed the hall to accommodate them all with comfort. Every one seemed to enjoy themselves, and the committee will net at least £lO clear of expenses, and this, with the subscriptions already in hand, will amount to over £4O. Songs were contributed by Miss Parker, Mesdanies Cutfield. Dickson and Kilpin, Messrs C. Cassin, F. Ellis, Garmston and Mansfield, while a coon song by the "Manunui coons," fairly brought down the house.- Mr H. Richards contributed a humorous recitation, Mr Ryan, sailor's hornpipe, and Mr Slattery, a jig. The music was supplied by Miss Hughes (piano), and Mr Slattery (violin), ' Mrs Cutfield kindly playing several extras. The supper was provided by the ladies of this and surrounding districts, and from the quantity supplied, they evidently did not intend anyone to go short, while the variety of good things handed round, -spoke for themselves as to quality. For decorating the hall and for attending to the supper arrangements, we have to thank the committee, composed of the following ladies, viz :—Miss Mantle,. Mesdanies Bambery, J. and F. J. Fisher, Harland, Kilpin, Parfitt, Reynolds and Richards. Songs and dancing kept everyone amused up to three o'clock in the morning, when all left for their respective homes. A cheer for the visitors from Taumarunui and Kakahi elicited the response : "We have had a real good time, get up some more and we'll come again." Messrs D. Kilpin, and H. Richards acted as M.C's. in their usual efficient manner.