TAUMARUNUI.

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

TAUMARUNUI.

A public picnic was held in the recreation ground'on New Year's Day and in spite of rather unpropitious weather, proved a most successful gathering". Taumarunui has been favoured with a visit from the Hon. G. Fowlds, who arrived here, en route for Wellington, on January 2nd, accompanied by Dr Hay, of the Health Department. Advantage was taken of the Minister's visit to place before him sundry matters in connection with the progress of the district. Deputations waited upon Mr Fowlds at Meredith House, in connection with the hospital, the purchase of the township from the Natives, the conversion of the school from Native to European, timber rafting on the Wanganui river, and sundry other local matters. With reference to the hospital, the site was inspected by Dr Hay who will report to the department thereon. In speaking of the purchase of the township the Minister pointed out that values had gone up and the question had become a large one. He promised to represent the matter to his colleagues, but could make no definite statement. With regard to the school it was pointed out that many children were now sent to Piriaka instead of attending" at Taumarunui, the former being a Board school. Mr Fowlds, in reply, stated that in -?all cases, as soon as there was a preponderance of European children at a Native school it was converted into a Board school, and that course would be followed in this instance. Various other matters were discussed, and the deputations withdrew, after thanking the Minister for his attention.

A sitting of the S.M. Court will be held at Taumarunui, on February 12th, and there is every probability of a heavy list. Several cases for alleged breaches of the liquor laws, are to be heard.