DISTRICT PARS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 72, 6 March 1908, Page 2

DISTRICT PARS.

It is gratifying to note that the King Country is represented at the rifle championship meeting at Trentham, Mr G. Loveday and his son, of the Ohura Rifle Club, having decided to try their skill. Mr Loveday senior is one of the best rifle shots in the Dominion, and judging from his past record it would be no;surprise if he credited the King Country with the championship belt. Mr Loveday junior, is an unknown quantity so far as Trentham is concerned, but with his father's coaching and experience to assist him, should render a good account of himself. Railway improvements are being steadily advanced at Te Kuiti, and it would be hard to convince an outsider that only few months had elapsed since a stationmaster had been appointed to the town. Traffic of all descriptions is extremely heavy, the timber imports beingi a veiy large item. Work on the new station building has been suspended for a time, but is to be resumed forthwith. It is intended to establish the tablet system on the line at an early date, and the necessary arrangements are now being carried out with the utmost despatch. The institutionof the system will probably mean the appointment of a station master to Otorohanga.

Mr Jacob Marx, farmer, of Mangatoki, is announced as a candidate for the Egmont seat. It is understood he stands in the Opposition interest. Five candidates are now out, with a possibility of more to come. Work on the Railway Department's quarry at Waiteli is being pushed ahead, and ganger Mclntecr has arrived to take charge of the operations. The machinery is of the most np-to-date description, and when in proper going order will be capable of turning out ballast for the track between Te Kuiti and Taihape. New Zealand's pr< we =s in the athletic world was further exemplified this week, when the team of amateur athletes competing at the Australasian Championship meeting, at Hobart, secured the champion shield. McKay, who won the pole jump with lift. lin. eclipsed the record previously held by Hori Eruera, and Murray, who accounted for the quarter-mile hurdles, equalledG. W. Smith's record of 58 2-5 for the distance. The many friends of the Rev. S. Spencer will regret to learn that the illness from which Mr Spencer has been suffering took a serious turn last week. Mr Spencer was ordered to Rotorua, and upon arriving at the Sanatorium the doctors deemed it necessary for Mr Spencer to undergo an operation immediately. The operation was successfully performed, but the patient being in a low condition serious results were feared, and on Saturday Mr Spencer's condition was extremely critical. Latest advices confirm the serious condition ot the patient, but hopes are entertained of his recovery.

The present high price of timber has made house building a very expensive undertaking, and settlers a few miles out have found the high price, combined with the expense of carting, a heavy handicap. At Aria, the freight has been prohibitive and settlers will be glad to learn that MiThomas intends erecting a smalt cutting plant in the district. The engine was on the road from Te iviiiti on Tuesday, and everything necessary should be on the ground for starting the new industry very shortly. A meteorological station, has bee.-) established at Te Kuiti by Mr Power, headmaster of the school, and henceforth a weekly report of the observations will be published in the Chronicle.

The annual visit of inspection was paid to Te Kuiti School last week, and a highly favourable report of the method and teaching has been furnished. With regard to school accommodation the report stales that the school is crowded and further accommodation is necessary.

The rapidly increasing attendance at Tc Kuiti school has rendered the early enlargement of the building neceesary. and suitable additions arc to be made fonhwilh. Mr Farrell, architect to the Board of Education, has inspected the school, which is already somewhat overtaxed, and another wing, capable of accommodating sixty pupils will be added to the building. Inspector Stewart, who has also visited the school, recommends that a separate building for the infant classes should be erected, and tins will probably be done after the projected addition to the present building is completed. Prom the fact that only a year has elapsed since the school was enlarged and the average attendance has increased from about 80 to over 120 in the interval, some idea of the increase in population may be obtained. The number o( pupils on the school roll is now 135. with an average attendance of i? 3; Should the average be maintained until the end of March anoiher teacher will be appointed, and this should be a general benefit to teachers and scholars alike.

It is understood that matters relating to the exchange of land between the Government and the Native owner for the Tc Kuiti Post-office site have been completed. Judge Browne (representing the Maori Land Board), Mr Loueh (on behalf ei" the Public Works Department) and Pepene Eketone (representing the Maori owner) had a satisfactory conference, when it was decided that portion of the Government Reserve, to the value'of £250, should be exchanged'for the site fronting Rora street. It is expected the necessary steps to confirm the exchange, will be taken immediately. A business meeting and social will be held by the members of the Te Kuiti Congregational Church on Thursday next March I2th, when the question as to whether the Church will be established on a settled basis at once, or continue for a time as a mission, will be discussed.