ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 12, 11 January 1907, Page 3

ARIA.

On Monday night the residents of Aria and surrounding districts assembled in Ratima's shop to bid farewell to the old year, and welcome in the new. The function took the form of a social. Dancing, interspersed with songs and recitations, was kept up until the peep o' day. An ample supper was provided by the ladies of the district, and was apparently highly appreciated. Just as the sun was rising on the New Year, the company broke up, having spent a really enjoyable eveningT Great praise is due to those who worked hard to make the function the success it is pronounced to have been.

On New Year's Day the Kaeaeaea Cricket Club, assisted by the ladies of that district, held a picnic on the reserve at Kaeaeaea. The weather could have been better, but whatever charm it lacked, was made up by the large attendance of the gentler sex. Games were indulged in, and the races evidently proved of keen interest to the children, to say nothing of the lady competitors. Altogether a very enjoyable time was spent, and the members of the cricket club should be thoroughly satisfied with the patronage they received. Let us hope that this meeting will be the forerunner of many more such gatherings.

A movement is on foot to get up a petition for presentation to the Minister of Public Works, with reference to the necessity of building the promised bridge over the Mokau river. It is to be hoped the Minister will see his way to have this necessary work put in hand at an early date, as, when the projected dairy factory starts work, it will be absolutely essential to have the bridge. Even at present, the fact of having to punt stock across the river when going to, or from a market, is a big drawback, and there is always a danger of losing stocky if they attempt to ford across. With reference to the dairy factory, a letter has been received from the Government expert, and he is due to pay us a visit some time this month.

Pit sawing is being undertaken at Kaeaeaea, and the timber for several new houses and cow sheds should shortly be ready. The sports meeting at Aria, which includes a number of horse and athletic events, besides wood-chopping and sawing competitions, is to take place on February Bth, and already a considerable amount of interest is being taken in the furTction. The set-: tiers are all working har-d for the success of the gathering, and hope, when the day arrives-, to see a large contingent of visitors from Te Kuiti and other centres.