KIO KIO.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 547, 5 March 1913, Page 5

KIO KIO.

Own Correspondent,

Kio Kio settlers have watched with unmixed approval the erection of a ganger's cottage at the railway station. It has often occurred in the past that goods have been in the trucks on th 9 sidings some days before the owners received any notice. This, of course, has caused continual trouble with the authorities, Everyone is therefore benefited by the presence of a railway employee to unload goods or to acquaint the owners with this arrival without the customary delay. The need for a goods shed, however, will become even more urgent. Manures should not be unloaded by the ganger and left exposed to the weather, yet, unless a shed is erected, this Will be done.

The recent heavy rains have served to revive the pastures and turnip crops. Autumn sowing is now well started. It is estimated that upwards of a thousand acres in this district will be put down in graas ready for next spring. The exceptionally large area to be sown this year is due in part to the excellent burns which have prevailed. The settlers of the Hurimoana district allowed their grass planting operations to be laid aside last Friday afternoon. The children and parents assembled at the school to bid farewell to the teacher, Mr F. Wilks, who is leaving the district to take up a position in one of the Auckland schools. The fore part of the afternoon was devoted to various sports and games. The handicapping in the hands of Mr Wilks resulted in several very exciting finishes, no fewer than four tying for first place in the married ladies' lace. By the time the races were over the "billy" had boiled, and all repaired to a roomy marquee where light refreshments were served by the committee. This was followed by the chief event of the programme. Mr J. Cruickshank in a graceful little speech thanked Mr Wilks on behalf of both parents and pupils for his unfailing kindess to the scholars and for his courtesy towards their parents He had great pleasure in presenting Mr Wilks with a marble clock, trusting that it would serve to remind him of his old school at Hurimoana and of the friends he had left there. Mr Wilks suitably responded. A lolly scramble having been settled in a thorough manner by the small fry, the company dispersed with the usual Auld Lang Syne.

It is expected that Miss M. Lockhead will assume charge of the school.